The iconic Taj Samudra, Colombo known for many groundbreaking initiatives, teamed up with Rescue Animals Sri Lanka (RAS) founded by Anusha David, one of Sri Lanka’s well known animal welfare activists, by donating pet food to feed the street dogs whom RAS have been taking care of for 40+ years now.
The initiative, which was spearheaded by Area Director Taj Maldives & Sri Lanka Samrat Datta, resulted in a sizable team from the Taj Samudra visiting RAS and spending time with some of the animals. Director HR Jayantha Tillakaratne, Learning and Development Manager Dr Shweta Chandra, Associate Director PR Onitha Gurugalla and several others were present.
RAS presently takes care of over 100 dogs and 40 + cats housed in Vidiyagoda, all of whom accident victims or abandoned by their owners, were rescued from the streets. “We are also active in rescuing cattle, birds, and monkeys who are then rehomed in safe sanctuaries.
We assist in elephant rescues and are involved in environmental conservation”, said Thiran Ranatunge of RAS. “RAS provides food in the form of chicken pet food and rice to people who love animals but do not have the financial means to feed them. We also assist them with their veterinary bills and organize sterilization programmes. It is our strong belief that this is of utmost importance in the reduction of the number of street animals, as well as being the most humane way to tackle the problem. We appeal to all animal lovers to contribute towards our work. This would go a long way, making the world of difference to a sad, hungry, sick, animal on the streets of Sri Lanka”.
Taj stands in solidarity with its belief that all animals, regardless of size or species, have intrinsic value and deserve to be respected and protected. Keeping this in mind, the brand has long been an advocate for animal welfare and is committed to the preservation of the environment and its creatures. As per Mr. Datta ”Our service philosophy aka ’Tajness’ is all about sincere care and personal touch. Through this endeavour our team has taken it beyond the premises of the hotel to this home of rescue animals. It will be delightful to see more and more people and organizations coming up with their support for such causes.”
Although gems and jewellery worth US$477 million were exported in 2023, exports have fallen by 25% to US$360 million last year (2024) after the imposition of taxes on the gem and jewellery industry, says Chairman of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) – Mr. Navin Sooriyarachchi.
He stated this at a media briefing held at the Government Information Department yesterday (July 07).
This media briefing was held to inform the media about the newly opened VAT Refund Counter at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.
He said that following discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), taxes were imposed on their industry from January 01, 2024.
Accordingly, an 18% VAT was imposed when selling gems and jewelry to tourists as well as when importing rough gemstones. In addition, a 45.14% tax was imposed on gold imports, he added.
Noting that the NGJA has issued about 8,000 mining licenses, he said that these should produce gemstones worth over US$ 1.5 billion annually, assuming that around 50% of these mines were profitable.
He added that Gem and Jewellery had the potential to be the second largest primary export of the country.
However, following the imposition of the 18% VAT, sales have declined significantly, Mr. Sooriyarachchi says, adding that competitive practices such as post purchase VAT refunding followed by other countries have further affected this situation.
It is reported that 02 senior DIGs and 07 DIGs have simultaneously left for overseas courses.
Eight of them have gone to India for a course that will be held until July 12th.
The Police HQ has taken measures to appoint other SDIGs and DIGs to cover duties of these officers, reports say.
The officers who are overseas in these manner are Senior DIGs Waruna Jayasundara and Dhanapala Abeywickrama as well as DIGs Sujith Wedamulla, Nuwan Mendis, Udith Liyanage, Pradeep Kalupahana, Sarath Kumara, Indika Hapugoda and H.C.A. Pushpakumara.
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered to further remand Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne, a consultant neurosurgeon attached to the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, until July 15.
Dr. Wijeratne was previously arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and subsequently remanded.
Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali issued the order after considering the facts presented by officials from the CIABOC and legal representatives of the defense.
The court also ordered the release on bail of two other suspects who had been remanded over the same case.