<ul><li>Targeted relief for those affected by tax burden&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>IMF conditions prevent lifting existing taxes&nbsp;</li><li>Govt has to show how revenue loss would be offset&nbsp;</li></ul> The Government is unlikely to make major changes to existing taxes in the upcoming Budget, Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Deputy Minister R M Jayawardena indicated, assuring that relief will instead be provided to people affected by the tax burden.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (02), he said that Sri Lanka's agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) did not allow the Government to remove existing taxes without demonstrating how the resulting revenue losses would be offset. "Under the agreements with the IMF, we can’t afford to lose tax revenue. Therefore, we can’t simply remove the taxes that’ve been imposed. That’s one of the conditions."&nbsp;&nbsp;He added that the Government had therefore opted to maintain the tax revenue and provide targeted assistance to affected groups. "What we’ve done is provide relief to the people without reducing taxes, while continuing to find ways to generate the required tax revenue. For example, the Government provided a Rs 6,000 allowance for schoolchildren to purchase stationery last year (2025). We’ll continue to launch such programmes."&nbsp;Jayawardena further said that the Government had discussed the issue with the IMF and requested permission to provide assistance to people affected by taxes if the taxes themselves could not be removed. "We requested that, if taxes couldn’t be removed, we should be given the opportunity to provide relief to the people affected by them. They didn’t object to our request."Sri Lanka's economic reform programme with the IMF, supported by an Extended Fund Facility, places considerable importance on strengthening Government revenue and maintaining fiscal discipline. The programme includes commitments to meet revenue targets and continue reforms to the tax system. However, the existing tax framework has drawn criticism from members of the public and business groups, with calls for taxes to be reduced or removed to ease the cost of living and the cost of doing business. Demands have included changes to the Value Added Tax and other taxes affecting goods, services and income.

 No major changes to existing taxes

The Government is preparing new Legislation to establish a National Cyber Security Regulatory Authority, which will have powers to introduce measures to strengthen data protection and prevent cyberattacks targeting Government institutions, Digital Economy Ministry Secretary T R Waruna Sri Dhanapala said. Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (2), Dhanapala said that the draft Bill had been revised for the second time following Cabinet of Ministers instructions and is expected to be presented to Parliament soon for approval.&nbsp;He said that the proposed Authority would place greater emphasis on proactive measures to prevent cyber threats, including potential attacks by hackers and other parties targeting Government institutions and their data. The Authority would also be able to introduce regulations requiring organisations providing cyber security services to obtain certification. This would include setting standards for such service providers, including requirements relating to the number of qualified professionals that they employ.&nbsp;Dhanapala said that the proposed Legislation could also provide for regulations to address the misuse of subscriber identity module cards and internal network facilities for criminal activities.Commenting on international cooperation, he said that Sri Lanka had already signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime and is looking at moving towards its ratification. Ratification could help Sri Lanka obtain international assistance in investigating cybercrime operations involving foreign nationals and activities conducted from overseas targeting the country. It could also strengthen cooperation with the International Criminal Police Organisation and cyber security focal points in other countries when cyber activities originating in Sri Lanka posed threats to the country or other nations, he said.However, Dhanapala acknowledged that only a very small number of cases had been pursued under the Computer Crimes Act, No. 24 of 2007, with attempts to pursue one or two cases not having progressed further.He said that cyber security came under the Ministry, which is currently responsible for regulating the sector and responding to complaints relating to computer-related crimes and cyber security incidents. The Ministry also alerted relevant parties and platforms, including Meta, Google and Facebook, about large-scale cyber scam operations allegedly carried out by foreign nationals.He added that other laws, including those relating to organised crime and foreign exchange violations, could also be used. Foreign nationals who entered the country on visas issued for specific purposes but engaged in other activities could also face action under the relevant laws.Meanwhile, Police Media Spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Police and attorney F.U. Wootler explained: "The problem is that most of these foreigners conduct their scamming operations overseas. Therefore, there are no local complainants, and we don’t have the necessary proceedings or evidence to initiate legal action".&nbsp;In such circumstances, the authorities examined whether the suspects had violated the Immigrants and Emigrants Act. If violations are established, action could be taken through deportation, removal or extradition. He said that when the Police raided locations suspected of being used for scam operations, electronic equipment, including laptops and mobile phones, are taken into Police custody. Investigators then obtained court orders to examine the contents of the devices. However, accessing the information is sometimes difficult because of the advanced methods used to conceal or protect the data, making it difficult to identify complainants and establish evidence.The Justice Ministry acknowledged the need to consider amendments to the Act.&nbsp;

Cyber Security Regulatory Authority mooted

The Government is exploring the possibility of transforming selected fisheries harbours into green ports, with feasibility studies currently underway to assess their potential, while budgetary allocations for the initiative are expected to be announced next year (2027).&nbsp;Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ministry Secretary Dr. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa said that fish products accompanied by certifications confirming environmentally friendly harvesting practices receive greater attention and fetch higher prices in export markets. He said that the green ports concept is expected to encourage buyers to pay higher prices for fish harvested through environmentally sustainable practices.&nbsp;"For this, measures such as reducing fuel consumption and shifting towards battery-operated boats will be taken. Budgetary allocations for developing harbours as green ports next year have been made and will be announced later. At the moment, we’re conducting feasibility studies. We’ll not be able to transform all our harbours into green ports, but we’ll look at developing as many as we can," he said.&nbsp;He further said that several criteria must be met for a harbour to qualify as a green port, adding that the Ministry is currently assessing the potential of the existing harbours, the improvements required and the associated costs. "We’re looking into the potential of our harbours, what needs to be fixed and how much we’ll have to bear for it," he said.The initiative comes amid declining profit margins among fishermen due to several factors, including quality losses in fish harvests and declining catches. Through the proposed project, the Government aims to help the fishing community secure better prices for its products.A green port is a seaport or harbour that adopts clean technologies, renewable energy and environmentally friendly practices to reduce air, water and carbon pollution while supporting maritime activities and trade. The concept has been introduced to Sri Lanka by the European Union as an approach towards promoting an environmentally sustainable and economically viable fisheries industry.

Feasibility studies underway for green ports 

<ul><li>To obtain HR, resources&nbsp;</li></ul> The Election Commission (EC) is working with the European Union (EU) and several other international organisations to obtain specialist personnel and resources needed for its work on digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI), which are difficult to secure through the Government, EC Chairperson R M A L Rathnayake said.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (2), he said that the EC had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the organisations which had agreed to provide the human resource (HR) and other assistance required. He also said that an EU delegation had already met with the EC, and that another team is expected to visit Sri Lanka in January of next year (2027) for further discussions.The EC is also working with the United Nations (UN) on the same subject, he added. “A UN team representing 18 countries came to Sri Lanka recently and held discussions with us. We had extensive discussions on digital technology and AI,” he said.He explained that the EC had first sought the resources that it needed from the Government, which provided the necessary facilities. “We request the resources that we need from the Government, and the Government provides the necessary facilities. However, there’re certain facilities that are difficult for us to obtain through the Government. We seek those from foreign organisations,” Rathnayake said.Digital technology and AI have become increasingly important to elections, particularly as political campaigns and voter communication increasingly take place on social media and other online platforms. The EC has identified the spread of misleading information, AI-generated content and online political activity as issues requiring attention.

EU and UN facilitate EC

The Government plans to provide cultivation subsidies for 12 additional food crops, apart from paddy, for the first time in history, Deputy Agriculture Minister Namal Karunaratne said. The Government has already commenced providing cultivation subsidies to farmers, amounting to a sum that no previous Government had provided.&nbsp;Farmers would be able to use the subsidy for any agricultural purpose, including purchasing fertiliser and preparing their land for cultivation.&nbsp;The Government had doubled the amount of the cultivation subsidy provided to farmers compared to the amount paid before it assumed office. "For the first time in history, farmers cultivating 12 additional crops, apart from paddy, will receive the same subsidy amount provided for paddy cultivation. This applies to farmers cultivating additional food crops on lands used for paddy cultivation," he said.&nbsp;He added that the Government was providing an unprecedented amount of financial assistance to farmers through cultivation subsidies and that the payments were already underway.

