Vehicle prices go up with VAT - Importers

The prices of imported vehicle would be increased due to the major foreign currency fluctuation with no change in the present situation in tax regime, Chairman of Lanka Vehicle Importers' Association Mahinda Sarathchandra said. 

He said that three vehicle associations including Brand-new Vehicle Importers Association and two other Used Vehicle Importers Associations yesterday met with the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake at the Finance Ministry regarding the increase in the VAT.

 During the discussion the Finance Minister stated that no changes could be made to the tax. He said if there was no change to the VAT before May 2 vehicle prices would be increased by Rs. 300,000 and Rs.400,000. “The vehicle importation industry has faced a huge downfall due to this prevailing economic pattern. 

He said that an importer who imported 100 vehicle would now could import on 30 because of the VAT hike. Yesterday the Prime Minister appointed a committee to solve the legal issues regarding vehicle importation. 

“We have requested the Finance Minister to provide a considerable relief on tax concessions imposed on vehicle imports and the Minister said that is under consideration,” Mr. Sarathchandra said. “The Finance Minister said the earlier tax concessions made more people to buy vehicles and because of that, the number of vehicles on the road had increased causing huge road traffic congestion,” he said. “The main idea of imposing more tax on vehicle import was to limit vehicles put on to the road,” he said. 

When contacted the Brand New Motor Vehicle Importers Association President Gihan Pilapitiya said there would be no duty changes but valuation of brand new vehicles and the Customs Duty should be reviewed. “The prices of brand new vehicles are decided by relevant vehicle manufacturing companies. 

Without considering the manufacture’s price, it is not reasonable to increase the Customs Tax according to Government decisions,” he said. “But according to our knowledge the Value Added Tax (VAT) is not relevant to decide the vehicle price but all the taxes, which had to be imposed, have already being imposed,” he said. (Chaturanga Pradeep)

Using term “Joint Opposition” unethical

The Media Secretary of Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media through a press release today notified the media that it was unlawful and unethical to use the term “Joint Opposition” to describe a certain number of parliamentarians from the government, working with other opposition parliamentarians.

Issuing a press release, the secretary further added that this had been informed due to the misuse of media freedom and unethical behaviour by certain parties in the media for personal gain.

Rajagiriya accident: Cell phone belongs to Minister Patali Ranawaka

The Welikada Police yesterday informed Colombo Additional Magistrate (Traffic) Chandana Kalansuriya that investigations into the cell phone used in connection with the accident in which two youths suffered injuries at Rajagiriya in late February this year, have proved that the cell phone found in the offending vehicle belongs to Minister Patali Ranawaka.

The cell phone bearing number 0716826067 which belongs to Minister Ranawaka had been clearly recorded by signal towers abutting the route by which the jeep was allegedly driven by the minister concerned.

When the case pertaining to the causing of injuries to two youths Sandeep Sampath and Manula Minsuka Abeysundera on 29 February was taken for hearing yesterday, the Police submitted a progress report to Court concerning inquiries into the incident.

ASP Priyadarshana Herath of the Welikada Police Division told Court "Two investigations related to this particular incident were held directly under my supervision. The Welikada OIC was tasked with conducting inquiries into the accident while the inquiries related to the driver of the Minister's jeep was conducted by the Padukka OIC. The case inquiry reports have already been submitted to Court."

Welikada Police OIC Sudath Asmadale told Court, "As per the Court order on 30 March, further investigations were conducted. Already three attempts were made to get a statement recorded from Sandeep who is currently under treatment at the Ragama Hospital. However, due to the critical medical condition of the patient it has still not been possible to get any statement from him. A statement was however recorded from the Director of the Ragama Hospital on 8 April concerning the patient's medical condition. The Hospital Director in his statement has said that though there is no threat to the patient's life, the patient is still not in a stable enough condition to make such a statement. He has stated that the patient is able to speak but is still weak and that tubes once inserted into his stomach through which he was fed have also been removed. But, as the patient is currently not in a frame of mind to speak at length or even discuss the incident , we intend to record a statement from him in due course. Also all cell phone records from Minister Patali Ranawaka who is alleged to have driven the vehicle which had caused the accident were obtained from the relevant cell phone companies. As per the Court order, records from six cell phone companies were sought. However, four cell phone companies insisted that they have not provided any cell phone facilities to the

minister concerned. The Mobitel Company had provided the minister five cell phones out of which one had been disconnected on 11 January 2011. The Dialog Company has provided the Minister concerned with four cell phones with one connection being disconnected on 11 July 2011. The signal tower records of cell phone used by the Minister were obtained by the Police without any hindrance to the minister's privacy and these records are only related to the time period related directly to the incident. One cell phone bearing number 0716826067 had been taken away by his driver Thusitha Kelum Kumara at the time of the accident. This particular cell phone has been used by the minister as his main mobile phone at public outings. Related to this incident, details were obtained concerning three other phones used by the minister from the Secretary General of Parliament.

Out of those three phones two were fixed lines and one cell phone had been disconnected on 7 July 2015. Also CCTV camera footage was obtained from 24 establishments within a close circumference of the route where the accident took place. Statements were recorded from the managers and owners of each of those 24 companies. Also CCTV camera footage was obtained on CDs from five of those firms. Those copies show that a vehicle with two large headlights was moving on that road. However, it is difficult to identify the person who is behind the wheel of that vehicle or its number plate. The five CDs with the CCTV camera footage are hereby submitted to Court. We request Court to order the computer division of the Moratuwa University to submit a report containing the zoomed pictures on the CCTV camera footage. Furthermore, CCTV cameras fixed at the Borella junction were also studied by the Police. However, we have been told that CCTV camera footage gets automatically deleted within five days. Statements were recorded with great difficulty from eight suspects related to this incident. We asked them whether there was any pressure or threat exerted on them against giving evidence in the case. One witness, Umesh Ranganath Udaya Kumara, told us that he had been threatened twice on cell phone 0778643978, and that those phone conversations had been recorded by him. Further investigations were conducted concerning the jeep involved in the accident. According to the report filed by the Motor Traffic Controller the motor cycle involved in the accident could not have been driven on a main road. That is supposed to be a motor cycle which is used for sports events. Inquiries are conducted to decipher whether the engine number of the motor cycle had been changed."

Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved party in the case Counsel Rasika de Silva, Kalpani Gunasekera and Nuwan Jayawardene told Court that "The police have clearly carried out inquiries in a manner that is partial or biased in favour of the Minister concerned. If the motor cycle is not legally permitted in the roads its riders would have fled the scene immediately. But, nothing of the sort happened. It was they who lodged a complaint to the Police regarding the accident. Would they have done such a thing if they were riding a motor cycle that has been banned from being ridden on normal roads? The Police are claiming that the cell phone belongs to the minister and that it was used for public events by him. The Police have said that the cell phone had been given by the Minister to his driver. But, this driver does not belong to the Minister's permanent staff. That driver is from another Ministry. However, there's been no inquiry into that. There is no inquiry into the driving of vehicle belonging to a Minister without a running chart after 10 in the night."

Magistrate – Is the public telephone a fixed line or a cell phone?

Police – It is a cell phone.

Magistrate – What is the cell phone number?

Police – 0716826067

Counsel Nuwan Jayawardene – From that cell phone number, the Police have supposedly called a senior officer in the Police at the very moment the accident took place. This accident occurred at Rajagiriya. From that place, it is only 50 metres to the Welikada Police station. However, they had gone to the Borella Police station which is situated

2 kilometres further. If minister Ranawaka was the defendant in this case this driver would have been released. What this particular driver should do is to support the aggrieved party in this case. This driver is today in the dock for no fault of his. It is the minister instead who should be in it. There is clear evidence that this accident was caused by Minister Ranawaka. When the accident took place, the jeep was clearly driven by the minister concerned. It is he (minister) who has tried to distort the facts. Hence we request the Court to name the Minister concerned as one of the suspects in this case. The Police could easily arrest the Minister as one of the suspects and produce him in Court. The Police also said that the CCTV footage gets deleted within five days. Then how could justice be meted out if a suspect flees to a faraway place after having committed a crime? Therefore we urge all the CCTV camera footage to be sent to the Moratuwa University computer division for verification. It is crystal clear that the Minister after having caused the accident fled the scene. The motorcycle is not one that is deemed as illegal to be driven on normal roads. It has been authorized by the Ministry of Defence and it can be driven on any main road. We urge the Court to inquire from the Police as to why they are reluctant to arrest the real suspect in this case who is the minister concerned and to hand over further investigations to the CID.

ASP Priyadarshana Herath – The President, PM or Ministers do not carry cell phones. All of their cell phones are in the possession of their security officers or drivers. All of the six cell phones used by the Minister were in possession of his security officers or drivers.

Counsel Nuwan Jayawardene – Then was it the driver in the dock today who had called the IGP?

ASP Herath – We are unbiased and independent. The aggrieved party should help the Police. There are three factions in this incident. We do not know which faction the aggrieved party is representing?

Welikada OIC – We have done our utmost in this investigation. The only thing that is left to be done is a DNA test. If that is the requirement then that too could be done.

Padukka OIC – 16 independent witnesses' statements were recorded related to this accident, while 15 Police witnesses were also recorded. On the day of the accident statements from all Police officers at the main gate to the OIC of the Borella Police were also recorded.

Counsel Maithree Guneratna appearing for driver Dilum Thusitha Kumara – The aggrieved party has started to show undue concern towards my client all of a sudden. The first statement was given by the witnesses at 12.30 a.m. At the time the story was yet to be aired by the media. However, later everything changed. If a charge sheet is produced against us then we are for closing this case as early as possible. The aggrieved party is using the law to achieve vested interests. We urge that they not be allowed to use the Court to achieve their vested interests by misleading Court. We also request the Court to release our jeep.

Counsel Nuwan Jayawardene – The aggrieved party is not here to mislead the Court and we have not done anything of the sort implied by the Counsel. My client is still recovering in hospital and for us this is not just another case. The person who had committed the accident had fled the scene and instead someone else has been produced on his behalf. If the real suspect is arrested, then the person who is in the dock can be released.

Counsel Guneratna – No legal action could be filed either against my client or any other person.

Magistrate's Order –The main issue in this case revolves round the CCTV camera footage. The Police are hereby ordered to submit the camera footage to the Moratuwa University and seek a detailed report regarding the driver of the jeep, its other occupants, identify the make and model of the jeep and its number plate etc. Once those reports are received, Court will decide whether to name Minister Ranawaka as one of the suspects in the case. The jeep involved in the accident is hereby released on a bond of Rs. 5 million and the motor cycle on a bond of

Rs 500,000. The jeep is released to the route manager of the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy. The Police are ordered to seek CCTV camera footage report ASAP.

The case was postponed to 15 June.

Sanath Jayasuriya returns as Sri Lanka chief selector

Former Sri Lanka captain and chairman of selectors Sanath Jayasuriya heads a four-member cricket selection committee that will function from May 1 for a period of one year.

Former cricketers Romesh Kaluwitharana and Ranjith Madurasinghe are retained in the new committee from the previous one headed by Aravinda de Silva.

Jayasuriya and Eric Upashantha, a former Sri Lanka fast bowler replace Kumar Sangakkara and De Silva from the previous committee that was appointed for a period of 40 days ending April 30 to oversee the selection of the squad to the ICC World T20 where Sri Lanka fared poorly failing to defend the title they won in 2014.

The selection committee: Sanath Jayasuriya (chairman), Romesh Kaluwitharana, Ranjith Madurasinghe and Eric Upashantha.

Former LTTE intelligence member abducted

Former head of LTTE intelligence for Trincomalee, “Kalayan” had reportedly been abducted by an unknown group, his wife “Siththara” stated making a compliant to the Human Rights Commission’s office in Trincomalee.

Siththara alleges, that her husband had been abducted on 24 April, in front of the Human Rights Commission office in Trincomalee, after arriving to make a statement regarding several persons questioning him the previous (23) night. She further added that her husband had recently returned from India.

Govt. seeks investor For SriLankan Airlines

The government is calling for proposals from interested parties to enter into a business venture with the national carrier SriLankan Airlines, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

The Finance Ministry has already been instructed to call for expressions of interest for investment in the national carrier or enter into a partnership.

The national airline has accumulated debt to the tune of $ 3.5 billion (Rs. 460 billion), an unbearable burden to the country’s economy, he said.

“If we don’t solve the issue of debt in SriLankan Airlines now, the airline will go bankrupt, the country’s economy will collapse, and our tourism sector will also collapse. This should not be allowed to happen,” Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said.

Three papers were passed by the Cabinet regarding the management of SriLankan Airlines; one is to enter into a partnership with the viable business partner.

