News

Prison time was the best time of my life: Priyamali

Published

1 year ago

December 28, 2022

editor

Thico Group Owner Thilini Priyamali yesterday (27) said the time she spent in the prison was the best time of her life.

Though she was in remand custody on charges of financial fraud, she said it has not made an impact on her future.

Priyamali, who was released on bail by the court 10 days ago, had to remain in prison until yesterday (27) since she was unable to fulfill her bail conditions.

As the sureties of the suspect Priyamali, her parents, husband and the members of the staff had come to the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court and signed the documents.

Priyamali was brought to the Court last morning by the prison officials, and she also signed the relevant documents. She was taken back to the prison to get her signature on several other documents.

After fulfilling all the bail conditions, Priyamali left the prison at around 5.15 pm in a white car.

When Priyamali got down from the car near the exit gate of the prison, the employees of Thico Group including Surangi Kodithuwakku, who is said to be a media specialist, were present to welcome her. They warmly welcomed Priyamali with a flower bouquet and hugs.

Speaking to the media outside the prison, Priyamali said she is doing well and was very relaxed and healthy inside the prison.

“I am out on bail today on charges of money laundering. As far as I know, there are many such cases in Sri Lanka. Many people are released on bail in similar cases. Many cases are being heard in courts. I also had a similar case but I don’t know why only I was given such publicity. The media reported information about me for two and a half months. Media institutions already made me an offender when a court case was still being heard. I’m released on bail but not yet been released from the case. Therefore, I have no right to talk about a pending court case,” she said.

News

Concessionary vehicle import permits granted to retired government & judicial officials

Published

15 hours ago

May 5, 2024

editor

Senior government and judicial officials who have retired on completion of 60 years of age and those who were sent on compulsory retirement without extension are eligible to obtain a vehicle import permit under concessionary rates of duty.

This was according to a circular issued by the Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministry.

Officers who have retired on completion of 60 years of age during the period from extending the age of compulsory retirement to 65 years and reducing the age of compulsory retirement to 60 years introduced by the Ministry in 2022 are eligible for the permits subject to other requirements as set out in the regulations.

The decision to grant vehicle import permits for retired senior government officials came following a Cabinet decision on March 11.

Among the eligible officials are retired officials from Class I of an All Island Service or a Departmental Service, Special Grade of Government Registered and Assistant Medical Officers’ Service, Government Dental Surgeon in Grade I and retired senior judicial officers.

The circular dated April 25 was issued by Secretary to the Ministry Pradeep Yasarathne. The Secretary was unavailable for comment yesterday.

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

News

SLC doubles test players’ payments to boost morale

Published

17 hours ago

May 5, 2024

editor

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a significant increase in payments for Sri Lanka’s Test players, effectively doubling their compensation.

The decision, made by SLC, is aimed at fostering greater enthusiasm among Test players and emphasizing the importance of Test cricket, the governing body stated.

The increased payments will be implemented based on the match contracts of each player, in accordance with SLC guidelines.

As a result of this adjustment, the total payment for a Test player per international match will now amount to approximately USD 15,000, which is around Rs. 4,450,000.

News

India to cover tax costs for Sri Lanka-India passenger ferry service

Published

18 hours ago

May 5, 2024

editor

The Government of India has decided to bear the cost towards applicable taxes and other charges to the tune of over LKR 25 million per month for a period of one year for the passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai (KKS).

The passenger ferry service, which was launched in October 2023 by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), will tentatively resume on May 13, 2024. It will be operated by a private operator, IndSri Ferry Services, selected by SCI in consultation with the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL).

In order to make the service affordable and attractive for passengers, the Government of India has decided to bear the cost towards applicable taxes and other charges to the tune of over LKR 25 million per month for a period of one year.

Similarly, the GOSL has reduced the deviation tax currently charged from passengers leaving Sri Lanka by passenger vessels and ships.

It should be recalled that the Government of India has also extended a grant assistance of USD 63.65 million to the GOSL for the rehabilitation of the KKS Harbour, which was earlier envisaged to be undertaken under a Line of Credit.

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