News

Raheem has smuggled in goods through VIP terminal on six occasions

Published

11 months ago

May 25, 2023

editor

The Customs has received information that MP Ali Sabri Raheem has smuggled in gold and other goods into the country illegally through the VIP Terminal of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake on six previous occasions.

The Customs officials have also received information that the MP has brought gold and mobile phones worth more than Rs.70 million to Sri Lanka under the contract of a certain person or group.

They said that the MP receives a large amount of money from the contractors after smuggling in gold and mobile phones.

The Customs imposed a fine of 7.5 million rupees on the MP and confiscated the stock of gold and mobile phones.

Although the people usually do not pay the fines at once after they have been imposed with fines, the MP has paid the fines and left Customs custody on 23rd night itself.

If someone fails to pay the fines, the Customs will produce them in court and remand them.

The Customs officers have informed the Speaker about the arrest of the MP.

Customs sources also said that there was some pressure on the Customs to get the goods and the MP released from its custody.

Meanwhile, the Inland Revenue Department and the State Intelligence Services are conducting investigations regarding the gold and other goods brought by the MP and his immediate payment of the fine.

The MP has told the media that he was not the one who brought the gold in question, and that he had to pay a fine of Rs.7.5 million for an offense he did not commit.

News

Planters’ Association clarifies on daily wage increase

Published

1 hour ago

May 3, 2024

nipuni

The Planters’ Association of Ceylon, in a statement has issued a clarification with regard to the reported wage increase in the tea and rubber sector.

“Given the facts stated in the Gazette notification, the implication in media reports that the increased payments will be applicable from 1st May 2024, is inaccurate and misleading. Neither the effective date – on which the new proposed minimum payment will be applicable – nor the quantum of such payment has, as yet, been determined,” the statement notes.

Noting that the relevant gazette also notes that objections to the proposed determination will be received until May 15th, the Association also states they will be filing objections to these proposals within the time frame stipulated by the Labour Commissioner.

News

China – SL to expedite implementation of MoUs

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2024

nipuni

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong had called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees in Colombo yesterday (May 02) to discuss ways and means of early implementation of the agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) reached between the two countries during the Prime Minister’s official visit to China in March 2024.

The Prime Minister said the implementation of the MOUs would begin a new chapter in the long-term friendship and economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and China.

Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake had signed the agreements on behalf of Sri Lanka, and the secretaries of nine Ministries signed on behalf of China in the presence of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang.
During the talks with Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, the Prime Minister stated that in addition to implementation of the MoUs, Sri Lanka would also welcome direct private investments from China as well as investments in agriculture, renewable energy, IT, education and water supply sectors to provide long term solutions to economic issues.

Ambassador Qi Shenhong said he was pleased to see the resilience of Sri Lanka to overcome difficulties and assured China’s continuous support to Sri Lanka’s current efforts at debt restructuring and meeting economic challenges.

Prime Minister’s Secretary Mr. Anura Dissanayake and Chinese Economic Counsellor were also present at this meeting.

(Prime Minister’s Media)

News

Special notice for O/L candidates as school term ends

Published

3 hours ago

May 3, 2024

editor

The second phase of the first term of Government schools ends today (May 03) and will reopen on May 20.

The GCE Ordinary Level Examination will be held May 06 – 15.

Meanwhile, selected branches of the Department for Registration of Persons will be operational tomorrow (May 04) for students sitting for the upcoming GCE Ordinary Level Examination 2023 (2024).

The Department announced that its main office in Battaramulla and its provincial offices in Galle, Kurunegala, Vavuniya, and Batticaloa will be open on Saturday.

These selected offices will be operational from 08.30 am to 01.00 pm tomorrow for only the O/L students to obtain their National Identity Cards (NIC).

Applicants who have not yet submitted their NIC applications have been requested to carry their completed application forms certified by the Principal or Grama Niladhari.