News

Excise license fee revision on hold until President’s return

Published

1 year ago

January 15, 2024

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State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has stated that a final decision on the revision of annual excise license fees will be made after further discussions, following objections from liquor distillers and associations.

He also mentioned that a conclusive decision will be taken following President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s return from Switzerland.

The government had previously decided to revise the Annual Excise License fees effective from January 12 this year and an Excise Ordinance was issued by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies.

Several license fees, including Distillery License, Toddy bottling, vinegar manufacturing, and annual Wholesale License for liquor, have been subject to adjustments, while the annual license fee for night clubs has been reduced.

The Distillery License fee, excluding Palmyrah arrack, was increased from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 25 million, and the License fee for Palmyrah arrack increased from Rs. 250,000 to Rs. 5 million.

Additionally, the License fee for bottling Toddy saw an increase from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 10 million, while the license fee for manufacturing vinegar went up from Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 2.5 million.

The annual Wholesale License for liquor was hiked from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 5 million. However, the annual license fee for night clubs was decreased from Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 250,000.

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2025

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Controller of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, today (July 01) unconditionally pleaded guilty before the Supreme Court in a case related to contempt of court.

The charge stemmed from his failure to comply with a court order related to the e-visa issuance process.

The Supreme Court announced that sentencing will take place on July 24.

News

Nishantha Wickramasinghe remanded again (Update)

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Former SriLankan Airlines Chairman – Nishantha Wickramasinghe has been remanded till July 15 by Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayathunga.

(Previous news 2025 July 01,12.15pm.)

Ex-SriLankan Airlines chief produced before court

Former Chairman of SriLankan Airlines – Nishantha Wickramasinghe has been produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court by prison officials today (July 01).

Wickramasinghe was arrested last week by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and is currently in remand custody,

News

Seat belt compulsory for bus drivers from today

Published

4 hours ago

July 1, 2025

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The National Transport Commission (NTC) has announced that starting today (July 01), it will be mandatory for all bus drivers to wear seat belts, with strict penalties for non-compliance.

Under the MotorTraffic Act, bus drivers are legally required to wear seat belts, but a rise in accidents due to drivers ignoring this rule has prompted the authorities to re-enforce it.

Police confirmed that action will be taken against drivers who fail to comply.

Seat belts to be made mandatory for all passengers in expressways

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport has also stated that wearing seat belts will be made mandatory to all passengers of light vehicles travelling on expressways from August 01, 2025.

Meanwhile, wearing seat belts will also be mandatory to all passengers of all vehicles on expressways from September 01, 2025.

Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake also confirmed the directive while speaking to media this morning (July 01) during an inspection tour at the Colombo Central Bus Stand.