News

No decision to slash prices or taxes during vehicle imports – Dy. Minister

Published

3 weeks ago

February 21, 2025

editor

Deputy Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha Fernando said the government has not taken any decision to reduce taxes or reduce prices during the importation of vehicles.

Addressing the media today, the Deputy Minister said his recent statement during a post-Cabinet press briefing had been misinterpreted, with the media reporting that Sri Lanka may cut taxes on vehicles if the demand is lower than expected following the lifting of vehicle import restrictions in February.

Providing a clarification, Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando said, at the time, he had only mentioned that there may be changes in the prices in the local market due to the demand and purchase of vehicles.

He further said that vehicle import restrictions have not been relaxed under normal market conditions, but under limits, especially foreign exchange.

“Even though importers have been given freedom to import, on the other hand, the Central Bank will monitor the foreign exchange being utilised for this purpose,” he said.

Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando said the Central Bank will decide on the release of foreign exchange or any changes to the process, based on the letters of credit (LC) requested for vehicle imports and the market performance.

“We do not have definite information on whether vehicle prices have increased or dropped in the local market, just yet,” he added.

He further said any decision regarding vehicle imports will be officially announced by the government or relevant state entities.

The Deputy Minister reiterated that the news claiming a reduction in taxes during vehicle imports was incorrect, and urged the public not to be misled.

(newswire.lk)

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

News

Boossa Prison jailor remanded over ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ murder

Published

2 hours ago

March 17, 2025

editor

A Jailor at the Boossa Prison, who had brought underworld figure Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne also known as “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” to court on the day he was killed inside the Hulftsdorp court premises, has been arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).

Subsequently, he has been ordered to be remanded until March 21, after being produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, Ada Derana reporter said.

Presenting the suspect to the court, the Colombo Crimes Division officials have stated that the murdered suspect, “Ganemulla Sanjeewa”, had been brought to court by the arrested Jailer on the day of the assassination.

Police informed the court that investigations are underway to determine whether the crime was committed due to the Jailor’s dereliction of duty.

Police also pointed out to the court that investigations have revealed that the suspected prison officer had not taken any steps to arrest the individual who shot at “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” within the court premises and fled.

During the trial, police also requested permission to obtain a record of the suspect’s mobile phone calls for further investigations.

The court granted permission for the requests and ordered the suspect to be remanded until March 21.

(adaderana.lk)

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