News

Should expand tax net instead of further increasing taxes – Ravi

Published

1 year ago

November 20, 2023

editor

Former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake says that it is necessary to introduce means to reduce the tax burden of the general public.
While it is true that the IMF is a must to step out of bankruptcy, we do not have to dance to every single tune of the IMF,” he said speaking to the media.

What we need is to present a creative, modern programme to reduce taxes,” the former Finance Minister said, clarifying that what should be done is to widen the tax net rather than increasing the burden of those who are already paying taxes.

Mr. Karunanayake stated this while responding to the media after making an observation tour with regard to a Grade 1 student dying due to the collapse of a school wall last week.

He urged authorities to take immediate measures to address all school constructions done below par.

In addition, a programme was also initiated under his purview to do repairs to the Weragoda Vidyalaya in Wellampitiya, where the unfortunate incident took place.

News

Helicopter crash during SLAF training session

Published

17 minutes ago

May 9, 2025

editor

A Bell 212 helicopter belonging to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has reportedly crashed today (May 09).

It crashed during a training session at the Hingurakgoda Air Force Base.

Further reports indicate that the helicopter crashed into the Maduru Oya Reservoir.

News

American Cardinal elected as new Pope: Pope Leo XIV

Published

23 minutes ago

May 9, 2025

editor

Following a 02-day papal conclave, American Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the new Pope yesterday (May 08) evening, Vatican time.

At 69, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the 267th Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

He becomes the first American to ascend to the papacy in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV now assumes spiritual leadership of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

The election follows the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, a day after participating in Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.

News

Heavy rains expected in the afternoon

Published

2 hours ago

May 9, 2025

editor

The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 p.m. today (May 09).

Showers may occur in Western province and in Puttalam, Galle and Matara districts in the morning too.

Fairly heavy rains above 50 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northern and North-central provinces.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Ampara and Polonnaruwa districts during the morning.