Connect with us

News

Gazette suspending bathware imports, an injustice  – COPF

Published

on

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.

News

Monara TV closes down as Swarnavahini too grapples with crisis

Published

on

By

Monara TV, launched with much fanfare just a year ago under the Swarnavahini media network, has reportedly shut down operations.

Employees have been informed that the closure is temporary, citing the need to resolve certain administrative issues.

The channel, led by Buddhika Wickramadhara, was ceremonially launched on June 25, 2024, with a grand event at Waters Edge.

Producers who supplied teledramas to Monara TV say they are owed nearly Rs.200 million in unpaid dues.

Meanwhile, it is reported that the parent Swarnavahini TV channel is also reportedly grappling with a serious financial crisis, paying teledrama producers only after 60 episodes are broadcast.

Producers claim they are compelled to wait about 03 months to recover an investment of around Rs.15 million per teledrama. Even then, payments are made in small portions, covering just 05 episodes at a time.

Producers who supplied teledramas before the appointment of Mr. Susara Dinal as CEO say it is even harder to claim their outstanding payments, as they have been asked to recover the dues from former CEO – Udara Wijesinghe.

The Swarnavahini Media Network is owned by Subaskaran Allirajah – Chairman of Lyca Group, which also owns Lycamobile, a global telecommunications company.

Continue Reading

News

Pvt. secretary of late minister injured in shooting

Published

on

By

A shooting incident has been reported in Kandana this morning (July 03).

Reportedly, two people traveling in a car were shot near the Kandana Public Market.

According to reports, Sameera Manahara, who served as the private secretary of late Minister Mangala Samaraweera, has been injured in the shooting.

The two injured individuals have been admitted to the Ragama Hospital, police say.

Investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the assailants.

Continue Reading

News

Young woman brutally murdered in Kuruwita

Published

on

By

A young woman was found in the Dewipahala-Dodam Ella area in Kuruwita, after being brutally attacked and her gold necklace stolen

According to the police, the victim was found collapsed on the roadside with severe neck injuries caused by a sharp weapon. She was rushed to the Ratnapura Hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after admission.

The victim has been identified as a 26-year-old.

Arrests are yet to be made and an investigation is underway.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Sri Lanka Mirror. All Rights Reserved