News

Cheaper embarkation levy at Ratmalana & Jaffna Airports!

Published

2 years ago

January 23, 2023

editor

The embarkation levy charged from persons leaving Sri Lanka via Ratmalana and Jaffna Airports has been reduced by 50%, Finance Ministry’s Tax Advisor Thanuja Perera said.

Accordingly, she said the embarkation levy which was US$ 60 has been reduced to US$ 30.

The revised embarkation levy levied on a person leaving via Ratmalana Airport will be valid until March 26th and the revised levy levied on a person leaving via Jaffna Airport will be valid until July 11th.

“This embarkation levy is not a new tax. It has been implemented since 2003 through the Finance Act. As of 2019, a levy of $60 was charged from a person leaving the country from an airport or seaport. Considering the impact of the 2019 Easter attack on the tourism industry, the levy was reduced from $60 to $50 for six months. It was increased back to $60 from February 1,2020. President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Minister of Finance has issued a gazette revising the embarkation levy only for Ratmalana and Jaffna Airports,” Ms.Perera said.

International airlines that commence operations at Mattala Rajapaksa Airport have been exempted from this levy for a period of two years from the date of commencement of operations.

According to the Gazette issued by the President, anyone departing from an airport or seaport other than Mattala, Ratmalana or Jaffna International Airports must pay an embarkation levy of $60.

Entertainment

Anudi returns to SL

Published

11 minutes ago

June 2, 2025

editor

Anudi Gunasekara, Miss Sri Lanka at the 72nd Miss World pageant, has returned to Sri Lanka following the conclusion of the pageantheld in Hyderabad, Telangana, India on May 31.

The global event, which featured contestants from 108 countries, saw Miss Thailand being crowned as Miss World 2025.

Although Anudi delivered remarkable performances throughout the competition, becoming the first Sri Lankan in history to reach the final rounds in the Head-to-Head and Multimedia categories, she did not advance into the final 40 contestants.

Thanking for her warm welcome in Sri Lanka and for the love and support from Sri Lankans throughout the competition, she pointed out that participating in the Miss World pageant was a once in a lifetime experience.

She also told reporters that she was not expecting to take part in any other pageants.

“I do not intend to take part in any other pageants. My only lifetime desire was to join the Miss world pageant. I achieved that feat. So, I do not think I need to take part in any other pageants,” she said.

News

Ex-chairman of Lindula-Talawakelle UC, remanded

Published

4 hours ago

June 2, 2025

editor

Former chairman of the Lindula-Talawakelle Urban Council – Asoka Sepala has been arrested today (June 02).

The Colombo Chief Magistrate has ordered to remand the suspect until June 11.

The former chairman has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for causing a loss of Rs. 2.38 million to the government, during the issuance of a tender to lease stall belonging to the Urban Council.

It is said that instead of awarding the tender to the highest bidder, it was given to a lower bidder, resulting in the aforementioned loss.

News

Halloluwa further remanded

Published

4 hours ago

June 2, 2025

editor

Former Director of the National Lotteries Board (NLB) – Thusitha Halloluwa, has been further remanded until June 04, by the Fort Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Halloluwa remains in custody over alleged misappropriation of government assets belonging to the NLB.

He was previously arrested and released on bail on May 02 over the alleged misuse of a computer and a mobile phone valued at over Rs. 470,000 during his tenure as the Acting Director of the National Lotteries Board.