News

Abuse of electric vehicle imports: President tells Treasury to act

Published

4 weeks 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)

News

SLC complains to CIABOC over ex-sports minister

Published

2 mins ago

December 4, 2023

editor

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) says that they have formally lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption in Sri Lanka against Mr. Roshan Ranasinghe MP over the alleged misuse of funds provided by SLC to the National Sports Fund for the development of various other sports in Sri Lanka.

A statement issued by the SLC states :

The decision to file this complaint stems from the concern that Mr. Roshan Ranasinghe MP has not appropriately disclosed the utilization of funds allocated by SLC for the intended purposes.

This move comes in the wake of a discernible disparity between the information disclosed to the media by Mr. Ranasinghe MP and the response received by SLC under a Right to Information (RTI) application, outlining the specifics of the expenditures made.

SLC wishes to emphasize the importance of maintaining the integrity of financial transactions and ensuring that funds are utilized for their designated purposes and the said formal complaint filed with the Bribery Commission underscores SLC’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of governance and ethics within the realm of sports administration.

SLC trusts that the Bribery Commission will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter to ascertain the facts and take appropriate action as necessary and Sri Lanka Cricket will continue to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure a fair and just resolution to this issue, as part of its ongoing commitment to the promotion and advancement of sports in Sri Lanka.

News

Kelaniya Uni. closed indefinitely

Published

5 hours ago

December 4, 2023

editor

The University of Kelaniya, excluding the Faculty of Medicine, has been closed until further notice.

Accordingly, all hostels of the university excluding the Medical Faculty’s hostels, will remain closed while all students have been instructed to vacate their respective hostels before 8.00 am on Tuesday (Dec. 05).

The closure is in response to the abduction and the assault of two security guards by a group of students.

News

15-members appointed to National Sports Council

Published

5 hours ago

December 4, 2023

editor

Sports Minister – Harin Fernando has appointed a 15-member National Sports Council.

Accordingly, Dr. Maiya Gunasekara has been appointed as the chairman of the council, replacing Arjuna Ranatunga.

The members of the new National Sports Council are as follows :

1. Dr. Maiya Gunasekara – Chairman
2. Mr. I.U. Wickramasuriya – Secretary
3. Mrs. Sriyani Kulawansa
4. Major General (Retd.) Rajitha Ampemohotti
5. Prof. Arjuna de Silva
6. Mr. Panduka Keerthinada
7. Mr. Ana G. G. Punchihewa
8. Mr. Malik Kader
9. Dr. S.V.D. Nanayakkara
10. Mr. Hafeez Marso
11. Mr. Sidath Wettimuny
12. General (Retired) Jagath Jayasuriya
13. Mrs. Anuradha Illeperuma
14. Prof. Shemal Fernando
15. Mr. Kamal Deshapriya

Meanwhile, the Sports Minister has also appointed the National Sports Selection Committee.

The committee comprises of;

1. General Shavendra Silva – Chairman
2. Mr. Arjun Rishaya Fernando – Secretary
3. Dr. Maiya Gunasekara
4. Mr. Suresh Subramaniyam
5. Mr. Nalinda Sampath Ilangakoon