No Sinhala settlements in Musalai: Amaraweera

The Mannar United Fishermens Association refrained from going out to sea and held a protest in Mannar town on Wednesday against the establishment of a Sinhalese fisher village in Musali, Mannar.

Plans have been afoot to locate 180 Sinhalese fisher families in the area of Musali to create a Sinhalese fisher village and the officials were scheduled to survey the land on Wednesday.

The leaders of the Mannar fishermens Association stated that they had never had Sinhalese villages situated in Mannar. They also pointed out that it was unfair to spend so much money to bring in new Sinhalese fishermen into the area when the government has failed to provide assistance to the existing fishermen who have suffered several setbacks over the years due to the war.

The protest led to officials abandoning their surveying of the land. When Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Mahinda Amaraweera was contacted with regard to the issue, he said the Ministry was unaware of any plan to settle Sinhalese fishermen in the area.

He added that the fishermen had not informed him of such a move and that he had no interest in creating further tension among the people by propagating such a project.

Minister John booed at Welisara

Tourism Development and Christian Affairs Minister John Amaratunga was booed at by residents of Welisara when he visited the area to lay the foundation stone for a building at Galaudapita, Mahabage.

Amaratunga arrived at Welisara to lay the foundation stone for the construction of a building at Galaudapita grounds.The residents carrying placards protested over the construction of the building.

They said there was no need to construct a building within the grounds.However, the minister laid the foundation stone for the building amid protests by residents.

Addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone for the building, Minister Amaratunga said the residents are incited by a group supporting the Joint Opposition.

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Sarath Jayamanne new Bribery Commission DG

Additional Solicitor General of the Attorney General’s Department and President’s Counsel, Sarath Jayamanne has been appointed as the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC) by President Maithripala Sirisena.

The President handed over the letter of appointment to Jayamanne at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday.

He will assume duties as the Director General of CIABOC after having attended a meeting on human rights at the UN Human Rights Council scheduled to be held in a few days. President’s Counsel Jayantha Jayasuriya too is scheduled to attend this meeting.

Sri Lanka sweeps Zimbabwe series

(AFP) Rangana Herath recorded the best figures by a bowler in a Test in Zimbabwe as Sri Lanka completed a 257-run victory in the second Test at Harare Sports Club on Thursday to sweep the series 2-0.

Sri Lanka went into the final day needing just three wickets to wrap up the match, and Herath required less than an hour to claim them as he finished with eight wickets in the second innings, bowling Zimbabwe out for 233.

The left-arm spinner's 8 for 63 were the best figures in an innings by a player in Zimbabwe, while his 13 for 152 were the best figures in a match.

"I am always trying to improve," said the 38-year-old. "I don't think about records and will take each series as it comes."

Zimbabwe's only real hope of pushing Sri Lanka on day five rested with Craig Ervine, who resumed on 65 not out with Zimbabwe on 180 for seven in pursuit of 491 for victory.

But the left-hander was the first batsman to fall as Herath had him well caught by Dhananjaya de Silva at slip for 72.

Carl Mumba was next to go, trapped lbw by the left-arm spinner, and although last man Chris Mpofu provided some entertainment as he lofted two huge sixes, he fell to Herath in the same fashion to bring the game to a close.

"His control was exceptional," Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer said of Herath. "He doesn't look like he's doing a lot, but he's got subtle variations that as a batsman you don't pick up.

"Only when you watch the replays afterwards do you realise what he was trying to do."

Opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne was named man of the series for his 280 runs in four innings.

Zimbabwe lost both games by large margins, but took both Tests into the final day and nearly secured a draw in the first match.

"We're happy they've gone five days, and there were a lot of positives for us," said Cremer.

"But a lot of the mistakes we made at crucial times, like dropping silly catches, changed the games in a huge way. We need to improve on that."

The two teams will play each other in a one-day international on Monday, when a triangular series also involving the West Indies gets underway at the same venue.

Prices of several essential items reduced

Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, in his Budget speech announced that the prices of several essential items would be reduced. 