The options before the government in managing the situation was either to close down the business – which was not entertained, or to enter into a partnership to manage the airline, the Prime Minister said. The government will finance and manage the airline till October this year or until a viable partnership is established. The Finance Ministry has allocated $ 201 million for this purpose, while a further loan of $ 76 million has been obtained with the government signing as the guarantor.

To minimise future losses, SriLankan Airlines has also been instructed to explore the possibility of cancelling the order for four new aircraft.

“We have been informed that the manufacturing of the aircraft has not yet begun, therefore we have asked the airline to see if we can cancel the order,” he said. Special Assignments Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama said the government is looking for a large scale airline operator to enter into partnership to support and manage SriLankan Airlines.

Criticising the past government’s decision to terminate the agreement with Emirates, the minister said they are looking for a business partner of similar capacity.

Amunugama also assured that that no SriLankan employee would lose their jobs in the restructuring process.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that this is one of the measures taken by the government to ensure that the country’s economy averts any possible crisis situation in the future.

The government is also planning to establish a separate office in Parliament to deal with all matters relating to state finance, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said adding that a draft bill has been prepared to enable Parliament to gain more control and monitor power on all state financial matters.

“To prevent issues such as SriLankan Airlines from arising in the future we have also drafted an Audit bill. But to manage already existing issues we will have to go into a partnership,” Wickremesinghe said.

More Panama Papers data to be released on May 9

The Washington-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) is scheduled to publish on May 9 the largest-ever release of information about secret offshore companies and the people behind them, based on data from the controversial Panama Papers investigation.

At least three (still to be identified) Sri Lankan companies and their associates are said to be among the data collated by journalists in a massive exposure that has so far led to the resignation of Iceland’s Prime Minister. In Colombo, an advisor to Megapolis Minister Champika Ranawaka resigned after his name figured in a list of offshore accounts released in an earlier ICIJ probe, but which was carried by local websites a few weeks ago.

In an April 27 announcement, the ICIJ said its “searchable database” will include information about more than 200,000 companies, trusts, foundations and funds incorporated in 21 tax havens, from Hong Kong to Nevada in the United States.

“This release is the next step in our ongoing year-long investigation; ICIJ and its partners will continue to investigate and publish more stories in the weeks and months to come,” it said.

ICIJ said the impact of Panama Papers has been epic. The investigation has led to high profile resignations, including the prime minister of Iceland; triggered official inquiries in multiple countries; and put pressure on world leaders and other politicians, such as Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron, to explain their connections to offshore companies. It sparked a new sense of urgency among lawmakers and regulators to close loopholes and make information about the owners of shell companies public, it said.

The data comes from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca, one of the top players in the offshore world. It links to people in more than 200 countries and territories. When the data is released, users will be able to search through the data and visualize the networks around thousands of offshore entities, including, when possible, Mossack Fonseca’s internal records of the company’s true owners. The interactive database will also include information about more than 100,000 additional companies that were part of the 2013 ICIJ Offshore Leaks investigation.

ICIJ said it won’t release personal data en masse; the database will not include records of bank accounts and financial transactions, emails and other correspondence, passports and telephone numbers. The selected and limited information is being published in the public interest.

The Panama Papers investigation revealed the secret offshore dealings of world leaders and other politicians as well as criminals and celebrities. It exposed the role of big banks in facilitating secrecy and tax evasion and avoidance. And it showed how companies and individuals blacklisted in the U.S. and elsewhere for their links to terrorism, drug trafficking and other crimes were able to do business through offshore jurisdictions.

In the US, where several states act as tax havens for people from all over the world, President Barack Obama commented on the Panama Papers revelations and said global tax avoidance facilitated by secrecy jurisdictions is “a huge problem.” The president added that “a lot of it is legal, but that’s exactly the problem. It’s not that they’re breaking the laws, it’s that the laws are so poorly designed.” – (Feizal)

Two Colombo school Girls die in train accident

Two students who were injured after a being hit by a train along the Dehiwela railway tracks, succumbed to their injuries last evening, the Police Media Unit stated.

The two students aged 19 from a girls' school in Bambalapitiya, was reportedly attending a party, when the incident took place, the PMU added.

The sources added that the two students had gotten off from their vehicle and attempted to cross the railway line, when they were run over by the train. Residents of the area further added that the two girls had not heard the sound of the train nor the shouting of the people as they were wearing mobile headsets.

The victims have been identified as Sheron Sweleen and Imeshi Yasara, residents of Wallette and Kelaniya. The remains of the victims have kept at the morgue of the Kalubowila hospital and post-mortems are scheduled to be conducted. Dehiwela police is conducting further

Dematagoda Chaminda’s Financial Controller arrested

Thamindu, who is said to be the main financial controller of underworld leader Dematagoda Chaminda, was arrested with Rs 1.5 million and 5g of heroin worth Rs 125,000 by the Walana Anti Vice Squad yesterday at Narahenpita.

Thamindu is said to be in possession of a 168-page book, which details how the revenue, earned through Chaminda's drug business, should be distributed.

A top Police officer involved in the investigations told that the book contained the official ranks of several Prisons Department officers.

Police investigations had also revealed that following the arrest of Dematagoda Chaminda last November, Thamindu had been entrusted with the task of managing the drug trade.

Police added that 84 pages of the book are in code.

Geetha Kumarasinghe to participate in Joint Opposition May Day rally

Galle District MP and the SLFP organizer for Bentara-Elpitiya electorate Geetha Kumarasinghe today said that she will participate in the May Day rally organised by the Joint Opposition in Kirulapone.

Kumarasinghe said that threats of disciplinary action will not deter her from taking part in the joint opposition rally likely to be held under the leadership of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Kumarasinghe went on to say that she had reliable information that over 40 UPFA parliamentarians have already decided to participate the Kirulapone rally.
She also predicted that a large group of her supporters will attend the joint opposition May Day rally and added that already 20 buses have been obtained to transport them to Kirulapone.

However 7 out of 10 SLFP electoral organizers in the Galle district have announced that they will take part in the SLFP May Day rally held in Galle. They are Shan Wijeyalal, Chandima Weerakkody, Nishantha Mutuhettigama, Manusha Nanayakkara, Piyasena Gamage, Sajin Vass Gunewardene and Gunaratne Weerakoon.

