News

Basil Rajapaksa absent from court; bail not revoked

Published

1 month ago

May 26, 2025

editor

Matara Magistrate Aruna Buddhadasa recently ordered Basil Rajapaksa – founder of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and former Finance Minister, to appear before the Matara Magistrate’s Court on November 21.

The Magistrate made the order when he took up an existing case regarding a land in the Eliyakanda area of Matara that was purchased using allegedly illegally earned money of Rs.50 million.The FCID had filed this case against Basil Rajapaksa and 04 other defendants in 2017 over the alleged purchase of a 1.5 acre land in Eliyakanda, Matara under the name of his wife’s sister, using Rs.50 million allegedly obtained through illegal means.

The first suspect in this case is Tissa Galappaththi, the second suspect is Muditha Jayakody, the third suspect is former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, and the fourth suspect is Ayomi Galappaththi, the sister of the former Minister’s wife.The first suspect in this case is Tissa Galappaththi, the second is Muditha Jayakody, the third is former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, and the fourth is Ayomi Galappaththi, the sister of Rajapaksa’s wife.

While the first 02 suspects, who are out on bail, appeared in court, Basil Rajapaksa and Ayomi Galappaththi were absent.

Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama, representing the Attorney General’s Department, noted that while Basil had been granted court permission to travel abroad until May 23, he failed to appear without a reasonable excuse and requested that his bail be revoked and a warrant issued.

In defense, President’s Counsel Anil Silva stated that his client had booked return flights for May 18 and 19, but US doctors had advised Rajapaksa against flying for 06 months after he had fallen off a chair, sustaining damage to his neck and nerves.

Girihagama questioned the claim, stating that the X Rays only indicated a neck sprain and a minor muscle strain. Noting that the medical reports were dated March 18, 2025, it was also questioned as to why tickets were booked for May 18 and 19 if doctors had actually advised against flying for 06 months. Therefore, Girihagama called for the court to revoke bail.

President’s Counsel Silva strongly defended his client, rejecting accusations of faking illness, affirming the credibility of US medical reports, and assuring the court of his client’s presence at the next hearing, arguing there is no need for a warrant or revoke bail.

After hearing both sides, Magistrate Aruna Buddhadasa decided not to issue a warrant or revoke bail, instructing that the accused be present on the next court date. The case was postponed to November 21.

(Source: Dinamina)

News

Energy Ministry to sell luxury SUVs & utility vehicles

Published

2 hours ago

July 7, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Energy has issued a public Tender notice for the sale of 14 luxury and decommissioned vehicles currently owned by the ministry.

The list includes high-end SUVs such as Toyota Land Cruisers, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz E200 CGI, and several other utility vehicles.

Interested bidders must submit a separate application and bid for each vehicle. Application forms can be obtained by paying a non-refundable fee of Rs. 5,000 per vehicle at the Ministry’s Accounts Division on the 3rd Floor, No. 437, Galle Road, Colombo 03, until July 15, 2025, during working hours.

The Tender notice made by the ministry is as follows :

BIZ

Sri Lanka targets digital income with new 18% VAT

Published

2 hours ago

July 7, 2025

editor

The government has announced that Value Added Tax (VAT) at 18% will be imposed on income earned through online services provided by foreign individuals and platforms to users in Sri Lanka, effective Oct. 01.

This move follows the issuance of an extraordinary gazette notification by the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue, Rukdevi Himali Fernando, aimed at regulating and taxing the growing sector of cross-border digital services.
Under the new regulation, the VAT will apply to a wide range of services, including but not limited to:

Software as a Service (SaaS)
Online stores and marketplaces
Digital advertising and marketing
Cybersecurity and IT support services
Video, music, and live-streaming platforms
Online banking and financial tech services
Social media and on-demand platforms
Hotel booking and ticket reservation apps
Online gaming platforms

The regulation also clarifies that any other digital service provided via an electronic platform from outside Sri Lanka to individuals residing in the country will be subject to VAT, even if not explicitly listed.

Foreign service providers are required to register for VAT if their supply of services exceeds Rs. 60 million annually or Rs. 15 million in the past three months. Prior to registration, such non-residents must also obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

This development comes amid growing debate over taxing foreign exchange earners and aims to expand the country’s tax base in the digital economy.

(dailynews.lk)

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

News

SL squad announced for T20I series against B’desh

Published

4 hours ago

July 7, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, set to begin on July 10.

The squad will be led by Charith Asalanka, with notable inclusions such as Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Wanindu Hasaranga, and the return of experienced all-rounders Dasun Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne.

Match Schedule:

1st T20I on July 10th – PICS, Kandy

2nd T20I on July 13th – RDICS Dambulla

3rd T20I on July 16th – RPICS Colombo

The T20I squad is as follows :