President Anura Kumara Disanayake held an extensive discussion with officials from the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday (07) at the Presidential Secretariat. The meeting focused on issues related to vehicle imports, withholding tax, and the digitalization of VAT collection.

A significant portion of the discussion addressed the challenges surrounding vehicle imports to Sri Lanka. The President emphasized the need for a well-balanced approach to address these concerns, taking into account the country’s financial constraints and economic priorities.

The President also highlighted the importance of establishing a mechanism to refund withholding taxes deducted from retirees who are not subject to income tax. Additionally, President Disanayake highlighted the urgent need to digitize Value-Added Tax (VAT) collection processes to enhance efficiency and transparency. He announced plans to implement a comprehensive digital system soon, which is expected to improve tax compliance and revenue generation.

During the meeting, the President expressed optimism about Sri Lanka’s economic progress, stating that the country is steadily moving towards recovery and stability. He reiterated the government’s commitment to maximizing the benefits provided to citizens, even amidst the current challenges.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mahinda Siriwardana, the Governor of the Central Bank Nandalal Weerasinghe, Senior Advisor to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa and senior officials from the Ministry of Finance.

[PMD]

President Anura Kumara Disanayake appointed a High Commissioner and four Ambassadors to serve in Sri Lanka’s diplomatic service.

The official appointments were handed over by the President during a formal ceremony held on Tuesday (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The newly designated diplomats also engaged in a brief discussion with the President following the appointments.

The newly appointed representatives include:

* Ms. R. S. Khan Azard, Ambassador-designate to Qatar
* Mr. W. G. S. Prasanna, High Commissioner-designate for New Zealand
* Ms. S. K. Gunasekera, Ambassador-designate for Russia
* Mr. L. P. Ratnayaka, Ambassador-designate for Kuwait
* Mr. A. S. K. Seneviratne, Ambassador-designate for Egypt

President Disanayake expressed his confidence in the newly appointed diplomats, emphasizing the importance of their roles in strengthening Sri Lanka’s bilateral ties and fostering mutual cooperation with the respective nations.

Addressing the appointees during the official ceremony, the President stressed the importance of representing Sri Lanka positively in all their diplomatic engagements and requested them to  prioritize improving the country’s international image and promoting its interests globally.

He also emphasized the need to provide equitable welfare services for Sri Lankans working abroad, ensuring that they receive support without any discrimination. The President highlighted the significance of focusing on the welfare of Sri Lankan workers in regions like the Middle East, South Korea, and Japan, where a substantial number of expatriates are employed.

Underscoring Sri Lanka’s aspirations for economic growth, President Disanayake urged the diplomats to work toward increasing direct foreign investments and expanding international market opportunities for local entrepreneurs. He stated that achieving these goals is a crucial responsibility entrusted to the Ambassadors and High Commissioners. The President assured the diplomats the government’s full support in these endeavors and announced plans for a follow-up discussion on the progress of these initiatives.

The newly appointed diplomats were selected from career diplomat with over 20 years of experience in the Sri Lanka Foreign Service, recognized for their expertise, potential, and ability to contribute to Sri Lanka’s global engagement and economic advancement.

The new appointees will assume their duties shortly, representing Sri Lanka’s interests and contributing to the nation’s diplomatic endeavours.

Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage were also present at the ceremony.

The names of three new Members of Parliament to serve on the Committee on Parliamentary Business and four new Members of Parliament to serve on the Committee on Public Finance were announced to Parliament on Tuesday (Jan. 07) by the  Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.

Accordingly, the Speaker announced that notwithstanding the provisions of the Standing Order 115 of the Parliament, as per the motion agreed to by Parliament subject to the amendments, on the 06th December 2024, Members of Parliament  (Prof.) Anil Jayantha,  Gamagedara Dissanayake and. Gayan Janaka, have also been nominated by the Committee of Selection, to serve on the Committee on Parliamentary Business.

The Speaker also announced that in terms of the provisions of the Standing Order 121 of Parliament and the motion agreed to by Parliament on the 06th December 2024 Members of Parliament  Chathuranga Abeysinghe, . Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam,  Dr. (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne and  Arkam Ilyas have been nominated to serve on the Committee on Public Finance.

Dr. Wickramarathne further stated that the Committee on Parliamentary Business held on 31 December 2024 approved the request to re-establish the Caucus on Climate Parliament of Sri Lanka for the Tenth Parliament and the Parliamentary Caucus for Open Parliament Initiative for the Tenth Parliament.