Meanwhile Akmeemana SLFP electoral organizer Dr.Ramesh Pathirana and Ratgama organizer Mohan Silva are likely to join Kumarsinghe at the Kirulapone rally.

Gammanpila challenges IGP to arrest Opposition Leader R.Sampanthan

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader and MP Udaya Gammanpila yesterday challenged the newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundara to arrest Opposition Leader R.Sampanthan to show his impartiality when implementing the law.

He was addressing a press conference at the N.M. Perera Centre in Borella. He said Opposition Leader R.Sampanthan along with several TNA MPs and a group of NGO representatives had forcefully entered an Army Camp belonging to the Gajaba Regiment in Palavipachchan in Kilinochchi on April 16.

He pointed out the Army had lodged a Police complaint in this regard on the same day.

“The IGP speaking to the media after assuming duties said that he was ready to discharge his duties impartially. However, we should judge the IGP not by his words, but by his actions. The above incident is an opportunity for him to show his impartiality.

Sampanthan had entered the premises forcefully, disturbed the duty of army personnel and had stated that the army camp should be removed.

He had noted those lands should be given back to the Tamil people. So far, the law has not been implemented against him despite the Police complaint lodged.

“We challenge the IGP to arrest the Opposition Leader if possible and show that he was true to his words,” he said.

Gammanpila also said that they would make a complaint to the Bribery Commission over a suspicious act of shares trading by the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation which led to a loss of Rs 146 million to the Corporation.

“Sri Lanka Insurance in 2011 bought approximately 33 milllion shares of a fish exporting company at a price between Rs 3.90 and Rs 6.20 per share.

However, all these shares were sold by the Corporation at Rs 1.70 per share suddenly on April 18 to an unknown private investor named K.Gajanadan.

Four days after this transaction, the EU ban on fish exports was lifted.

When the Government was repeatedly saying that it intends to get the EU fish ban lifted very soon, why did Sri Lanka Insurance, being another government owned institution,allegedly sell the shares of a company that exports fish to the EU bearing such a huge loss We go before the Bribery Commission, not because of any faith we have in this Commission, but because it is the only legal body to lodge such complaints,” Gammanpila said.

Government is attempting to Burden the people

“Until now VAT was not levied on wholesale and retail trade. However, VAT is levied now for retail trade that has a turnout of Rs.300,000 for a quarter. This means VAT has to be paid if the daily income of a retail shop is above Rs.33,333.00. VAT means Value Added Tax. This tax is levied against the principles of taxation. Value cannot be added when a good is bought and sold. 

A retail shop merely sells goods. Value added means what is added to a thing that is newly produced. Hence, levying tax on wholesale and retail trade is against the principles of taxation. This is a very serious situation,” says the Information Secretary of the JVP Vijitha Herath addressing a press conference held at the head office of the JVP at Pelawatta today (24th).

Mr. Herath said, “The present coalition government is attempting to burden the people with a new round of taxes to maintain wasteful spending for their high level living. We are holding this press conference to brief the media regarding this act of the government, to reveal the latest bond fraud of the Central Bank and to apprise regarding our May Day demonstration and the rally.

With the dawn of New Year the VAT is increased.

Despite the government proposing in the budget to levy the VAT in several ratios, the Prime Minister said in Parliament that 15% VAT would be levied for all goods and services. The gazette notification regarding this has not been published yet. However, the Ministry of Finance informed the Department of Inland Revenue on 11th April in writing that the VAT that was at 11% should be increased to 15%. Also, VAT has been levied for several goods and services for which VAT had been exempted earlier.

The letter sent by the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance R.H.S. Samarasinghe to the Commissioner of the Department of Inland Revenue clearly states every business which has a turnover of more than Rs.3 million in a quarter would come under VAT. Among the services for which VAT was not levied until now were telecommunication service and all telecommunication equipment. Nation Building Tax has been added to electricity. New taxes are levied for education and health services. For example from a telephone bill earlier the Cess tax was 2% and telecommunication tax was 25%. The total tax was 27%.  However, with the new taxation 2% of Nation Building Tax and 15% VAT would be added. The total amount of tax paid would be 44%. The tax for Rs.100 re-load would be Rs.44. Also, 2% more would be added to international calls. When spending Rs.100 for a call the real charge for the call is Rs.56. The balance Rs.44 is the tax burden forced on the people.

This is how the government has burdened the people with tax. When presenting the budget the government said the direct tax that was 20% would be increased to 40% and indirect tax that was 80% would be brought down to 60%. However, what has happened today is that the direct tax levied from those who receive the highest income has come down and due to introducing VAT and other taxes to goods and services the ratio of indirect tax has been increased to 90%.

The government carried out an entirely different thing to what they had stated. The farmer, fisherman, the self employed and all others are being oppressed with a massive tax burden.  The tax burden would fall on people’s heads the day after they commemorate the International Workers day on 1st May. The Minister of Health says the taxes levied from private hospitals and private educational institutes would be spent for the development of the two sectors. This is indeed a falsehood to deceive the people. This would not be approved by the working masses of this country. Also, the JVP demands the government to immediately withdraw the tax that was increased. A building is rented out for the Ministry of Agriculture paying a monthly rent of Rs.20100000 while the Telecom Chairman is paid a monthly rent allowance of Rs. 750000. We condemn oppressing the masses while the government carries out wasteful spending unabated. The people in this country are not prepared to tolerate such a massive injustice.

Until now VAT was not levied on wholesale and retail trade. However, VAT is levied now for retail trade that has a turnout of Rs.300,000 for a quarter. This means VAT has to be paid if the daily income of a retail shop is above Rs.33,333.00. VAT means Value Added Tax. This tax is levied against the principles of taxation. Value cannot be added when a good is bought and sold. A retail shop merely sells goods. Value added means what is added to a thing that is newly produced. Hence, levying tax on wholesale and retail trade is against the principles of taxation. This is a very serious situation.”

Kaushal Silva hit by ball while practicing in Pallekele

 Sri Lanka batsman Kaushal Silva has been airlifted to a Colombo hospital, after being struck on the head during a practice match at Pallekele. Initial CAT scans suggested Silva was out of danger, but he will continue to be monitored as a precautionary measure.

Team management said Silva appeared to have been struck just below the back rim of the helmet - in the padded wings that became part of helmet design following Phillip Hughes' death. Teammates believe the injury could have been more substantial if he had been wearing a helmet without this added protection.

