News

Abuse of electric vehicle imports: President tells Treasury to act

Published

6 months 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

Fmr. Army Chief joins SJB

Published

2 hours ago

May 17, 2024

nipuni

Former Army Commander Retired General Mahesh Senanayake has joined with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

In a Facebook post, party leader Sajith Premadasa said that the Former Army Chief joined the SJB to support the program to rebuild Sri Lanka.

Mr. Premadasa had appointed General Mahesh Senanayake as the Chief of the Samagi Ranaviru Balawegaya.

News

Colombo HC sentences 9 Pakistani drug traffickers to 10 years in prison

Published

3 hours ago

May 17, 2024

nipuni

Nine Pakistani nationals, who were arrested on charges of smuggling a large cache of drugs, have been sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Colombo High Court.

During a joint operation carried out by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) and the Sri Lanka Navy on January 01, 2020, the Pakistani nationals were apprehended while transporting 614 kg of ‘Ice’ (Crystal Methamphetamine) and 581 kg and 34 grams of suspected drugs by boat.

The report of the Government Analyst has confirmed that the seized parcels contained over 491 kilograms of ‘Ketamine’ drugs and nearly 472 kilograms of ‘Ice’ (Crystal Methamphetamine).

The accused pleaded guilty to the charges when the case was taken up before the court, and were subsequently sentenced to 10 years in prison, police said.

Furthermore, the police mentioned that measures are underway to extradite the suspects to Pakistan in order to serve their sentences.

(adaderana.lk)

(This story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Uni. exams postponed due to non-academic staff strike

Published

3 hours ago

May 17, 2024

nipuni

The University Grants Commission said all examinations of undergraduate students in universities have to be postponed, due to the ongoing strike launched by the university non-academic trade unions.
UGC Vice Chairman Senior Prof. Chandana P. Udawatte said as a result, over 50,000 undergraduates will not be able to complete their degree within the planned timeframe.

He said the issuance of the university admission manual, which includes the details on how to apply for degree courses, for those who pass the Advanced Level Examination, was also delayed due to the strike action.

Prof. Udawatte said the Minister of Education has already submitted the necessary proposals to the Cabinet to resolve the issues of the university non-academic staff.

However, Co-Convener of the University Trade Union Alliance Dhammika S. Priyantha said the strike will continue indefinitely until favourable solutions are provided to their demands.

The strike is ongoing for the 16th day.

(News1st)