The draft resolution A/HRC/57/L.1 on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka has been adopted without a vote during the ongoing 57th Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.

The draft resolution is sponsored by countries including the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia and the United States of America.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a key meeting today (Oct. 09) with senior officials from both the Sri Lanka Customs Department and the Inland Revenue Department at the Presidential Secretariat today (09). The discussions centered on strategies to enhance revenue generation and improve operational efficiency within both departments, in line with the government’s broader economic mandate.

During the meeting, officials from both departments presented the challenges they face in managing revenue and tackling tax evasion. They stressed the importance of strengthening coordination between the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and Customs to effectively combat these issues. It was highlighted that better collaboration would ensure more robust enforcement of tax laws and prevent tax leakage, further boosting the country’s revenue collection.

Representing the Sri Lanka Customs Department were Mr. PBSC Nonis, Director General of Customs; Mrs. HW SP Karunaratne, Additional Director General of Customs; Mr. CSA Chandrasekara, Additional Director General of Customs; Mr. WSI Silva, Additional Director General of Customs; Mr. SP Arukgoda, Additional Director General of Customs; Mr. J M M G Wijeratna Bandara, Additional Director General of Customs; Mr. A. W. L. C. Weerakoon, Senior Deputy Director and Mr. MRGAB Muthukuda, Chief Financial Officer, among other officials.

From the Inland Revenue Department, Mrs. WS Chandrasekara, Commissioner General; Mr. BKS Shanta, Deputy Commissioner General; Mrs. JADDB K Siriwardena, Deputy Commissioner General; Mrs. JD Ranasinghe, Deputy Commissioner General; Mr. DMNSB Dissanayake, Deputy Commissioner General; Mr. HHS Samantha Kumara; and Ms. TMS Thennakone, Senior Commissioner, participated in the discussions.

(President’s Media Division)

Three-wheeler fares have been revised as of today (Oct. 09).

According to Mr. Jeewinda Keerthiratne, who heads the three wheel bureau of the Road Passenger Transport Authority, the first kilometer remains at Rs. 100 while the second kilometer will be Rs. 85.