News

Talks held over SL – Myanmar direct air connectivity

Published

2 weeks ago

May 15, 2023

editor

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Myanmar Janaka Bandara held a meeting with the top management of Myanmar Airways International on 12 May 2023, with the view of establishing direct air connectivity between Sri Lanka and Myanmar.

Chairman Aung Aung Zaw and Chief Commercial Officer Tanes Kumar represented Myanmar Airways International in the discussion.

The Ambassador highlighted the significance of direct air connectivity in promoting the tourism industries of both destinations. It was underlined that travelers between the two countries were wasting considerable time at transits while the flight time is just less than three hours. The Ambassador assured that there would be a sizeable traffic up and down between these two significant destinations underpinned by historical, cultural and religious affinities.

In this discussion, the Ambassador requested to establish a regular charter flight between Yangon and Colombo and proposed to extend the Yangon – Chennai flight up to Colombo.

The Ambassador further suggested exploring the feasibility of having a circuit connecting Colombo – Yangon – Bodhgaya or Colombo – Yangon – Kathmandu with the view of gaining economic benefit out of the religious significance of these countries.

The CCO was positive towards the suggestions and agreed to work on them. He further agreed to see the possibility of arranging charter flights between Yangon and Colombo during the month of August, enabling the Myanmar pilgrims to go to Kandy to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple “Sri Dalada Maligawa” and see “Asela Perahera” cultural pageant.

The proposal to establish direct air connectivity between Sri Lanka and Myanmar had been discussed at many high level forums in both countries.

News

List of professionals whose IRD registration is compulsory

Published

17 mins ago

June 1, 2023

editor

A gazette notice has been issued making it compulsory for those engaged in several fields such as medical, engineering, law, accounting and banking to register with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) from today (01).

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued this gazette as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies.

According to the relevant gazette, the people who are required to register with the IRD are listed below.

1. Practitioners registered with the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC)

2. Members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka

3. Members of the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka

4. Members of the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka

5. Members of the Association of Professional Bankers

6. Members of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects

7. Members of the Institute of Quantity Surveyors Sri Lanka

8. Attorneys-at-Law of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka

9. Individuals who have registered their businesses in Divisional Secretariats

10. Individuals who are in possession of vehicles registered (other than three-wheelers, motorcycles and hand tractors) in Motor Traffic Department

11. Individuals who have purchased or acquired, by virtue of Deeds Transfer, of any immovable property in Sri Lanka

12. Employees whose monthly contribution from both employee and employer to any Provident Fund is more than Rs. 20,000

13. Any individual who obtains approval for a building plan from a Local Authority

14. Any other individual who receives payment of Rs. 100,000 per month or Rs. 1,200,000 for a 12-month period for providing any services in Sri Lanka

In addition, all persons who have completed the age of 18 on 31 December 2023, or who will turn 18 on or after 01 January 2024, will also be subject to this new provision.

News

Upcountry train services disrupted

Published

35 mins ago

June 1, 2023

editor

Train services along the upcountry railway line were disrupted due to a rock slip on the railway line between Haliela and Uduwara Railway Stations this morning (01), the Railways Department said.

Passengers said that while the Udarata Menike train was travelling from Badulla to Colombo at 5.45 this morning, the driver saw the collapsed earth mound and immediately stopped the train preventing a major accident.

The Railways Department said that the restoration of the railway line is currently being done.

News

Annamale complains to IGP against Kassapa Thera!

Published

1 hour ago

June 1, 2023

editor

Social activist Kandasamy Annamale Sujith Priyantha alias Sujith Annamale has lodged a complaint to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) yesterday (31) saying that he and his family members have received death threats due to a statement made by Balangoda Kassapa Thera.

The complaint made by Annamale said;

“In a press conference held today (31/05/2023), Balangoda Kassapa Thera said, “Who helped from within the Aragalaya? Sujith Annamale… Sujith Annamale is the one who helped. Therefore, the CID should arrest them as soon as possible and produce them in court. If not, all the Buddhist monks behind me will take it to the street. We will not allow the Buddhist culture of this country to be destroyed.”

Annamale said that due to this statement, the life and property of his family members could be at risk.

“Therefore, please look into it and conduct a proper investigation as soon as possible and ensure the safety of my life and my property,” he said.

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