"Kaushal was fielding at short leg when he got hit," team manager Charith Senanayake said."[Dinesh Chandimal] swept a ball right onto the back of Kaushal's head. He did take evasive action, but still the ball hit him."

Senanayake said Silva was left dazed moments after the impact, and that he had exhibited symptoms consistent with concussion. The accident had occurred at about 3:30 pm and Silva was immediately taken to a Kandy hospital, where he underwent the initial CAT scan. The decision was then made to transfer him to Colombo.

Wasim Thajudeen case : former Narahenpita Crimes OIC SPILLS THE BEANS

In a statement to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), former Narahenpita Crimes OIC Sumith Champika Perera told that he received instructions from higher ranking police officers not to conduct further investigations in connection with the murder of former rugby player Wasim Thajudeen. Filing a report in the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, the CID said its detectives were able to record a statement from the former Narahenpita

Crimes OIC Sumith Champika Perera prior to his arrest for allegedly covering up evidence in connection with the murder of Wasim Thajudeen.

The former Narahenpita Crimes OIC has further told CID that he was compelled to conduct investigations, being predetermined that the death of Wasim Thajudeen was due to an accident on the instructions of higher ranking police officers.

According to the ‘B’ Report filed by CID, the former Crimes OIC will have to face several charges including committing the murder which comes under Section 296 of the Penal Code, fabricating false evidence, Concealing a design to commit an offence and Causing disappearance of evidence of an offence committed.

Former Narahenpita Crimes OIC arrested for allegedly covering up evidence was ordered to be remanded till May 5 by Colombo Additional Magistrate Thilina Gamage on Thursday (21).

On July 27, 2015 the CID submitted to Court that the death of Thajudeen was not an accident but a murder.

While delivering the verdict, Colombo Additional Magistrate Nishantha Peiris on February 25 this year ruled that the death appeared to be a murder and ordered the CID Director to immediately arrest all suspects involved in the incident and produce them before Courts.

Thajudeen was killed, apparently, in a road accident in Colombo in May 2012. The CID had informed court that investigations conducted so far had revealed that Thajudeen’s teeth had been broken, the bones in the pelvic region also broken and his neck pierced with a sharp instrument prior to his death.

The CID added that muscles in his legs had been cut with a piece of a broken class. Earlier, police maintained that Thajudeen was driving to the airport and had lost control of his car and crashed into the wall of Shalika Grounds at Park Road, Narahenpita, and that his vehicle had exploded within seconds of the crash.

Sri Lanka Police Department re-named as "Sri Lanka Police"

The newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundara announced that the "Sri Lankan Police Department" will be named as "Sri Lanka Police" from today.

veddah in fatal fall from tallest Buddha statue

A veddah who attempted to remove a ‘giant honey bee’ hive from a Buddha statue scheduled to be unveiled today by President Maithripala Sirisena had a fatal fall in the wee-hours of yesterday. The 135-foot tall statue is described as the tallest standing Buddha statue in South Asia.

The dead man has been identified as Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Kiribanda (52), a resident of Dambana.

The hive had been built behind the right arm of the statue and the Presidential Security Division officials who had inspected the area on Tuesday in view of President Sirisena’s visit scheduled for today instructed the organisers to remove it.

The organisers thinking that a veddah would be ideal for the task hired one from Dambana. Claiming that the best time to remove hives was before daybreak the veddah climbed the statue around 2.00 am yesterday.

He managed to remove the hive and while climbing down his leg slipped and fell.

He died on the spot.

His remains were to be taken to Nagoda Hospital in Kalutara for a post-mortem.

The standing Buddha statue has been constructed with financial sponsorship of businessman cum Western Provincial Council member Jagath Pinnagoda Withana.  

Meanwhile, contacted for comment Wimale Attho, the son of Chief of the Veddah clan Uruvarige Wannila Ettho said the victim was not a Veddah though he had been a resident in their village.

OIC arrested over Thajudeen murder

The former Crime Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Narahenpita Police has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department in connection with the murder of rugby player Wasim Thajudeen. The former police officer had reportedly hidden evidence concerning the case.

Earlier, a senior officer of the CID declined to comment on the failure to arrest anyone, noting that investigations were yet ongoing. Thajudeen died on May 17, 2012 at Kirulapone when his car crashed into a wall and caught fire.

His death was at first ruled an accident, but later investigations by the CID found the player had been brutally tortured with blunt and sharp weapons before his death.

US should arrest Gotabaya - Tamil forums urge Obama

In an urgent appeal to President Obama, two major Tamil groups in the United States Tamils for Obama and American Tamil Forum urged the United States to arrest former Sri Lankan Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa who is reported to be currently visiting US, the two organizations said in a statement today. 

“US should not miss the opportunity to arrest and prosecute one of the main war criminals in recent times visiting the US.

 Failure to do so would encourage others to commit abuses amounting to war crimes” said these two organizations. 

The UN Human Rights Council, led by the US, last year passed a Sri Lanka resolution to hold a credible investigation to punish those responsible for these killings.  “United States should take the same leadership it took at the UN to initiate investigation for the visiting Sri Lankan war criminal,” said these two organizations. - EIN Presswire - Agencies

Pujitha Jayasundara appointed as the 34th Inspector General of Police

Senior DIG Pujitha Jayasundara has been appointed as the 34th Inspector General of Police (IGP) by President Maithripala Sirisena.

Earlier, the Constitutional Council nominated Senior DIG Pujitha Jayasundara as the next Inspector General of Police, sources revealed.

President Maithripala Sirisena sent the nominations of the three most senior serving members of the Police Department for the post of IGP to the Constitutional Council on April 8.

The three names proposed by the President are Acting IGP S. M. Wickramasinghe, Senior Deputy Inspectors General of Police Pujith Jayasundara and Chandana Wickramaratne.

Senior DIG Pujith Jayasundara was reported to be the forerunner among the contenders for the post of IGP.

The post of IGP fell vacant with the retirement of N.K. Illangakoon on April 11.

8 Sri Lankan nationals suspects of Bangladesh bank heist

Bangladeshi investigators have identified eight Sri Lankans as suspects among 20 foreign nationals suspected to have been involved in the US$ 101 million cyber heist from the nation's foreign reserves.

According to a Reuters report, a Bangladeshi police officer has said on Monday that the investigators have identified 20 foreigners - 12 Philippine nationals and eight Sri Lankans - as suspects involved in the cyber heist, but they appear to be those who received some of the payments, and not the hackers.