Subsidy for 12 non-paddy food crops 

The Wildlife Conservation Department has launched an investigation into the death of a wild elephant whose carcass was discovered in a forested area near a paddy field adjacent to the Kayangollawa Wewa in Kahatagasdigiliya. The Kahatagasdigiliya Police, Army Intelligence personnel and Wildlife Conservation officers have commenced investigations to identify and apprehend those suspected of being involved in the incident. The elephant's left tusk had been removed, with Wildlife Conservation officials suspecting that it had been severed using a tool after the animal's death.&nbsp;The incident was scheduled to be reported to the Kahatagasdigiliya Magistrate's Court yesterday (2). A post-mortem examination is to be conducted by the Wildlife Veterinary Unit in Pandulagama to establish the circumstances surrounding the elephant's death. Wildlife Conservation officers and Civil Defense personnel have been deployed to safeguard the carcass as investigations into the incident continue.The deceased elephant was estimated to be between 20 and 25 years of age and approximately seven feet in height.Meanwhile, the Hasthi Sena operation, launched island-wide with the aim of protecting elephants and mitigating the human-elephant conflict (HEC), commenced yesterday in Galkiriyagama of the North-Western Wildlife Region. The operation is being jointly implemented by the Environment Ministry, the Tri-Forces and the Department. It is designed as a scientifically planned programme to minimise threats to elephant populations and reduce the HEC.&nbsp;Speaking at the inaugural event, Environment Minister Dr Dammika Patabendi stated that the operation was initially launched with a focus on 17 elephants identified as being at risk. The programme is expected to cover approximately 80 per cent of areas inhabited by elephants, while the remaining 20% will be addressed through a separate programme. As part of the initiative, continuous raids and legal action will also be undertaken against illegal firearms, hakka patas, unauthorised electric fences and snares that threaten the lives of elephants.&nbsp;A team of 60 military personnel will contribute to the operation, with 10 operational teams functioning under six groups. The island-wide initiative will be carried out under the direct supervision of Army Commander, Lieutenant General Nilantha Premaratne. The Hasthi Sena operation is expected to continue through coordinated, scientifically planned measures, with the support of the relevant Government institutions and the security forces, to safeguard elephant populations and minimise the HEC.

Probe into Kahatagasdigiliya tusker death 

A former Cooperatives and Internal Trade Ministry Secretary has been arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over alleged corruption in the procurement of chairs for the Mahinda Rajapaksa Auditorium in Polgolla.&nbsp;The suspect was arrested yesterday (2). According to the CIABOC, the arrest relates to allegations that, during the procurement of chairs for the auditorium, the former Ministry Secretary had facilitated the purchase from a different private company instead of selecting the company that had submitted the lowest bid while meeting the required standards.&nbsp;The alleged actions are said to have caused a financial loss of Rs 7.97 million to the Government while conferring an undue benefit on an external party. The suspect has been accused of committing the offence of corruption in connection with the procurement process. He was scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court.

Procuring chairs for Polgolla MR auditorium: Ex-Ministry Secy nabbed by CIABOC

The Citizen Power Against Bribery, Corruption and Waste organisation has requested the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to launch an investigation into allegations that a former Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) of the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) received a bribe to halt an investigation into Krrish Transworks Colombo (Private) Limited.In a complaint dated yesterday (2) and addressed to the CIABOC, the organisation's President Kamantha Thushara alleged that an investigation into the Company, initiated by the FCID under the United National Front Government (2015-2019), had been discontinued after a bribe was allegedly paid to the then FCID SDIG.&nbsp;He referred to a letter dated 12 July 2016, bearing the reference number FCID/CONF/01/2016 and titled "Investigation in respect of sponsoring a rugby tournament by Krrish Transworks (Pvt.) Ltd.”, as evidence in support of the allegation. The letter, which was seen by The Daily Morning, stated that the FCID did not intend to pursue further legal action against the Company.&nbsp;It added that investigations into the matter did not reveal any wrongdoings or fraudulent activity. Thushara questioned the basis on which the CIABOC was investigating Opposition Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa in connection with the matter if, as stated in the letter cited in the complaint, the FCID investigation had not uncovered fraudulent activity by the Company.&nbsp;"We’d like to know if this SDIG is a member of the National People's Power's Retired Police Collective. How can he be free when some other individuals are facing legal action over the same matter?" The complaint called on the CIABOC to conduct an investigation into the allegations and take legal action against those found responsible for any wrongdoing.

