News

Sajith & Dilith slam 15% Services Export Tax

Published

3 months ago

February 26, 2025

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Opposition Leader – Sajith Premadasa has slammed the 15% Services Export Tax

Taking to X, he points out that the tax will cripple Sri Lanka’s digital economy and drive talent away.

“IT freelancers & service exporters bring in much-needed forex. Taxing them discourages growth, investment & innovation. At a time when needs to boost exports, this move will push talent overseas—hurting our economy long-term. Instead of taxing dollar earners, the govt should incentivize & support them to boost long term revenue, investments and talent and industry development,” he points out.

Speaking during the Cabinet briefing yesterday (Feb. 25), Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said that the government has no choice but to implement the Services Export Tax under the current circumstances.

According to reports, the tax, which is to be implemented from April 01, 2025, will affect individuals and companies in Sri Lanka that provide services to external parties and bring back foreign exchange.

A 15% Services Export Tax will cripple Sri Lanka’s digital economy & drive talent away.

IT freelancers & service exporters bring in much-needed forex. Taxing them discourages growth, investment & innovation.

At a time when needs to boost exports, this move will push… https://t.co/lMTiGrmykw
— Sajith Premadasa (@sajithpremadasa) February 26, 2025

Meanwhile, speaking at a media briefing held today (Feb. 26), leader of the Sarvajana Balaya – MP Dilith Jayaweera said that the tax could discourage creative entrepreneurship and drive foreign exchange transactions into informal channels such as ‘Undiyal.

Referring to the February 21 gazette amending the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017, he further said that the tax applies to freelancers and professionals, including content creators on YouTube and Facebook, freelance creatives using platforms like Fiverr, and consultants such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants.

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

20 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.

Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:

Colombo 01 to Colombo 15
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Kaduwela
Battaramulla
Kolonnawa
Kotikawatta
Mulleriyawa
IDH (Infectious Diseases Hospital) area
Maharagama
Dehiwala
Mount Lavinia
Ratmalana and Moratuwa

News

Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

Published

20 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.

Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.

He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.

The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.

News

Ex-Minister Duminda Dissanayake arrested

Published

20 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

Former Minister and Anuradhapura District Organiser of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) – Duminda Dissanayake, has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the discovery of a gold-colored T-56 assault rifle at a luxury apartment complex in Havelock Town, Wellawatte.

The firearm, found earlier this week, led to the arrest of 03 suspects, based on information revealed during interrogations conducted in connection with the incident.