News

Special attention on cryptocurrency promoters!

Published

3 months ago

June 26, 2023

editor

The Financial Intelligence Unit of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka is paying special attention to people who promote cryptocurrency as a profitable investment method and people who exchange foreign currency through informal methods such as Undiyal and Hawala, it was reported.

According to Order No. 03 of 2021 issued under the Foreign Exchange Act No. 12 of 2017, Electronic Fund Transfer Cards such as Debit Cards and Credit Cards are not allowed to be used for payments related to cryptocurrency transactions. However, it was reported that cryptocurrency promoters have disregarded this order.

The relevant orders have been issued since cryptocurrency operates through informal means, and that it does not contribute to the national economy and it can also cause the country to lose a substantial amount of foreign currency.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka through press releases issued in 2018, 2021 and 2022 has already emphasized the significant financial, operational, legal and security risks as well as consumer protection issues that users may face when using cryptocurrencies.

For those who do not have a crypto mining machine, it is mandatory to use electronic fund transfer cards such as debit cards or credit cards to receive crypto money.

An average crypto mining machine is said to cost between US$600 and US$20,000.

Meanwhile, ‘Sri Lanka Mirror’ paid attention to several people who promote cryptocurrency through the internet.

Some posts that promote cryptocurrencies on Facebook are shown below:

News

Excise officials kidnap beedi businessman & forcefully take Rs.1mn

Published

22 mins ago

September 22, 2023

editor

The Walasmulla Police have launched an investigation into an incident where a Beedi businessman was kidnapped and assaulted before forcefully taking Rs.1 million from him.

The business license of the businessman residing in Maraketiya, Rajapuragoda in Walasmulla expired on June 26. A team of excise officials including the OIC of the Tangalle Excise Unit had arrived at his house on September 18 and seized the Beedi leaves.

Excise officials had demanded Rs.1.4 million from the businessman not to take legal action in this regard.

They had taken the businessman away in a three-wheeler, beaten him up, and then had taken an amount of Rs.1 million by force.

News

Test kits ordered to detect ‘Nipah’ virus

Published

2 hours ago

September 22, 2023

editor

Steps have been taken to import special test kits needed for the detection of ‘Nipah’ virus, the Health Ministry said.

Special test kits recommended by the World Health Organization have been ordered to detect the virus and they are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka in a few days.

Commenting further, Virologist Dr. Janaki Abeynayake said that no specific treatment or vaccine has been developed globally for patients infected with Nipah virus.

However, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Samitha Ginige said that there is no high risk of the virus spreading among countries since the virus spreading pace is slower.

The Ministry requested the public not panic over the virus that has been reported in several countries including India.

News

Keheliya & ministry officials undertake 50 foreign tours

Published

2 hours ago

September 22, 2023

editor

Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and the officials of his Ministry had undertaken 50 foreign tours in one year, a report prepared by the International Health Division of the Ministry revealed.

These reports have been compiled by Deputy Director General (Planning) of the Health Ministry Dr. S. Sri Dharan.

It was prepared following a Right to Information (RTI) request made by an organisation called ‘Citizens Power Against Bribery and Corruption.’

Accordingly, Health Minister Rambukwella has made five foreign trips, Health Secretary Janaka Sri Chandragupta has made two foreign trips and Health Services Director General Asela Gunawardena has made four foreign trips.

These foreign trips have taken place as per the invitations made by representative organizations including the World Health Organization, and those organizations have provided expenses for air tickets, food and accommodation facilities.

Furthermore, the International Health Division of the Ministry of Health has approved foreign duty leave for these doctors and has also given them a casual allowance.

Interestingly, the deputy director general who prepared the report has engaged in the highest number of foreign trips.

Source – Aruna