He said the price of a kilo of green gram would be reduced by Rs.15, a kilo of dhal by Rs.10, a kilo of potatoes by Rs.5, a kilo of sprats by Rs.5, a kilo of white sugar by Rs.2, LP Gas by Rs. 25 per 12.5 Kg and a litre of kerosene by Rs.5. Meanwhile, the minister said the price of a 400gm packet of locally-manufactured milk powder would continue to remain at Rs.295 and a 425 gm tin of locally-manufactured canned fish will remain at Rs.125.

Fine for traffic offences up to Rs 2,500

The minimum penalty on traffic offences will be increased to Rs. 2,500, the Finance Minister said presenting the Budget 2017 in Parliament. 

He said most of the accidents are results of traffic violations and therefore proposed to revise the penalties. 

The Finance minister added that a new ‘filing’ fee will be imposed when filing a Court case by any person in any Court. 

In his budget speech, the minister said high volume of cases pending before the Courts is an overriding problem in the entire court system. “Excessive caseloads cause delays in processing cases and deny the justice. 

And it causes a heavy burden to the government” he added. To address the overload of cases in the Magistrate Courts, the minister proposed to amend the Motor Traffic Law to impose spot fine on offences. “A system would be introduced for the errant motorists to pay their traffic fines through mobile phones,” the budget report said. Meanwhile, an Annual License Fee of Rs 20,000 imposed on firearms. Firearms which are used for agricultural purposes are excluded from this fee. Any person who uses firearms without obtaining or renewing such license will be charged of Rs. 5 million as a penalty.

LIVE UPDATES: 2017 Budget Speech

 

Ravi Karunanayake, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, presented the Budget for the fiscal year of 2017 to the Sri Lankan Parliament, a short while ago.

The Minister is currently delivering the much-anticipated Budget speech (Second Reading of the 2017 Appropriation Bill). President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe are both attending the parliament session today (10).  

In his opening remarks, Karunanayake said that domestic and international market will be broadened for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and that improved technology will be introduced for the agricultural sector.  

He stated that proposals for the budget were obtained even from village-level and that several of those proposals had reached the final draft. He also said that the government does not want free trade but fair trade.

-Live Updates-


2.32pm - The minister said that unused unproductive lands will be released for agricultural purposes.

2.36pm - Rs 400 million will be allocated loan facilities for farming cooperatives.

2.38pm - I propose to allocate Rs.75 million to develop an automated commodity exchange - Ravi

2.41pm - Govt expects to increase tea export earnings to US dollars 5 billion by year 2020

2.42pm - I propose that the Sri Lanka Tea Board extends guarantees to local tea exporters to obtain US doller loans for brand promotion – Ravi

2.43pm - I propose to abolish the import export control fee of 1% on CIF price of tea, to remove the fee on packing of tea and remove the fee on logo registration - Ravi

2.44pm - I urge relevant authorities to enforce strictly to the ban on export of refuse tea. A fine of Rs 300 per kg will be imposed on those violating the regulation - Ravi

2.45pm - Rubber master plan will be implemented immediately which included replanting, introducing high yielding plants, rainguarding technology etc;

2.45pm - Rs 900 million allocated for rubber re planting   

2.46pm - Automated Commodity Exchange to be set up for tea, rubber and coconut while Rs 75 million to be allocated for this

2.46pm - For more effective management the maximum acreage that can be held by any standalone company without being allowed to consolidate will be restricted to 5,000 acres. Govt will ensure there will be no loss of employment. 

2.47pm - 50% concession on the interest on loan facilities for paddy, fruits and vegetable farmers

2.48pm - 15,000 dairy cattle will be imported to the country

2.49pm - Price of 400g milk powder packet - Rs 295

2.56pm - Maximum retail price for whole chicken (1kg) - Rs 420

Minister proposes a minimum price of 5,000 per metric ton of sugar cane with effect from January 01, 2017

We will invite foreign and local investors to invest in sugar mills in Monaragala, Batticaloa, Killinochchi and Ampara districts.

