News

Who’s behind taxing essential items instead of cigarettes?

Published

1 year ago

December 8, 2022

editor

The government is not adhering to a correct tax policy when it comes to the tobacco company, and as a result the country is losing revenue in taxes, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said.

He expressed these views at a joint press conference held in Colombo for the first time with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.

The MP pointed out that the tobacco company has earned Rs.40 billion in 2021 and Rs.50 billion in 2022.

However, he said the government is taxing the essential items used by the poor instead of taxing the tobacco company.

Officials in tobacco company’s pocket

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa made a disclosure in this regard in Parliament and revealed that former finance minister Basil Rajapaksa cut the tax on Capstan cigarettes by 50%.

As a result, he said the country loses Rs.63 billion per year.

It was also revealed that some politicians and officials are in the pockets of tobacco companies.

News

Iran – SL sign 5 MoUs (Video)

Published

12 hours ago

April 24, 2024

editor

Iran and Sri Lanka signed five memorandums of understanding (MoUs), aimed at bolstering bilateral relations between the two countries.

The MoUs signed will cover cooperation in film, media, tourism, cooperatives, libraries, and cultural, scientific, technical, and sports fields between the two countries, the Presidential Media Division notes.

Earlier in the evening, the Iranian President – Dr. Ebrahim Raisi and his Sri Lankan counterpart President Wickremesinghe held one-on-one discussions, followed by a bilateral meeting between representatives of both nations at the Presidential Secretariat.

(Video – PMD)

BIZ

Imported milk powder prices slashed

Published

13 hours ago

April 24, 2024

editor

The price of imported milk powder will be reduced with effect from tomorrow (April 25), the Milk Powder Importers’ Association states.

Accordingly, the price of a 01 kg pack will drop by Rs. 250 – Rs. 300 while the price of 400g pack will be slashed by Rs. 100ත් – Rs. 130.

News

Injunction against Wijedasa and Sarathie

Published

17 hours ago

April 24, 2024

editor

The Colombo District Court today (April 24) issued an injunction order preventing the appointment of Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as the Acting Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).
The court has also issued an injunction order preventing MP Sarathie Dushmantha Mithrapala from functioning as the General Secretary of SLFP.

Colombo District Judge Sandun Withana issued these orders after considering a complaint filed against the respective appointments.