News

Tourists inconvenienced at Mattala Airport!

Published

1 year ago

January 4, 2023

editor

Tourists arriving at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) had to face grave inconveniences due to the delay in getting visas and making payments, it is learnt.

Therefore, over 400 passengers arrived on December 29 and 1,000 passengers arrived on the day before yesterday (02) had been compelled to wait at the airport for three to four hours.

There are only two employees at the counter to pay visa fees while there are only six employees at the visa stamping counter.

However, it was reported that the same service is provided by only two counters at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). MRIA employees said slow internet speed and outdated computers were causing delays in the process.

On the day before yesterday, 1,024 passengers arrived at the Airport from three planes.

There are no duty-free or normal shopping complexes, as well as restaurants for visiting tourists at the MRIA.

Therefore, the passengers have to wait in the airport or in the bus for hours until they arrive at the hotel they have reserved.

Meanwhile, Immigration and Emigration Controller General Harsha Ilukpitiya told the media that this situation has arisen because the Central Bank of Sri Lanka does not accept the electronic bank cards of Russian tourists even though they have been given the opportunity to obtain visas online.

He said the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited has been informed of this situation and more counters will be opened as soon as the necessary facilities are available.

He also said that they have requested approval to hire 60 essential employees for the department.

News

Concessionary vehicle import permits granted to retired government & judicial officials

Published

3 hours ago

May 5, 2024

editor

Senior government and judicial officials who have retired on completion of 60 years of age and those who were sent on compulsory retirement without extension are eligible to obtain a vehicle import permit under concessionary rates of duty.

This was according to a circular issued by the Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministry.

Officers who have retired on completion of 60 years of age during the period from extending the age of compulsory retirement to 65 years and reducing the age of compulsory retirement to 60 years introduced by the Ministry in 2022 are eligible for the permits subject to other requirements as set out in the regulations.

The decision to grant vehicle import permits for retired senior government officials came following a Cabinet decision on March 11.

Among the eligible officials are retired officials from Class I of an All Island Service or a Departmental Service, Special Grade of Government Registered and Assistant Medical Officers’ Service, Government Dental Surgeon in Grade I and retired senior judicial officers.

The circular dated April 25 was issued by Secretary to the Ministry Pradeep Yasarathne. The Secretary was unavailable for comment yesterday.

(sundaytimes.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by sundaytimes.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

SLC doubles test players’ payments to boost morale

Published

5 hours ago

May 5, 2024

editor

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a significant increase in payments for Sri Lanka’s Test players, effectively doubling their compensation.

The decision, made by SLC, is aimed at fostering greater enthusiasm among Test players and emphasizing the importance of Test cricket, the governing body stated.

The increased payments will be implemented based on the match contracts of each player, in accordance with SLC guidelines.

As a result of this adjustment, the total payment for a Test player per international match will now amount to approximately USD 15,000, which is around Rs. 4,450,000.

News

India to cover tax costs for Sri Lanka-India passenger ferry service

Published

6 hours ago

May 5, 2024

editor

The Government of India has decided to bear the cost towards applicable taxes and other charges to the tune of over LKR 25 million per month for a period of one year for the passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai (KKS).

The passenger ferry service, which was launched in October 2023 by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), will tentatively resume on May 13, 2024. It will be operated by a private operator, IndSri Ferry Services, selected by SCI in consultation with the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL).

In order to make the service affordable and attractive for passengers, the Government of India has decided to bear the cost towards applicable taxes and other charges to the tune of over LKR 25 million per month for a period of one year.

Similarly, the GOSL has reduced the deviation tax currently charged from passengers leaving Sri Lanka by passenger vessels and ships.

It should be recalled that the Government of India has also extended a grant assistance of USD 63.65 million to the GOSL for the rehabilitation of the KKS Harbour, which was earlier envisaged to be undertaken under a Line of Credit.

(dailymirror.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)