News

Abuse of electric vehicle imports: President tells Treasury to act

Published

1 year ago

November 5, 2023

editor

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed the Treasury to take a final decision about the continuity of the facility for migrant workers to import electric vehicles on concessionary terms, following complaints of abuse.

The presidential directive comes after the Treasury expressed concern to him over the facility being abused to a large extent amidst an inquiry by Customs, the Sunday Times learns. Treasury sources said initial investigations had shown that there were abuses, including undervaluation of vehicles.

According to initial Customs reports, 119 vehicles have already been imported under the scheme, with 75 being imported by one company.

Among the vehicles imported are BMW (22), Mercedes Benz (13), Porsche (05), Ford Mustang (06), Audi (06), Tesla (04), Peugeot (08), MG (18), Volkswagen (22) and Nissan (10).

A Customs spokesman said the investigations would cover vehicles already imported and cleared, vehicles to be cleared, and vehicles that are being imported.

The investigators will look into the remittance brought into the country, the valuation, and whether the vehicles have been sold.

The scheme was introduced to attract direct foreign remittances into the country through recognised banking channels.

(sundaytimes.lk)

BIZ

ASPI records an all-time high passing the 14,000 mark

Published

16 hours ago

December 12, 2024

editor

The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recorded an all-time high, surpassing the 14,000 mark for the first time ever in Sri Lanka.

According to the CSE, the ASPI increased by 150.72 points to close at 14,035.81.

A turnover of Rs. 7.3 billion was recorded at the close of trading.

News

Fever outbreak in Jaffna identified as Leptospirosis

Published

16 hours ago

December 12, 2024

editor

The fever that has been spreading in Jaffna has been identified as Leptospirosis, the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry announced today (Dec. 12).

Leptospirosis is commonly known as Rat Fever.

The outbreak had claimed 07 lives so far.

News

SJB National List MPs announced

Published

16 hours ago

December 12, 2024

editor

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has announced the four names nominated to fill its remaining National List MP seats in Parliament.

Accordingly, the main opposition party has named Mano Ganesan, Nizam Kariapper, Sujeewa Senasinghe and Mohamed Ismail for the remaining four National List MP posts.

Following the General Election held on November 14, the SJB secured five National List MP seats with its General Secretary – Ranjith Madduma Bandara being appointed to one seat on Nov. 19.
Meanwhile, the Colombo District Court today issued a restraining order preventing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) from submitting their National List MP nominees without including the name of Nizam Kariapper of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC).