News

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued a special gazette notification, amending the portfolios of 08 ministries. The amendments are effective from Thursday (Dec 22).

As per the gazette, the Multipurpose Development Task Force Department, which was under the purview of the Ministry of Defence, has been listed under the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils & Local Government.

Meanwhile, the Kidney Fund is now gazetted under the Ministry of Health after it was removed from the portfolio of the Ministry of Women, Child Affairs & Social Empowerment.

The Vidatha Centres, which were under the purview of the Ministry of Education, will now function under the Ministry of Industries.

As per the gazette, the Ministry of Agriculture has been assigned to oversee Regional Economic Centres and the broadening of the market for local farm products. These were previously assigned to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce & Food Security.

Meanwhile, Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties, No. 02 of 2018 and Safeguard Measures Act, No. 03 of 2018 have been gazetted under the Ministry of Trade, Commerce & Food Security.

The new commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday (19).

Vice Admiral Perera assumed command as 25th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy on Sunday (18), after he was elevated to the rank of three-star Admiral.

In keeping with the tradition, the new Navy Commander met with the President and presented a memento to mark the occasion.

Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera's illustrious career has been enriched with vast experience in the Sri Lanka Navy, in various capacities and the officer has held command at sea and earned victories in battle as a Squadron Commander in the prestigious 4th Fast Attack Flotilla, the teeth arm of the Sri Lanka Navy fleet, as well as a Group Commander in the Special Boat Squadron at the height of the looming terrorist activities.

He is also one of the Commanding Officers who led the Special Boat Squadron of the Navy and has been the Officer in Charge of Naval Diving and Salvage Unit, spearheading some crucial salvage work. At sea he has commanded a series of Fast Attack Craft, Fast Gun Boats, Landing Craft, Fast Passenger Craft, Sa’ar 4 Class Fast Missile Vessel and his last command at sea has been SLNS Sagara, an Offshore Patrol Vessel.

Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera is a recipient of Rana Soora Padakkama (RSP) thrice for conspicuous display of gallantry in combat and Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP) for unblemished service and devotion to duty. The senior officer has been commended by former Commanders of the Navy seven times for his leadership and professional conduct in challenging circumstances and tasks.

He holds the record of being the first to circumnavigate Sri Lanka in a sea kayak and formerly held office as General Secretary of National Association of Canoeing and Kayaking in Sri Lanka

Prof. Ashu Marasinghe has stepped down as the Presidential Advisor on Parliamentary Affairs with immediate effect.

Marasinghe resigned from the post citing personal reasons, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act comes into force from Monday (19), said the Sri Lankan Parliament in a facebook post.

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena endorsed the certificate on the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill which was passed by a majority of votes after debate in Parliament.

Following the debate on the second reading of the bill held recently (09) a division was called by the opposition. Accordingly, 83 votes were cast in favor of the Bill and 41 votes were cast against.

A division was called for the Third Reading of the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill by the Opposition to which 79 votes were cast in favor of the Bill and 36 votes were cast against.

Accordingly, this bill comes into force as Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No. 45 of 2022 from today.

The new tax regime will impose an extraordinary maximum 36% tax bracket on monthly income, with the lowest bracket starting at 6% for those earning over Rs. 100,000/- per month.

Monthly income of up to Rs. 100,000/- will be free from tax. A person who earns Rs. 350,000/- a month will be subject to all six tax brackets and will have to pay a tax of Rs. 52,500/- per month.

Lanka Sathosa Limited on Friday (23) announced the price reduction of seven items.

1. Potatoes (1kg) reduced by Rs. 5/- to Rs. 285/-.

2. Big Onions (1kg) reduced by Rs. 5/- to Rs. 185/-.

3. White Sugar (1kg) reduced by Rs. 6/- to Rs. 218/-.

4. Red Dhal (1kg) reduced by Rs. 11/- to Rs. 374/-.

5. 425g canned fish (local) reduced by Rs. 15/- to Rs. 475/-.

6. Chilli (1kg) reduced by Rs. 15/- to Rs. 1,780/-.

7. Sprats (1kg) reduced by Rs. 50/- to Rs. 1,100/-.

The luxury cruise liner ‘Ocean Odyssey’, carrying 108 high-end passengers from the United States, reached the Colombo Port on Sunday (18).

The cruise ship is scheduled to set off for Trincomalee tomorrow (19). The passengers of Ocean Odyssey will travel the country before boarding the cruise ship December 21 at the Trincomalee Harbour, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation said.

Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva also participated in the ceremony organised at the port to welcome the passengers of the cruise ship.

The 2022-built MS Ocean Odyssey cruise ship is an ice-strengthened (polar class 1A / PC6) expedition vessel inaugurated in February 2022.

The vessel is owned by SunStone Ships Inc (USA) and operated under charter by Vantage Cruise Line – subsidiary and brand owned by Vantage Travel Service Inc (brand name “Vantage Deluxe World Travel”).

On November 29, the super luxury passenger cruise ship "Mein Schiff 5" had arrived at the Colombo Port with 2,000 tourists on board.

Dinesh Weerakkody has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Investment.

The appointment was made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Wednesday (21).

Dinesh Weerakkody is a former Chairman of Hatton National Bank PLC and Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC. He is also a former Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka and Vice Chairman of the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors.

According to the President's Media Division, the other board members are Dr. Dushni Weerakoon, Chandani Wijewardena & Eraj de Silva.

Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, RSP **, USP, ndu, psc, was appointed as the 25th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy on 18th December 2022, after being elevated to the rank of three-star Admiral.

The appointment was made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera is a product of the Royal College, Colombo.

He joined the Sri Lanka Navy in the Executive Branch in 1987 as an Officer Cadet of the 05th Intake of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.

He was awarded the ‘Sword of Honour’ for the best in the batch upon successful completion of naval training from the Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee.

He was commissioned in the rank of Acting Sub Lieutenant in 1989 and graduated from the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Defence Studies) with honours.

In pursuing academics, he has completed a Post Graduate Diploma in International Relations at Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies and has also been conferred with a Master’s in Science Degree (Defence Studies) in Management from the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.

He also holds a Master’s Degree of Maritime Policy with Distinctions from the University of Wollongong, Australia. Additionally, in pursuing of professional progress he has obtained specialization in Clearance Diving from the Indian Naval Diving Training School and in Principle Warfare from the Pakistan Navy.

He is an alumnus of the US Naval War College from where he has passed the US Naval Staff Course and National Defence University of People’s Liberation Army, People’s Republic of China, having attended Defence and Strategic Studies Course in 2018-19 and conferred with a Master of Military Sciences Strategic Studies.

He has rendered more than thirty-five years of distinguished service to the Sri Lanka Navy with a reputation of a dedicated, professionally competent and an inspiring leader.

His illustrious career has been enriched with vast experience in the Sri Lanka Navy, in various capacities and the officer has held command at sea and earned victories in battle as a Squadron Commander in the prestigious 4th Fast Attack Flotilla, the teeth arm of the Sri Lanka Navy fleet, as well as a Group Commander in the Special Boat Squadron at the height of the looming terrorist activities.

He is also one of the Commanding Officers who led the Special Boat Squadron of the Navy and has been the Officer in Charge of Naval Diving and Salvage Unit, spearheading some crucial salvage work. At sea he has commanded a series of Fast Attack Craft, Fast Gun Boats, Landing Craft, Fast Passenger Craft, Sa’ar 4 Class Fast Missile Vessel and his last command at sea has been SLNS Sagara, an Offshore Patrol Vessel.

His key shore appointments include the Commandant SLNS Shiksha, the main recruit training center of SLN, Director Naval Training, Director Naval Operations, Director Naval Foreign Cooperation, Director Maritime Special Forces, Head of the Naval Research Wing, Deputy Area Commander North Central Naval Area, Commander Southern Naval Area, Commander Northern Naval Area, Deputy Chief of Staff and finally as the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy.

Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera is a recipient of Rana Soora Padakkama (RSP) thrice for conspicuous display of gallantry in combat and Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP) for unblemished service and devotion to duty.

The senior officer has been commended by former Commanders of the Navy seven times for his leadership and professional conduct in challenging circumstances and tasks.

His prowess in sports is very versatile ranging from aquatic sports of swimming, water polo, windsurfing, kayaking and speed boating to adventure, cycling, musketry, fencing and archery among other things.

He holds the record of being the first to circumnavigate Sri Lanka in a sea kayak and formerly held office as General Secretary of National Association of Canoeing and Kayaking in Sri Lanka, working diligently to promote paddle sport in the country.

He is also an International Technical Official in Canoe Sprint and Dragon Boat discipline of International Canoe Federation and a qualified level one coach in canoeing.

Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera is married to Mrs. Mala Lamahewa and they are blessed with two sons Sachith (24) and Shamal (21).

More than 9,300 police personnel are to be promoted to their immediate higher rank, according to a cabinet decision.

From constable to inspector, 8,312 male and 1,005 female officers will get their long-overdue promotions accordingly.

Ministers approved the relevant paper submitted by public security minister Tiran Alles.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed relevant officials to take immediate steps to develop the Ella tourist area according to a grand comprehensive plan.

The President also informed the officials to prepare the relevant development plan within 4 months together with the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Urban Development and the Ministry of Environment and submit it to him.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the President issued these instructions during the discussion held with the Ella Businessmen’s Association today (16).

The President pointed out the need to plan the Ella tourism zone formally and according to a proper plan and also pointed out the importance of carrying out its construction activities in an environmentally friendly manner to avoid disturbing the tourist attraction.

The PMD stated that President Ranil Wickremesinghe further stated that under the first phase, the Ella tourism zone will be developed through a formal plan, and then steps will be taken to make the entire Uva Province a preferred destination for tourists.

Expressing his views, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said, “Ella is a tourist area created by the people of this area. It now contributes widely to Sri Lanka’s economy. We hope to develop this tourist zone according to a new comprehensive development plan. I have instructed the officials to take steps to provide short-term solutions to the problems that have arisen in this area.”

“Today, tourists visiting the Maldives spend about $500 a day. However, tourists who come to the Ella area spend twenty dollars a day. We must change this situation. Trained workers are needed for the promotion of the tourism industry. Experienced tourism workers left the country during the last Covid epidemic. They were very experienced workers. Tourists, who spend $500, come expecting good service. We need trained employees to provide such a service.”

“Steps should be taken to create a good tourism service under this massive development program. Those tourists who arrive in the Uva Province should spend at least 07 days there. We need to make new plans with that objective in mind,” he said.

President Wickremesinghe further said, “We have to arrange to attract the tourists visiting the Eastern Province to Ella thereafter. This new development plan should include a program to develop the Mattala Airport and bring tourists directly from Mattala to Ella. These plans would be effective for the country’s development both in the short term and in the long term.”

“We must work to maintain the banking sector in the country without letting it collapse while developing the tourism sector. If the banking system collapses, tourists will not come to our country. Therefore, the government has a program to protect both the tourism and banking sectors. As we would implement it, I request you all support it,” he added.

The PMD stated that President Ranil Wickremesinghe resolved many of the issues raised by the Ella Businessmen during the meeting with them and the prompt action taken by the President to address their issues was highly appreciated by the Ella business community.

Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, Harin Fernando, State Ministers Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, Governor of the Uva Province A.J.M. Musammil, Chief of Presidential Staff and President’s Senior Adviser on National Security Sagala Ratnayake, Badulla District Secretary Damayanthi Paranagama and several others participated in the discussion.

Hanaa Singer, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Sri Lanka, who is leaving upon completion of her service, paid a courtesy call on President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday (19).

The President engaged in cordial conversation with Singer and thanked her for the services she had rendered to Sri Lanka and wished her the best of luck in her future endeavours.

Hanaa Singer herved as the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Sri Lanka since September 07, 2018.

As the UN Resident Coordinator in Srilanka, Ms Hanaa Singer led a UN Country Team of 22 resident and non-resident UN Agencies. She is the representative of the UN Secretary-General in Sri Lanka.

Ms Singer has worked for close to 30 years across development and humanitarian contexts at various senior management and strategic leadership roles.

Prior to this appointment, she has held several senior management positions in UNICEF offices across the world, including as the Associate Regional Director in Geneva and as Country Representative for Syria, Nepal, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

In Syria, she provided strategic leadership to one of the largest protection crises on the global stage – successfully scaling up programmes through an integrated package of high impact interventions in health, nutrition, water and sanitation, education and child protection - increasing the reach of UNICEF’s work to the most vulnerable children including in besieged and hard-to-reach areas.

As UNICEF chief in Nepal, she pioneered strategic programmes for scaling up sanitation, adolescents and multisectoral nutrition programmes, establishing strategic new alliances resulting in the government adopting national action plans. She has also led humanitarian programmes in Burundi and Haiti, and managed cross border humanitarian operations to Afghanistan and Iraq among other areas and provided technical support to programmes in the North Caucasus, Kosovo, Macedonia, Georgia, Tajikistan and Bosnia.

A national of Egypt, Ms Singer holds a Master's degree in Political Sociology and a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the American University in Cairo, Egypt. She also holds a diploma in “Planning and Management of Decentralized Development Projects” from Bradford University in the United Kingdom.

Ms Singer has engaged in academia and research in political sociology and international relations at the American University of Cairo and at the Sadat’s Academy for Management Sciences, Faculty of Political Science of Cairo University. She is the author and co-author of two publications on social change in the Middle East.

Businesswoman Thilini Priyamali who was remanded over a large-scale financial fraud has been released on conditional bail.

The Fort Magistrate’s Court released her on strict conditional bail when the case pertaining to the financial fraud was taken up for hearing today (16).

Priyamali was arrested in early October for financially defrauding several businessmen, politicians, and civil, religious, and political leaders. Investigations into the financial fraud revealed that she had allegedly defrauded Rs. 1.28 billion.

The Criminal Investigation Department thereafter arrested and remanded Isuru Bandara, the alleged business partner of Thilini Priyamali.

In November, Buddhist monk Ven. Borelle Sirisumana Thero and Sri Lankan corporate personality, Janaki Siriwardana were arrested and remanded in connection to the financial fraud linked to Thilini Priyamali.

Janaki Siriwardana was working in the Colombo Fort Krish Project at the time of her involvement with Thilini Priyamali, during which she had introduced a businessman to Priyamali. The latter is accused of defrauding over Rs. 226 million from the businessman.

Ven. Borelle Sirisumana Thero was arrested based on information that was revealed during investigations into the financial frauds committed by Thilini Priyamali.

All suspects, including Thilini Priyamali, arrested over the financial fraud case have been released on bail as of today.