Mohammad Shah Alam, a senior officer at the criminal investigation department (CID) of the Bangladesh police, said Interpol had helped identify the foreigners suspected to be involved in one of the largest cyber heists in history.

"We have identified at least 20 foreigners with name and full particulars who we believe were involved," Alam told reporters.

Hackers using official messaging codes transferred $81 million to accounts in Manila, Philippines and $20 million to the account of a newly formed NGO in Sri Lanka.

A 16-member team of the CID have visited the Philippines and Sri Lanka to collect information on the heist. The details on the outcome of the visit will be made public later on, the official said.

Another official on his team said the results of the investigation had been submitted to Philippine and Sri Lankan authorities.

Both Alam and the other official said they could not provide more details about the foreign suspects because investigations were not complete.

Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is also investigating the cyber theft, but has declined to provide any information.

Remove Sampanthan, arrest Wigneswaran: Sinhala Ravaya

A Sinhala radical Buddhist monk outfit Tuesday urged the government to remove main Opposition leader R. Sampanthan and arrest Northern Provincial Council (NPC) Chief Minister C.V Wigneswaran, accusing them of trying to achieve what the Tamil Tiger rebels could not achieve at gunpoint.

Magalkande Sudantha Thera of Sinhala demanded the immediate appointment of Sinhala Opposition leader, charging the TNA leader of only representing the interest of the Tamils in the county.

“They need to appoint an Opposition leader who can represent the interest of the majority Sinhala community. The incumbent Opposition leader should be removed with immediate effect,” Magalkande Sudantha Thera said at a media conference held at Bodhu Bala Sena office in Colombo.

Claiming that the situation is deteriorating, he said it was due to the absence of a Sinhala Opposition leader.

“The incumbent Opposition leader is only talking about the interest of the Tamil people. He is trying to win the demands of only the Tamil people. Both the Opposition leader and the Northern Chief Minister are trying to achieve what the LTTE could not achieve at gunpoint, in the name of reconciliation,” he said.

Commenting on proposals of the NPC to the Consultative Committee of the Constitutional Reforms, the hardline monk questioned President, Prime Minister the Cabinet of Ministers “whether they are scared of Northern Chief Minister Wigneswaran”.

“He is making statements aiming to push the country back into the clutches of terrorism and create bloodbath. He should be made withdraw his statements. He should be arrested and questioned for making statements in gross violation of the constitution,” Magalkande Sudantha Thera of Sinhala demanded.

Appointing Pujith Jayasundara as next IGP illegal

The proposal to appoint Pujith Jayasundara as the next Inspector General of Police (IGP) is illegal, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader Udaya Gammanpila stresses. 

The observation was made during a press conference held in Colombo this morning (19). 

Gammanpila went on to say the decision cannot be accepted since Minister Patali Ranawaka, who was in the spotlight following an accident in Rajagiriya, is also being part of the Constitutional Council.

 “Ranawaka showed his gratitude to the nominee. Now time for Pujith to show his gratitude,” Gammanpila added. 

He also pointed out the police would intend to procrastinate the investigation against the Minister due to the move. “S.M. Wickramasinghe is more senior. Yet the Constitutional Council had nominated Pujith Jayasundara,” Gammanpila said. Senior DIG Jayasundara was nominated as the next IGP by a majority of the Constitutional Council members last afternoon (18).

Rajapaksa’s ex-astrologer Sumanadasa on Auspicious times

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s ex-astrologer Sumanadasa Abeygunawardena yesterday said that there was nothing wrong with the auspicious times given for oil anointing for the New Year, but the westerly direction was inauspicious.

The former President has claimed the auspicious times were wrong.

"Usually, the West is not considered auspicious and the auspicious direction was north on the particular day," the astrologer said.

Abeywardena in his astrological predictions in late 2014 said that President Rajapaksa would cruise to an overwhelming win at the January 8 Presidential election.

SDIG Pujitha Jayasundara nominated as IGP

The Constitutional Council has nominated Senior DIG Pujitha Jayasundara as the next Inspector General of Police, sources revealed.

Earlier, three nominees for the post of the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) were summoned before the Constitutional Council.

The Constitutional Council met at the Parliamentary complex at 3.00 p.m. today to decide on the appointment of the country's 34th IGP.

President Maithripala Sirisena sent the nominations of the three most senior serving members of the Police Department for the post of IGP to the Constitutional Council on April 8.

The three names proposed by the President are Acting IGP S. M. Wickramasinghe, Senior Deputy Inspectors General of Police Pujith Jayasundara and Chandana Wickramaratne.

Senior DIG Pujith Jayasundara was reported to be the forerunner among the contenders for the post of IGP.

Parliament Deputy Secretary-General Neil Iddawala told yesterday, letters were sent to the nominees asking them to appear before the Council meeting. The three nominees will be interviewed by the Council members before the final decision.

The post of IGP fell vacant with the retirement of N.K. Illangakoon on April 11.

Iddawala said all 10 Council members have been informed of today’s meeting. The 10 members include three ex-officio members, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan, Ministers Patali Champika Ranawaka, Dr. Wijayadasa Rajapakshe and John Seneviratne, JVP MP Vijitha Herath representing the minor parties and Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, Dr. Radhika Coomaraswamy and Justice Shibly Aziz representing civil society.

Once a final agreement on the appointment is reached, the Constitutional Council will inform its decision to the President in writing.

Sri Lankan Housemaid Killed in Oman

Ac­cord­ing to the re­ports re­ceived so far, the woman had been al­legedly killed by a Pak­istani man

A Sri Lankan mi­grant house­maid in Oman was found to be killed in a city, out of Mus­cat, the Cap­i­tal of Oman, Sri Lanka For­eign Em­ploy­ment Bureau of­fi­cials said.

They said that the house­maid was not reg­is­tered with the Sri Lanka For­eign Em­ploy­ment Bureau (SLFEB).

They said that the house­maid was not reg­is­tered with the Sri Lanka For­eign Em­ploy­ment Bureau (SLFEB).

For­eign Em­ploy­ment Min­is­ter Tha­latha Atuko­rale told that the Min­istry was co­or­di­nat­ing with the Omani Po­lice and the Sri Lankan Mis­sion in Oman to get more in­for­ma­tion into the death of the house­maid.

