Connect with us

News

Colombo-KKS train operations to recommence in July

Published

on

Train operations along the Northern Line between Colombo and Kankesanturai are expected to recommence in July.

Train operations along the Northern Railway line have been restricted to Anuradhapura since January due to the modernisation project of the railway line between Maho junction and Omanthai.

At present, the railway track between Anuradhapura and Vavuniya is being modernised leading to the restrictions.

The renovation project is being carried out under Indian assistance at a cost of USD 91 million.

Minister of Transport Bandula Gunawardena meanwhile has said, the upgrade of the track between Anuradhapura and Omanthai is being carried out expeditiously.

He said once completed, trains will be able to run at an average speed of 100m/h along the Northern Line.

Minister of Transport Bandula Gunawardena added the completion of the renovation work along the Northern Railway line will result in the journey time between Kankesanturai and Colombo reducing by around one hour and 30 minutes.

According to a senior spokesman of Sri Lanka Railways, renovations of the railway track between Anuradhapura and Vavuniya are expected to be completed in July.

Following the completion of the renovations, train operations between Colombo and Kankesanturai are scheduled to recommence on the 15th of July.

(newsradio.lk)

BIZ

Gem & jewellery export revenue drops by 25% due to taxes!

Published

on

By

Although gems and jewellery worth US$477 million were exported in 2023, exports have fallen by 25% to US$360 million last year (2024) after the imposition of taxes on the gem and jewellery industry, says Chairman of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) – Mr. Navin Sooriyarachchi.

He stated this at a media briefing held at the Government Information Department yesterday (July 07).

This media briefing was held to inform the media about the newly opened VAT Refund Counter at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.

He said that following discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), taxes were imposed on their industry from January 01, 2024.

Accordingly, an 18% VAT was imposed when selling gems and jewelry to tourists as well as when importing rough gemstones. In addition, a 45.14% tax was imposed on gold imports, he added.

Noting that the NGJA has issued about 8,000 mining licenses, he said that these should produce gemstones worth over US$ 1.5 billion annually, assuming that around 50% of these mines were profitable.

He added that Gem and Jewellery had the potential to be the second largest primary export of the country.

However, following the imposition of the 18% VAT, sales have declined significantly, Mr. Sooriyarachchi says, adding that competitive practices such as post purchase VAT refunding followed by other countries have further affected this situation.

Continue Reading

News

8 DIGs in India

Published

on

By

It is reported that 02 senior DIGs and 07 DIGs have simultaneously left for overseas courses.

Eight of them have gone to India for a course that will be held until July 12th. 

The Police HQ has taken measures to appoint other SDIGs and DIGs to cover duties of these officers, reports say.

The officers who are overseas in these manner are Senior DIGs Waruna Jayasundara and Dhanapala Abeywickrama as well as DIGs Sujith Wedamulla, Nuwan Mendis, Udith Liyanage, Pradeep Kalupahana, Sarath Kumara, Indika Hapugoda and H.C.A. Pushpakumara.

Continue Reading

News

Consultant neurosurgeon further remanded

Published

on

By

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered to further remand Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne, a consultant neurosurgeon attached to the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, until July 15.

Dr. Wijeratne was previously arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and subsequently remanded.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali issued the order after considering the facts presented by officials from the CIABOC and legal representatives of the defense.

The court also ordered the release on bail of two other suspects who had been remanded over the same case.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Sri Lanka Mirror. All Rights Reserved