News
Wajira says new tax formula meant to consolidate economy
UNP lawmaker Wajira Abeywardena yesterday (03) claimed that the proposed new tax structure would be beneficial to the ordinary people.
The National List MP warned that holding of Local Government polls as scheduled before March 20 would be detrimental to the ongoing efforts to stabilise the economy. The former minister said so addressing the media at ‘Sirikotha’ where he lambasted the Opposition for demanding Local Government polls.
MP Abeywardena said that further printing of currency notes to conduct proposed election would undermine ongoing efforts to stabilize troubled economy. The former Galle District MP succeeded Ranil Wickremesinghe after the latter was elected by a majority vote in parliament to complete the remainder of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s five-year term as the President.
Lawmaker Abeywardena alleged that though President Ranil Wickremesinghe promised to adopt system change proposed by youth, the Opposition was continuing with the old strategies meant to destabilize. Underscoring the pivotal importance of implementing the new tax formula at least for some period, that would be crucial to reviving the national economy.
The MP expressed confidence that the runaway inflation could be controlled by implementing the new tax formula. Led by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) , professionals are up in arms against the new tax structure which they alleged would influence many families to leave the country.
The UNPer questioned the need for Local Government polls at this juncture as it wouldn’t cause change of government and may result in further burden on hapless public.
The former minister said that those who had been trying to undermine the government conveniently forgot how President Wickremesinghe took tangible measures to restore supply of essential items within weeks after he assumed the presidency. President Wickremesinghe brought an end to untimely deaths at various fuel and gas queues across the country.
In spite of continuing economic problems, President Wickremesinghe’s government was working overtime to improve the situation and stabilize the country in 2023, the MP said, while explaining specific measures taken by the government after the UNP leader assumed presidency in July 2022 (SF)
The government, under heavy Opposition fire over inclusion of a sex website in the Grade 6 English module, as well as overall education reforms, has decided to put on hold reforms in respect of Grade 6.
Cabinet Spokesman and Media and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced the government decision yesterday (13) at the post-Cabinet media briefing at the Information Department.
According to him, the decision had been taken at the previous day’s Cabinet meeting, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Dr. Jayatissa said that education reforms pertaining to Garde 6 had been put on hold until 2027.
The Minister said that other proposed education reforms would be implemented as planned. The Minister said that action would be taken against those responsible for the inclusion of a link to a sex website following investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department and the National Education Institute.
The SJB and several other political parties, as well as civil society groups, have accused the government of promoting an LGBTQ agenda, through the proposed education reforms.
The Opposition grouping Mahajana Handa, on Monday, made representations to the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatta Chapter regarding the controversial reforms, while urging their intervention to halt the project.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (13) vowed to go ahead with his government’s agenda, regardless of the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Emphasising the responsibility on the part of all to contribute to the post-Ditwah recovery efforts, President Dissanayake said that he would have complete faith in the public service.
The President said so at the launch of the re-building Sri Lanka project at the BMICH yesterday.
The JVP and NPP leader said that he wouldn’t take advantage of the death and destruction caused by the cyclone or use the situation as an excuse to reverse their agenda or weaken it.
President Dissanayake said that in spite of many calling for amending the then Budget, in view of the cyclone, the government presented the proposals that were agreed before the disaster struck.
The United States has announced that it will provide the Sri Lanka Air Force with 10 US Navy TH-57 helicopters free of charge.
The announcement was made by outgoing US Ambassador Julie Chung, who stated, on social media, that the helicopters would be transferred under the United States’ Excess Defence Articles programme. The aircraft are Bell 206 Sea Ranger helicopters previously operated by the US Navy.
US sources said that the transfer was intended to strengthen Sri Lanka’s disaster response capabilities, following the devastating cyclone that struck the island at the end of 2025 and killed more than 600 people. US officials have framed the move as a humanitarian measure aimed at improving aerial rescue and relief operations.
Showery condition over the island is expected to reduce from tomorrow (15th)
USA’s Ali Khan claims having been ‘denied’ India visa ahead of T20 World Cup
At least 28 dead as crane collapses onto train in Thailand
Fair weather will prevail except for a few showers in the Uva, Eastern, Western and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Rathnapura districts
Trump cancels US-Iran meetings, urges protesters to take over institutions
Govt. bows to pressure, shelves Grade 6 reforms
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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