Ac­cord­ing to re­ports, the house­maid had been killed by slit­ting her throat few days ago. Min­is­ter Athuko­rale said the Sri Lanka For­eign Em­ploy­ment Bureau could not take up the re­spon­si­bil­ity of bring­ing back the body since she had not been reg­is­tered with the SLFEB.

Ac­cord­ing to re­ports, the house­maid had been killed by slit­ting her throat few days ago. Min­is­ter Athuko­rale said the Sri Lanka For­eign Em­ploy­ment Bureau could not take up the re­spon­si­bil­ity of bring­ing back the body since she had not been reg­is­tered with the SLFEB.

“De­spite our un­wa­ver­ing effort to ed­u­cate the Sri Lankan women the haz­ards of mi­grat­ing overseas via un­reg­is­tered agents, it seems to be con­tin­u­ing. Some of them are still go­ing overseas with­out fol­low­ing the proper chan­nels at the Bureau. It makes us very dif­fi­cult to con­tact them in times of emer­gency,” the Min­is­ter said. How­ever, she said ac­cord­ing to the re­ports re­ceived so far, the woman had been al­legedly killed by a Pak­istani man, af­ter a dis­pute be­tween them about a clan­des­tine af­fair of the woman with an­other man. How­ever, Ms.atuko­rale said the de­tails were yet to be con­firmed by the Sri Lankan Am­bas­sador Mr. Pad­manathan in Oman.the SLFEB im­ple­mented a reg­u­la­tion, with ef­fect from Jan­uary 1 that the Bureau would no longer make any effort to bring back Sri Lankan house­maids from abroad, if they had not reg­is­tered with the Bureau prior to their de­par­ture.

“De­spite our un­wa­ver­ing effort to ed­u­cate the Sri Lankan women the haz­ards of mi­grat­ing overseas via un­reg­is­tered agents, it seems to be con­tin­u­ing. Some of them are still go­ing overseas with­out fol­low­ing the proper chan­nels at the Bureau. It makes us very dif­fi­cult to con­tact them in times of emer­gency,” the Min­is­ter said. How­ever, she said ac­cord­ing to the re­ports re­ceived so far, the woman had been al­legedly killed by a Pak­istani man, af­ter a dis­pute be­tween them about a clan­des­tine af­fair of the woman with an­other man. How­ever, Ms.atuko­rale said the de­tails were yet to be con­firmed by the Sri Lankan Am­bas­sador Mr. Pad­manathan in Oman.the SLFEB im­ple­mented a reg­u­la­tion, with ef­fect from Jan­uary 1 that the Bureau would no longer make any effort to bring back Sri Lankan house­maids from abroad, if they had not reg­is­tered with the Bureau prior to their de­par­ture.

With this reg­u­la­tion, any house­maid, who had gone abroad for em­ploy­ment with­out reg­is­ter­ing with the Bureau, would not be brought back at state ex­pense even in case of ill health, mis­treat­ment by em­ploy­ers or their bod­ies, in case of death

With this reg­u­la­tion, any house­maid, who had gone abroad for em­ploy­ment with­out reg­is­ter­ing with the Bureau, would not be brought back at state ex­pense even in case of ill health, mis­treat­ment by em­ploy­ers or their bod­ies, in case of death

Rangana Herath retires from T20 and ODIs

Sri Lanka’s dependable veteran spinner Rangana Herath has announced his retirement from T20 and ODI cricket.

In a letter addressed to Sri Lanka Cricket, Herath says he would like to concentrate on Test cricket – which has always been his personal passion. He went on to say “Every cricketer has to stop at the right time, I feel it’s time to make room for fresh talent to be groomed with the 2019 World Cup in view”

With a career best (Tests) of 9/127 against Pakistan in 2014, 4/20 (ODI) against India in 2013 and 5/3 (T20I) against New Zealand at the WT20 in 2014, Herath has been an integral part of the Sri Lanka bowling arsenal where his brilliant accuracy and subtle variation in pace and flight made him a force to reckon with both at home and away.

In a recent interview with Wisden – India during the WT20, Herath described his uncomplicated style by saying “Wherever I go, I try not to change anything. I give the ball air and try to get the batsmen out.

I figure out the conditions… I have faith in me that I can adjust with the conditions” – a philosophy he is likely to share with the younger generation.

 Sri Lanka Cricket wishes Mr. Herath nothing but the best as he continues to play cricket in his chosen discipline, and in all future endeavours.

Jayalalitha : Karuna gifted island to Sri Lanka

AIADMK supremo J. Jayalalithaa on Friday accused DMK leader M. Karunanidhi of being instrumental in the handing over of the Katchatheevu islet to Sri Lanka. Addressing a huge gathering at Aruppukkottai in Virudhunagar district, Ms Jayalalithaa ridiculed the DMK promise of retrieving Katchatheevu, which is featured in the party’s election manifesto.

Dealing with the subject in elaborate fashion, she listed out the efforts she has been taking since 1991 to get back the islet, traditionally used by fishermen of the southern districts.

Mr Karunanidhi, who she claimed colluded with the then Congress government at the Centre in making Katchatheevu over to Sri Lanka, was branding the TN fishermen as “greedy persons” for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line for fishing, she said. Katchatheevu was handed over to Lanka when the DMK was in power in 1974, but Mr Karunanidhi declined to approach the Supreme Court to retrieve the island, Ms Jayalalithaa said.

Referring to the SC judgment in the 1960s on the Berubari dispute, she said even when the Indian government decided to give Berubari in West Bengal to East Pakistan, the SC ruled that any part of the nation can be giving to another country only if both Houses of the Parliament ratify it, besides making an amendment in the Constitution. Mr Karunanidhi neither used this order to retain the island in 1974 nor supported the AIADMK when she filed a petition in the court in 2008 to retrieve it, she pointed out.

When the top court issued notice to the state and Centre on her petition (2008), Mr Karunanidhi, instead of filing a petition in her support, evaded the issue altogether stating he would file the counter only after knowing the Centre’s view, she said.

However, the then UPA government in which DMK was a constituent, filed a counter saying passing of resolution on the subject was not necessary. “It only shows Karunanidhi was hand-in-glove with the Centre,” she said.

But when AIADMK Government assumed power in 2011, she got a resolution passed in the Assembly to retrieve the island and also impleaded the TN government as a party in the court, she said. “I will continue to fight to get back the Katchatheevu island and safeguard the traditional rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen,” she said.