Scuttling Krrish probe: CIABOC probe sought into ex-FCID SDIG

A SriLankan Airlines flight arriving from Melbourne, Australia, made an emergency landing at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake on 1 November night after smoke was detected in its cargo hold.&nbsp;However, the aircraft subsequently landed safely at the BIA, the SriLankan Airlines Head of Corporate Communications Deepal Perera said. The aircraft, flight UL 605, arrived from Melbourne at approximately 10.38 p.m. on 1 November.&nbsp;The incident occurred around 15 minutes before the aircraft was scheduled to land. Upon detecting the unusual situation, the pilot immediately alerted the Airport's operations control centre. Following the notification, emergency response arrangements were activated, with fire engines, doctors, nurses, rescue personnel and ambulances placed on standby. Nearby hospitals were also alerted to remain prepared for any emergency.&nbsp;Despite the incident, the pilot successfully landed the aircraft without any damage or injuries. The aircraft was an Airbus A330 wide-body jet carrying 258 passengers and 15 crew members. Subsequent inspections revealed that the smoke had originated from dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) used to preserve a consignment of meat stored in the cargo hold. Perera further stated that, after undergoing additional safety inspections, the aircraft departed from the BIA for another destination yesterday morning (2).&nbsp;The SriLankan Airlines has launched an investigation after Flight UL605 from Melbourne to Colombo declared an emergency following the activation of a smoke warning in the aircraft's cargo hold shortly before landing at the BIA. The flight, which was scheduled to arrive at 11.20 p.m. on 1 November, landed safely at the Airport. All passengers and crew members disembarked safely, with no injuries reported. The investigation has commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

No major changes to existing taxes

Cyber Security Regulatory Authority mooted

Cyber Security Regulatory Auth ...

Feasibility studies underway for green ports

Feasibility studies underway f ...

EU and UN facilitate EC

EU and UN facilitate EC

Subsidy for 12 non-paddy food crops

Subsidy for 12 non-paddy food ...

Probe into Kahatagasdigiliya tusker death

Probe into Kahatagasdigiliya t ...

Procuring chairs for Polgolla MR auditorium: Ex-Ministry Secy nabbed b ...

Procuring chairs for Polgolla ...

Scuttling Krrish probe: CIABOC probe sought into ex-FCID SDIG

Scuttling Krrish probe: CIABOC ...

Dry ice causes SriLankan flight scare

Dry ice causes SriLankan fligh ...

Cyber Security Regulatory Authority mooted

Cyber Security Regulatory Auth ...

Feasibility studies underway for green ports

Feasibility studies underway f ...

EU and UN facilitate EC

EU and UN facilitate EC

Subsidy for 12 non-paddy food crops

Subsidy for 12 non-paddy food ...

Probe into Kahatagasdigiliya tusker death

Probe into Kahatagasdigiliya t ...

Procuring chairs for Polgolla MR auditorium: Ex-Ministry Secy nabbed b ...

Procuring chairs for Polgolla ...

Scuttling Krrish probe: CIABOC probe sought into ex-FCID SDIG

Scuttling Krrish probe: CIABOC ...

Dry ice causes SriLankan flight scare

Dry ice causes SriLankan fligh ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Cyber Security Regulatory Authority mooted

Cyber Security Regulatory Auth ...

Feasibility studies underway for green ports

Feasibility studies underway f ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

EU and UN facilitate EC

EU and UN facilitate EC

Subsidy for 12 non-paddy food crops

Subsidy for 12 non-paddy food ...

Probe into Kahatagasdigiliya tusker death

Probe into Kahatagasdigiliya t ...

Procuring chairs for Polgolla MR auditorium: Ex-Ministry Secy nabbed b ...

Procuring chairs for Polgolla ...