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No decision to abolish permits for senior officials

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Labour Minister and Economic Development Deputy Minister, Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando told Parliament yesterday (23) that the Government has not taken any policy decision to abolish the concessionary vehicle permits issued to public servants in the executive category.

The Minister emphasised that between 15,000 and 20,000 vehicle permits on concessionary terms have been issued to public servants in the executive category so far and that if this opportunity is given at this time, it will be difficult to achieve the desired economic goals.

Accordingly, he said that there is a problem of priority in alignment of restrictions at the moment and not a problem of abolishing the vehicle permits issued to public servants in the executive category.

Minister Anil Jayantha stated this in response to a question raised by MP Najith Indika.

He further said that the Government decided to import vehicles after paying close attention to a number of factors. 

Therefore, all the decisions should be taken under such a backdrop by focusing on the overall economy.

The Minister further said the decision to resume the vehicle imports was taken considering the entire economy into account.”We have to act according to the parameters of the International Monetary Fund. 

We also have to pay attention to reserves, State revenue, tax revenue and all other relevant factors. We must also find ways to increase State revenue. 

There is no intention to deprive senior Government officials of the benefits provided in concessionary vehicle permits. There may be mistakes in the measures taken in the past in providing these benefits. However, they can be studied separately.

The NPP Government has not taken any decision to abolish vehicle permits. But the number of licences currently issued is a large number, around 15,000-20,000. If we allow permits at this juncture, we will not be able to achieve our goals. Therefore, no policy decision will be taken to abolish it, except for the issue of priority.

Meanwhile, the Minister responding to a question raised by MP Lakmali Hemachandra, said it is necessary to act according to various agreements of the International Monetary Fund. 

The import of vehicles had been stopped for many years due to the prevailing situation in the country. We are of the opinion that some opportunity should be given to import vehicles since the vehicles are needed when the economy expands and production increases. 

Therefore, we have to act under several stages. In that, the initial priority was given to the part related to the economy. It has also been decided to provide opportunities for vehicles transporting goods and vehicles for private use secondly and thirdly. 

We must understand that in a situation where there was a shortage of foreign reserves affecting the import of vehicles. Now, there is some growth in domestic reserves, exceeding US$ 6 billion. But it is not possible to use all of them for the import of vehicles.

(dailynews.lk)
(This story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Keeri Samba shortage : 40,000MT of rice to be imported

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The government has recommended to import 40,000 MT of substitute rice to address the shortage of Keeri Samba in the local market.

Following the notification by the Consumer Affairs Authority that sufficient stocks of Keeri Samba are not available, the Food Security and Cost of Living Committee, which met at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (June 25) made the above recommendation.

Accordingly, around 5,000 MT of rice will be imported through state institutions while the remaining will be imported by the private sector, the PMD said.

A decision was also made to continue purchasing Keeri Samba paddy at a price of Rs. 120 per kilogram through the Paddy Marketing Board and Sathosa in order to safeguard local farmers.

Discussions were also held regarding the provision of storage facilities for Corn required for Thriposha production and the importation of rice or broken rice or else alternative raw materials for beer and animal feed production.

Attention was drawn during the discussions to the production of corn based on consumer demand, as well as the production of canned fish, eggs and meat and importation of salt.

Fertiliser importation, stock maintenance, supply and distribution were also discussed. The progress of fertiliser distribution for the Yala season, the progress of issuing “Odapana” loans and the overall success of cultivation activities during the Yala season were reviewed as well.

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Indictments filed against Rambukwella family over 43 charges

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The Commission to investigate allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has filed indictments under 43 charges against  former Media, Health and Environment Minister – Keheliya Rambukwella and five other members of his family.

The indictments have been filed against the following accused, the first accused Keheliya Bandara Rambukwella, the second accused Priyadarshani Epa, the third accused Chamithri Jananika Rambukwella, the fourth accused Ramalee Rambukwella, the fifth accused Amali Rambukwella and the sixth accused – Isuru Bandara Polgasdeniya.

They were previously arrested over an investigation conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and were subsequently released on bail by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.

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Annual bus fare revision to be announced after fuel price revision

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The National Transport Commission (NTC) has said that the annual bus fare revision will be announced after considering the fuel price revision scheduled for July 01.

Yesterday, transport authorities decided to reduce bus fares by 2.5% with effect from July 01.

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