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Over 50-year delay in releasing land deeds to owners

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Releasing land deeds to its owners has been delayed for over 50 years, it was revealed during a Ministerial Consultative Committee on Tourism and Lands held recently.

This matter was raised and discussed at the Ministerial Consultative Committee held on August 09 in Parliament under the Chairmanship of Tourism and Lands Minister Harin Fernando.

The Committee questioned the Land Reform Commission Chairman as to why there is such a prolonged delay.

In response, the officials of the Land Reform Commission said that these lands have been disposed of to various parties and the third or fourth generations now occupy them.

Accordingly, the officials stated that there is an issue in awarding documents. They said that they are now in the process of sorting out this matter.

However, Committee Chair Minister Fernando said that a speedier process needs to be implemented. Accordingly, the minister suggested that a schedule be initiated from Kandy District as a pilot project and to gradually move to other districts to clear out the deeds.

The minister further stated that the Land Reform Commission should be more proactive and look into the concerns of the people.

Moreover, the Committee took into discussion the request made regarding the provision of new annual licenses for stone quarrying to around 7,000 people in Balangoda Damahana area who are traditionally engaged in the quarrying industry.

Furthermore, the Chair of the Committee also took into discussion the progress of all Committees  which were conducted with the participation of MPs in each tourism area in order to identify and promote new tourist locations and the progress regarding the development of the Deniyaya Eco Tourism Zone.

Committee Members State Minister Geetha Kumarasinghe, MPs Kapila Athukorala, Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan and many other MPs representing both the Opposition and the Government were present at the meeting.

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Fuel prices upped

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The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has announced a revision of fuel prices, effective from midnight today (June 30).

The price of Petrol 92 Octane has been increased by Rs. 12 to Rs. 305 per litre, while the price of Kerosene has been increased by Rs. 07 to Rs. 185 per litre. The price of Auto Diesel has also been increased by Rs. 15, bringing it to Rs. 289 per litre.

However, the prices of Petrol 95 Octane and Super Diesel remain unchanged, according to Ceypetco.

The new fuel prices are as follows:

• Petrol Octane 92 – Rs. 305 (increased by Rs. 12)
• Auto Diesel – Rs. 289 (increased by Rs. 15)
• Kerosene – Rs. 185 (increased by Rs. 7)
• Petrol Octane 95 – Rs. 341 (not revised)
• Super Diesel – Rs. 325 (not revised)

Meanwhile, Lanka IOC has also revised retail fuel prices to match Ceypetco prices.

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“Sri Lanka, only Asian country currently holding talks to revise Trumps’ tariffs”

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Sri Lanka is the only country in the Asia region currently holding discussions with officials in the United States to revise the tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump earlier this year, according to Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando.

Joining the Parliamentary debate today (30), where MPs are debating the fiscal strategy statement of the government, the Deputy Minister of Economic Development stated that they are hopeful the government will be able get a better deal from the US regarding the 44% tariff imposed earlier this year.

A Sri Lankan delegation last month held discussions in Washington, D.C., focusing on tariff-related matters, following an invitation extended by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

The reciprocal tariffs imposed by United States President Donald Trump has been paused for 90 days at present.

Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando in Parliament stated that the government will take all steps within their powers to reduce the tariffs imposed by the US which will have a major bearing on many local industries.

The Deputy Minister while the government is taking such important steps to safeguard local companies, the opposition is only focused on jeopardizing the work of the present administration

(adaderana.lk)

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

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Indian officials extend US visit to iron out trade deal, sources say

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Officials from India will extend their Washington visit to try to reach agreement on a trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration and address lingering concerns on both sides, two Indian government sources said on Monday.

Trade talks between India and the U.S. have hit roadblocks over disagreements on import duties for auto components, steel, and farm goods, ahead of Trump’s July 9 deadline to impose reciprocal tariffs.

The Indian delegation had been expected to conclude discussions by last Friday, but was staying on until at least Monday evening to iron out differences and move towards an agreement, officials said, declining to be named as the discussions are private.

“There are certain disagreements over opening up the agriculture and dairy sectors, though India has offered tariff concessions on 90% of tariff lines. A final call will be taken by the political leadership of the two countries,” one of the government sources said.

“The Indian delegation could stay for another one to two days if discussions continue,” the second source said.

India’s commerce ministry and the U.S. Trade Representative Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Agriculture and dairy are “big red lines” for India in its ongoing trade negotiations with the U.S., Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told the Financial Express newspaper in an interview published on Monday.

“Yes, I’d love to have an agreement, a big, good, beautiful one; why not?” Sitharaman said, adding that an early conclusion of the trade deal would serve India better.

Trump said last week that America was going to have a “very big” trade deal with India, but gave no details.

(Reuters)

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