News
UNP Deputy Leader lists litany of problems created by restriction on IT equipment imports
By Saman Indrajith
The government’s decision to place mobile phones and communication equipment on the list of non-essential goods to import would result in sharp increases in their prices, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene told an event organised to mark the UNP’s 75th anniversary..
Addressing a meeting of party activists by zoom, the UNP Deputy Leader said the import restrictions would place parents wanting to support children’s online education in further difficulty.
“Parents found it hard to buy laptops, mobile phones and tablet computers for their children even before this draconian ruling, so one can imagine what it will be like with its introduction. When we attempted to give tablet computers free of charge to all schoolchildren, those who are now in the government then in the Opposition opposed it. They did everything under the sun to sabotage that project. Today, we stand vindicated; if we had been able to carry out that project children would have been in a better position to continue their education,” Wijewardene said.
He said that the children of rich families would be able to continue their education while the majority who are from poor backgrounds would not be able to afford the new prices of communication equipment. “This will worsen the disparities in education and pave the way for distancing of children from education. It will also be detrimental to equal rights in education,” he said.
The new regulations would also be detrimental to the majority of those engaged in import businesses, he said. “We have large scale as well as small scale import businessmen. These new regulations will put an end to the businesses of most small scale importers. As per the new regulations there is a 100-percent cash margin deposit requirement against the import of goods that have been classified as non-essential. The large scale importers would not find it hard, instead they will see it as a business opportunity because for them that cash-margin deposit is an investment that could help them to acquire monopoly in the market as all small scale importers would be wiped out unable to meet the 100 percent cash margin requirement,” Wijewardene said.
He said that the new regulations would result in price increases of all essential goods too in the long run. “The government has no solutions to the problems created by the prevailing situation. It has opted for a Band-Aid solution by replacing the Central Bank Governor. That would not solve the problem, its solution has the potential to worsen the situation,” the UNP Deputy Leader added.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo
Belgian prince loses bid for benefits on top of £300k royal allowance
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
-
Business23 hours agoColombo Coffee wins coveted management awards
-
Features2 days agoStarlink in the Global South
-
Business3 days agoDaraz Sri Lanka ushers in the New Year with 4.4 Avurudu Wasi Pro Max – Sri Lanka’s biggest online Avurudu sale
-
Business4 days agoStrengthening SDG integration into provincial planning and development process
-
Business3 days agoNew SL Sovereign Bonds win foreign investor confidence
-
Sports5 days agoTo play or not to play is Richmond’s decision
-
Features2 days agoModi’s Sri Lanka Sojourn
-
Sports4 days agoNew Zealand under 85kg rugby team set for historic tour of Sri Lanka