News

Labour Ministry gets approval to import SUV

Published

1 year ago

January 14, 2024

editor

While a general ban on vehicle imports continues, the Labour and Foreign Employment Ministry is to import a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) under the amended Imports and Exports (Control) Act after it secured Cabinet approval, according to a gazette notification.

According to this notification issued to amend the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969, regulations were introduced to allow the importation of selected vehicles for three ministries and national carrier SriLankan Airlines.

In addition to the SUV, two buses for the Education Ministry, three mobile maternity units, and 21 double cabs for the Health Ministry, along with an economy-class Ramp coach for Sri Lankan Airlines, are to be imported under the amended gazette notification.

The Gazette, dated January 11, was issued by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilisation, and National Policies. “These regulations are issued as per the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers dated December 11, last year, on Memorandum No. 23/2288/628/105/TBR dated November 28, 2023, submitted by the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation read together with the Observations of the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies dated December 06, 2023,” the gazette reads.

Accordingly, the Customs Director General was instructed to allow the importation of the vehicles based on the recommendation of the Chief Accounting Officer of the respective ministry and subjected to other prevailing rules and regulations applicable to the importation of motor vehicles.

(sundaytimes.lk)

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

18 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.

Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:

Colombo 01 to Colombo 15
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Kaduwela
Battaramulla
Kolonnawa
Kotikawatta
Mulleriyawa
IDH (Infectious Diseases Hospital) area
Maharagama
Dehiwala
Mount Lavinia
Ratmalana and Moratuwa

News

Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

Published

18 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.

Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.

He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.

The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.

News

Ex-Minister Duminda Dissanayake arrested

Published

18 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

Former Minister and Anuradhapura District Organiser of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) – Duminda Dissanayake, has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the discovery of a gold-colored T-56 assault rifle at a luxury apartment complex in Havelock Town, Wellawatte.

The firearm, found earlier this week, led to the arrest of 03 suspects, based on information revealed during interrogations conducted in connection with the incident.