News

COPE lauds Kalubovitiyana Tea Factory Ltd.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 12, 2023

editor

The Kalubovitiyana Tea Factory Limited was summoned to the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) which met on 08.09.2023 Chaired by Prof. Ranjith Bandara, Member of Parliament. The COPE Chair congratulated the institution on the progress it has made.

The Auditor General’s 2021, 2022 reports and current performance of that institution were examined at this Committee meeting held. A group of officials including Mr. Janaka Dharmakirthi, Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation Industry, Mr. Aminda Rodrigo, Chairman of The Kalubovitiyana Tea Factory Limited, were also present at this Committee.

Addressing the Committee, the Chairman of Kalubovitiyana Tea Factory Limited stated that in 2022, the highest income of the company was Rs. 2 billion and a profit of Rs. 214 million following the payment of tax was also recorded. He pointed out that there are 4 tea factories in Matara, Galle and Kandy districts and they have successfully overcome many challenges including obtaining tea leaves. The Chairman of the company also stated that the company has shown success by adhering to the existing rules of the government as a public institution.

Although the company is small, the Auditor General said that this state-owned company has shown great progress in terms of accounts and financial statements. He appreciated the institution and mentioned that it has been a long time since he met such a progressive institution. The Auditor General pointed out that the recommendations given by COPE in 2013 have been followed to an extent of ninety-five percent and great progress has been achieved through high management skills. Here, attention was paid only to two audit questions.

Attention was directed on recovering the amount of 1.4 million rupees which is the deposit amount paid when acquiring the building where the head office was maintained by the company on a monthly rental basis. According to the said, the officials stated that a case is being filed.

In 2003, even though the loan amount given to a state company at the interest rate of twenty two percent was recovered, the interest was not charged. The officials also said that the institution has assured that it will pay the interest amount of 51 million rupees in installment basis.

Members of Parliament Nimal Lanza, Upul Mahendra Rajapaksha, Sanjeeva Edirimanna, and M. Rameshwaran were present at this Committee meeting held.

News

Landslide warnings extended

Published

5 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

The Department of Irrigation says that the water levels in the Kelani River and Attanagalu Oya are rising to levels that requires attention.

Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division of the Irrigation Department S. P. C. Sugeeshwara says that the Gin, Nilwala and Kalu Ganga remain at the flood level.

Many roads in the vicinity of the rivers have been inundated.

S. P. C Sugeeshwara warns that people should refrain from further using the rivers.

The landslide warnings issued to seven districts have also been extended, due to the prevailing weather conditions.

The Met Department predicts that the heavy showers in the South West will continue.

Heavy showers of about 75 mm can be expected in some areas.

News

“SLPP Leadership can change if needed”

Published

7 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

Former President Mahinda Rajapaska yesterday said that there should be a change in the leadership of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), if the need arises.

When the former President was asked about the veracity of the news on social media about imminent change of the SLPP leadership, said that he is not aware of any change in the leadership.

The President was speaking to the media after calling on Mahanayake Thera of the Rammanya Maha Nikaya Most Ven. Makulewe Sri Wimala Thera at the Vidyawasa Pirivena in Meerigama yesterday.

Commenting on the impending regulations on social media, the former President said that there are pros and cons in the social media. “I don’t have any issue with the social media,” he said.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa also visited the Sacred Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya and participated in religious activities. The Former President also met Chief incumbent of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkitha Thera and received his blessings.

Speaking to the media on the occasion, the former President said that he is physically fit despite social media reports to the contrary.

(dailynews.lk)