On prohibition, Jayalalithaa said that DMK doesn’t have the locus standi to take up the issue because it was Karunanidhi who lifted prohibition in the state when he was CM in 1971. She assured the public that she would implement prohibition in a phased manner.

Jayalalithaa also elaborated on the various welfare schemes that the AIADMK government implemented during the last five years in Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga districts. She also introduced the AIADMK candidates of 14 assembly constituencies in the four districts. (asianage)

Laggala Police's stolen weapons found

The weapons that were stolen from the Laggala Police had been found on the morning of Saturday, April 16.

A communique issued by the Police Headquarters states that the weapons were found stashed in a water tank at the Wellewala Sandhagala Viharastanaya in the limits of the Laggala Police Division.

Police added that the T56 rifel and 5 revolvers that had been stolen were found at the location. Further investigations into the incident are underway .

VAT will be increased from May 2

The Ministry of Finance says that the Value Added Tax( VAT) will be increased to 15% with effect from May 2.

With this revision, Value Added Tax will now affect telecommunication and health sectors as well.

Therefore, supply of telecommunication services including the supply and imports of machinery, high tech equipment, copper cables used for telecommunication services and supply of health services which were earlier exempt from VAT, will now be liable for VAT.

The VAT will also be imposed to all supply of goods or services to any specified projects other than housing projects.

Amendments to the Nation Building Tax (NBT) and Share Transaction Levy (STL) were also announced by the Ministry of Finance.

The Nation Building Tax (NBT) will remain unchanged at 2%. And the NBT exemptions allowed on Telecommunication service, supply of electricity, lubricants and supply of goods or services to any specified projects other than housing projects, will be removed.

The Ministry of Finance further added that the share transaction levy (STL) will be re-imposed at the rate of 0.3 % from every buyer and seller, on the turnover of every share trading transaction, which is conducted through a stock exchange.

COPE to decide on BOC Seychelles branch

The Committee on Public Enterprises ( COPE) is to issue a directive on the continence of Bank of Ceylon Seychelles branch shortly, Parliamentary sources said yesterday.

An MP who is a prominent member of COPE told Daily Mirror that the committee had called for a report on the performance of this branch from the authorities of the Bank. He said the decision on the bank will be made by COPE after its study of the banks’ performance.

However, sources said there was only three customers who had been transacting with the branch in Seychelles.

The branch opened on January 20, 2014, was the first ever Bank of Ceylon branch in an African country. (Yohan Perera)

Oil anointing for the New Year is on Saturday

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year has dawned. The nation welcomed the massive cultural festival engaging in religious observances and observing the rites as laid down by the planetary movements. The oil anointing tradition for the New Year has to be performed on Saturday the 16th.

Oil anointing for the New Year is recommended at 10.41 am on Saturday, April 16th clad in blue attire facing towards west keeping banyan leaves on head and standing on karanda leaves applying gingelly oil mixed with banyan leaf juice on head.

The auspicious time to leave for work in the New Year is on Monday, April 18th at 6.27 am dressed in white clothes having partaken a meal of milk rice mixed with curd.

Sri Lankans celebrate Dawn of Sinhala & Tamil New Year

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, one of the most celebrated festivals in Sri Lanka, symbolising the prosperity and ethnic harmony in the country dawned this evening.

The New Year dawned at the auspicious time of 07:48 on Wednesday evening. The Punya Kalaya began at 1.24 p.m. today and ends at 2.12 a.m. on Thursday.

Astrologers note that it is suitable to consume meals before 01:24 today and engage in religious observances. The auspicious time for lighting the hearth and preparing meals fell at 8.06 p.m. on Wednesday.

Astrologers have noted that this tradition must be followed by wearing a light green garments facing the South. The tradition of transacting and consuming the first meal of the New Year was done at 8.54 p.m. on Wednesday.

The tradition of anointing oil in the New Year will take place at 10:41 a.m. on Saturday, April 16.

Astrologers say that this tradition must be carried out while wearing blue-coloured garments.

The auspicious time of leaving for occupation falls on Monday, April 18, at 6.27 a.m.

Astrologers say that white garments should be worn for this tradition, and that one should engage in this tradition facing the East.

A Biological Filter for the As3+ Contaminated water

Dr.Miss.W.W.S.W.C.Fernando (Dr.Miss.Selie Fernando and daughter Miss S.M.Senanayeke,) who have invented an innovative research on a filter which is Biological for Arsenic contaminated water which is the major health issue in Northern,North Central provinces in Sri Lanka.

Therefore it will be the Gold Standards for the problem as if the most economical, Eco friendly, feasible invention for the problem existed in those areas.
Following document And research being published in National and International peer review journals as well including Ceylon Medical Journal

Title; A Biological Filter for the As3+ Contaminated water.

W.W.S.W.C.Fernando1,S.M.S.N.M.Senanayeke 2.

1-Family Health Bureau. 2. Holy Family Balika Viduhala,Wennappuwa.

Introduction;

This contamination of the drinking water with Arsenic as a result of the undue incorrect ,unproductive use of Insecticides,weedycides,agrochemicals is the major cause of contamination of the water source is the major health issue in the North Central and Northern provinces in Sri Lanka.

Many patients who suffer from the Renal failure will be the health hazard of the area concerned.

Objective;

1)    To Test the Filter Efficiency of the two innovative Bio filter layers of the filter and fitting Isotherm. the Banana peels and the Green Tea.

Materials; Methodology;

Different As+++ solutions were made in five concentration gradients.0.01mg/L,0.02mg/l,0.04mg/L,0.06mg/L,0.1mg/L respectively., Banana peels 260g,Gereen tea 200g,Coconut husk dust 260g,Coconut shell burnt carbon particles 10mm *10mmsize being used, Sand particular size 0.06cm * Colorimetric test kit method being used for testing with two decimals accuracy.

Results and Analysis;

  Absorption percentages for above solutions for Banana peels and Green Tea – 90,7,-1.4,0,10.For Green Tea – 100,100,100,96.7,91. For Banana peels Langmuir Isotherm and Green tea innovative Isotherm are fitting.

Discussion;
It is shown that  significant percentage being absorbed by  green tea layer and the Banana peels layers. The P values are in the significant levels. This filter can be a good solution for the above health problem prevailed in the North Central  and Central provinces in Sri Lanka It is very cheap , economical,ecofreindly,feasible,simple,low technical knowledge being involved.

Images of Arsenic contamination Skin manifestation, and Filter.

Dr.

Miss.Selie Fernando