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Gazette suspending bathware imports, an injustice – COPF

Published

5 months ago

November 2, 2022

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The Committee on Public Finance was of the view that Regulations published in the Extra Ordinary gazette Notification 2296/30, Under the Import and Export (Control) Act No. 1 of 1969 should be subjected to further consideration and that consideration should also be given as to whether approval for such would stand as justifiable by the consumer.

This was discussed at the Committee on Public Finance which met yesterday (01) under the chairmanship of Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva, Member of Parliament.

This Gazette was published in relation to a temporary suspension on the importation of sanitary fixtures and bathware items such as Squatting pans and wash basins. Furthermore, the Members of the Committee also took into consideration the monopoly created within the market due to the banning of importation of tiles by the same Gazette. The Committee also considered the fact that in an environment where imports have been suspended, the high rise of prices in bathroom accessories and tiles and the inability to meet the rising demands which is causing great injustice to the consumer. Accordingly, the committee recommended the Ministry of Finance to submit a report in this regard.

The Regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act mentioned in the Extraordinary Gazette Notification 2298/55 was also considered at the Committee meeting to which approval was granted. This Gazette will permit foreign workers to import electric motor vehicles based on the value of their remittances.

The Regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act mentioned in the Extraordinary Gazette Notification 2297/79 was also considered at the Committee meeting held. This intends to extend the period for import of essential food items under an open account system.

The committee paid attention regarding on which basis the quantities to import rice, maize and other items to Sri Lanka were decided upon.

Furthermore, the Members of the Committee directed attention regarding importing rice in excess and mixing for the purpose of sale. Also, given the import of raw materials required for the production of animal feed is a concern, it was noted that the egg and poultry industry is in a dire state and therefore, the price of eggs and poultry has increased.

On inquiring into these circumstances, the Committee expressed its displeasure at the absence of any data-based information in this regard and recommended to the relevant authorities to submit a report containing clear data to the committee within a period of 02 months.

Furthermore, the Appropriation Bill for the year 2023 was discussed at the Committee on Public Finance and the committee members questioned how optimistic the Ministry of Finance is regarding the estimates presented in this budget. The notion that more attention should be given to those with a low income in this year’s budget was also discussed by the Committee.

State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe, State Minister (Dr.) Suren Raghavan, Members of Parliament Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Chandima Weerakkody, (Prof) Ranjith Bandara, Madhura Withanage, Premnath C. Dolawatte and many officials were present at this Committee meeting held.

Related Topics:CrisisLK imports lka SriLanka

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Ramadan fasting in Sri Lanka to commence on Friday

Published

2 hours ago

March 22, 2023

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The new Crescent moon of the month of Ramadan has not been sighted in Sri Lanka this evening (22) and therefore Muslims in Sri Lanka will begin the month of Ramadan fasting from dawn on Friday (March 24), the Colombo Grand Mosque says.
Muslims all over the world will observe a month of fasting and prayers during Ramadan to commemorate the time when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed on the night of “Laylat Al Qadr”.

Fasting during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is considered to be one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

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Funds lost due to public sector engaging in business – President

Published

2 hours ago

March 22, 2023

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that due to the public sector engaging in business activities, the money that was available for the construction of 100 projects similar to the Mahaweli during the past decades, has been destroyed.

He noted that in the future, the public sector will stop engaging in business and open it to the private sector to create a free and productive economy.

President Wickremesinghe mentioned this at the 71st commemoration ceremony of the late Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake at Independence Square today (22).

Recalling that Mr. D.S. Senanayake’s vision was to create a free economy, the President said that business should be done by the private sector and that the country could be developed with the tax revenue obtained from them.

However, due to the nationalization in 1956, the Government started engaging in business and that is why the tax revenue was inadequate for the development of the country, the President pointed out.

He stated that the country has distanced itself from Mr. D.S. Senanayake’s vision, but following his vision, Singapore has become a developed country today and said that despite our politicians dreaming of making Sri Lanka a Singapore, the destruction caused to Sri Lanka in the last 75 years due to the decisions of certain political movements is immense.

Therefore, the President further mentioned that Senanayake’s legacy should be carried forward to build a strong and powerful Sri Lanka.

President Wickremesinghe also laid floral tributes at the statue of the late D. S. Senanayake.

The Chief Incumbent of the Kollupitiya Polwatta Sri Dharmakeerthi Monastery Venerable Dr. Bandarawela Wimaladharma Thera delivered a special sermon.

Member of Parliament Vajira Abeywardena, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President Mr Sagala Ratnayake, Senior Advisor to the President on Climate Change Mr Ruwan Wijayawardena, Former Speaker Mr Karu Jayasuriya, Former Ministers Ravi Karunanayake, Rohitha Bogollagama, Karunasena Kodithuwakku, Rukman Senanayake, former Colombo Mayor Rosy Senanayake, former Provincial Councilor Shantini Kongahage, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage and several others attended the event.