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Govt to give preference for green vehicles

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Sri Lanka may consider lifting the import ban of motor vehicles next year as the country’s economic situation is improving with foreign reserves almost reaching USD 5 billion, said Chief of Staff to the President, Sagala Ratnayake.

“As the country’s economic landscape has improved, the ‘would be’ import bill for motor vehicles is not a big amount that the country should worry about. “But our concern is the protection of the local motor industry which is now making great progress.”

He told a press conference on Wednesday, that the Government may give preference towards the import of Green vehicles. “However, the local infrastructure should be developed first, as one doesn’t see many charging stations in and outside Colombo.”

He said that in Singapore there is a permit system and when a vehicle is over ten years old it is re-exported which ensures that a new vehicle fleet remains in the country. “Sri Lanka too has to follow a similar model for the motor industry.”

Ratnayake said that the high earning tourism industry is given all the assistance as it is being identified as an industry that could take the country to the next level.

The Government has already given permission to import 750 vans and 250 buses to be used for the tourism industry.

Similarly, the maritime sector too has been identified as a key area and this is the reason the Government is investing millions of dollars to upgrade and expand them. “The current geo-politics involving the Red Sea has already given the Port more business and revenue.”

He said that the proposed bridge between India and Sri Lanka too would be a major game changer for Sri Lanka’s economy as it will create more commodities to flow between the two countries.

“This will certainly help reduce some of the food prices in Sri Lanka and create more employment opportunities.”

Ratnayake said that the tax revenue collection is on track and the Government may soon explore the possibility of increasing the Rs. 100,000 tax threshold to a higher level.

(sundayobserver.lk)

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17 Police officers discharged from service for drug use

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Sri Lanka Police have terminated the services of 17 officers in the past four months for consuming illegal drugs, including heroin and synthetic substances like ICE.

Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga said that the Intelligence Units and Special Investigations Unit compiled a list of officers within the Sri Lanka Police Department suspected of using drugs.

The officers in question were tested and medical reports were sent to the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board. Following the results, the officers were dismissed from the police force.

SSP Manathunga also confirmed that investigations are ongoing into several other officers facing similar charges, and action will be taken based on their medical test results.

The Acting Inspector General of Police has instructed that strict action be taken against senior officers involved in the matter.

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Missing police constable’s parents and accomplice arrested

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The parents of the police constable attached to the Mount Lavinia Police Station, who went missing with his service weapon and is reported as having left for Dubai while on duty, have been taken into custody.

Meanwhile, police said that another police constable was also arrested for aiding and abetting him.

The court has granted permission for police to detain them and question for 48 hours, the Police Media Division added.

On Saturday (08), a constable attached to the Mount Lavinia Police Station was reported missing, along with his T-56 firearm.  Accordingly, the constable in question had reportedly departed to Dubai, the Police Spokesman said, adding that further investigations are ongoing.

Police also state that the Constable had in his possession a T-56 firearm and 30 rounds of ammunition with him when he left for duty at a checkpoint Friday night (07).

However, since the Constable had not reported for duty, attempts were made to contact him, but his mobile phone went unanswered.

Subsequent investigations have revealed that the suspect had departed for Dubai from the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Accordingly, the police say they are currently taking necessary steps through Interpol to bring the suspected Constable back to the island.

The firearm in his possession has not yet been recovered, and the police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

(adaderana.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Dan Priyasad arrested

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The convenor of the Nawa Sinhale National Movement, Dan Priyasad, has been arrested by Sri Lanka Police this morning (11).

He was arrested upon arrival in Sri Lanka from Dubai at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

He will be produced before the Galgamuwa Magistrate’s Court, according to police.

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