• Authorities to strengthen Min. probe units with investigative officers 

In the wake of reports that the Suriyawewa Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) is charging a market tax, Prime Minister and Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that the current method violates the tax policy and that if taxes or fees are collected, it must transfer into a service or facility for the people. 

The Premier made these remarks while addressing public gatherings held on 27 April in the areas of Suriyawewa, Hungama, and Tangalle in the Hambantota District.

Addressing the gatherings she stated: “A contract has been given to collect these taxes, meaning that the money is being collected by a third party. If the taxes collected were genuinely used for the maintenance of the market complex, it should be in excellent condition. The income of the Suriyawewa PS amounts to Rs. 110 million. If that money had been properly used for the PS, today, it would be in the best condition. This indicates that the money has ended up in someone else’s hands”.

“Despite instructions not to collect money in schools, we continue to receive complaints that it is still happening. We are taking necessary actions to address this matter. However, there are currently insufficient investigative officers to conduct thorough investigations. We are working to strengthen the investigative units within the Ministries. The results of the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level Examination were released. However, there are some students who don’t yet have a clear path. This education system has not set up proper pathways for them. Through our new programmes, we have prepared a plan to properly guide all students. We will launch this programme starting in 2026,” she added.