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Price of cement bag to drop

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The price of a kilogram of cement will decrease by a rupee, leading to a reduction of approximately Rs. 100 per bag of cement, Finance Ministry officials have said.

The Order presented by ministry officials to reduce the prevailing CESS tax on cement received approval from the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF).

 Matters related to the said were discussed when the Committee on Public Finance met in Parliament on Jan. 08, chaired by MP Dr. Harsha de Silva.

Steps to obtain CESS income
Accordingly, Order under section 14 of the Sri Lanka Export Development Act, No. 40 of 1979 published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2400/25, Notification under Section 3(4) of the Strategic Development Projects Act, No. 14 of 2008 published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2399/16, Order under Section 3(4) of the Strategic Development Projects Act, No. 14 of 2008 published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2401/19, 06 Gazette Notifications published under 06 Orders under the Special Commodity Levy Act, No. 48 of 2007, and Notification under Welfare Benefits Act, No. 24 of 2002 published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2415/66 were taken into consideration by the Committee.

Considering Order under section 14 of the Sri Lanka Export Development Act, No. 40 of 1979 published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2400/25, the Chair of the Committee on Public Finance instructed officials of the Ministry of Finance to take necessary measures to ensure that revenue generated through the CESS tax imposed for export development is directly transferred to the relevant financial institutions.

Additionally, the Order to reduce the tax imposed on the export of rock boulders, which was introduced during the construction of the Hambantota Port, was also approved by the Committee. Accordingly, a tax of Rs. 1,000 per cubic meter will be levied for the export of one million metric tons of rock boulders.

Approval to increase benefits to Aswesuma beneficiaries

In consideration of the Notification under Welfare Benefits Act, No. 24 of 2002 published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2415/66 The Committee on Public Finance approved the benefits to be provided to beneficiaries of the Aswesuma program by the end of this year. During the discussions, approval was given to increase the allowance for households under extreme poverty from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 17,500, for households currently receiving Rs. 8,500 to Rs. 10,000, and for households receiving Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 5,000. The allowance of Rs. 5,000 for households in reception of the said amount was decided to be kept unchanged.

Whilst the Notification under Section 3(4) of the Strategic Development Projects Act, No. 14 of 2008 published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2399/16 pertaining to the Western Terminal of Colombo Port did not receive the approval of the Committee, it was decided to re-consider the Order under Section 3(4) of the Strategic Development Projects Act, No. 14 of 2008 published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2401/19 Regarding a garment factory to be built in Batticaloa on a later date.

Moreover, 06 Orders under the Special Commodity Levy Act, No. 48 of 2007 were taken into consideration with regards to extending the validity periods and reducing taxes.

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New program to monitor the activities of Police OICs

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The Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs has launched a new program to closely monitor the activities of Police OICs.

Minister Ananda Wijepala highlighted that OICs are responsible for tackling drug trafficking, shootings, and organized crime in their jurisdictions.

The Acting IGP will review OICs’ performance monthly to ensure these duties are fulfilled.

OICs are also responsible for building positive relations with the community and maintaining peace.

The Minister emphasized that strict action will be taken against any OIC who fails in these duties or associates with organized criminals.

He said the government is committed to creating a law-abiding and community-friendly police service.

(News1st)
(This story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Fisheries ministry plans to produce ice for fishermen 

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Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic, and Ocean Resources, Rathna Gamage, announced that the Ministry is exploring options to produce ice to meet the needs of the fishing community. 

This decision comes after unsuccessful discussions with ice mill owners to secure ice at a reasonable price.

The Ministry had requested ice mills to provide one ice cube for Rs. 400, a proposal aimed at easing the financial burden on fishermen. 

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Social media activist arrested for fraud

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Police have arrested two individuals, including a social media activist who operated a fake account under the name ‘Little Harts,’ for allegedly swindling Rs 2.9 million through an online scam. 

The suspects, identified as Senadheerage Dulan Maheshitha, 28, from Nochchiyagama, and Manikkuge Sandaruwan Silva, 23, from Palaviya, were apprehended in the Kalpitiya and Norochcholai areas.

According to authorities, the duo operated a fraudulent website offering various prizes, through which they deceitfully collected money from unsuspecting victims. The suspects are set to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate today.

The arrests highlight the growing concerns over online scams and the misuse of social media platforms for illegal activities. Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activities to prevent falling victim to such schemes.

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