We will provide government land to cultivate sugar cane under the outgrow system with the respective factories. 100% capital allowance on investment

2.57pm - Sugar Stabilization Fund to be set up with 2% CESS imposed on imported sugar and 5% on ethanol

2.59pm Minister proposes a minimum price of Rs 5,000 per metric ton of sugar cane with effect from January 01, 2017

3.01pm - Free Tablet computers to be provided for 175,000 A/L students and 25,000 teachers from next year. Rs 5,000 million will be allocated for this

3.02pm - Rs 200,000 free insurance scheme for all school students

3.03pm - I suggest that each student be given a cost sheet at the point of entrance so that they are conscious fo the funds allocated on their education - Ravi

3.03pm - The daily allowance for differently abled children will be increased to Rs 150 per day

3.04pm - A quality assurance management system will be introduced to ensure the standards of the private universities

3.05pm - Scholarships for top university students to study in foreign universities such as Harvard and MIT

3.06pm - Over 50,000 students will be enrolled to the universities by the year of 2020

3.06pm - Minister also suggested that in a bid to enroll more students, universities may have to function until 8.00pm to utilize resources effectively and to get a maximum result.

3.08pm - Loan scheme (up to Rs 800,000) for students who are not qualified to enter government universities to follow higher education at private institutes

3.10pm - 5-year multiple entry visas to be offered to foreign students to study in Sri Lankan universities from 2017

3.11pm - Minister proposes that Credit Information Bureau (CRIB) not to provide credit information on individuals with a cumulative original loan size of up to Rs 500,000.

3.24pm - Registrar of Companies to remain open during all 7 days of the week.

3.25pm - Exchange Control Act to be repealed

3.30pm - Major international companies who are willing to relocate their headquarters to Sri Lanka will be exempt from corporate tax.

3.42pm - Government to establish EXIM Bank next year and will initially contribute Rs 10,000 million.

3.43pm - Minister proposes scholarships to anyone who wishes to follow vocational training programme at the state-operated vocational training institute

3.44pm - Customs duty wavers for surfing sports in the tourism sector

3.45pm - Minimum room rate of a hotel to be abolished to ensure competitiveness

3.47pm - Govt will encourage the use of electric cars for passenger transportation as an alternative to the less safe three-wheelers. Rs 200 million allocated for a pilot project to be launched for this purpose with loan facilities, Ravi K. said.

3.48pm - Pre-paid cards for railway commuters

3.49pm - Feasibility study in extending Southern Expressway to Badulla

3.50pm - Mechanism to be introduced to regulate three-wheelers and school vans

3.53pm - Govt will remove the 25% CESS on construction industry applicable to pre fabricated structures

4.01pm - Foreign investors will be provided five-year multiple entry visas

4.07pm - All pharmacies should be registered with the government immediately

4.11pm - Minister proposes for shops to remain open until 11.00pm and buses to operate until 11.00pm

4.12pm - A special board will be introduced for the listing of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).

4.15pm - A special Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) Act to be introduced.

4.35pm - Rs 50 million to be allocated to establish a special unit for the preservation of Sri Lankan films.

4.36pm - Real Estate Investment Trust will be established

4.37pm - The Samurdhi Fund will be renamed as “Jana Isuru”

4.39pm - Rs 100 million to be allocated for the development of Diyagama Stadium while Rs 125 million to be allocated for the development of the Sugathadasa Stadium.

4.41pm - Government will also request funds from tobacco companies to control smoking in the country.

4.43pm - The government Pensions scheme will be changed to a contributory pension scheme which will be established with an initial allocation of Rs 1,000 million

4.44pm - The minister proposes the setting up of a Debt Office as soon as possible. He said that Sri Lanka’s current debt stock is around 9 trillion.

4.53pm - Expressway toll fee to be reduced by Rs 50 between 9.00pm and 5.00am

4.55pm - 5kg of rice per a month for Samurdhi beneficiaries. This cost will be deducted from Samurdhi allowance.

4.57pm - MRP of 1 kg of green gram (Mung bean) to be reduced by Rs 15

4.57pm - MRP of 1 kg of dhal to be reduced by Rs 10

4.57pm - MRP of 1 kg of potatoes to be reduced by Rs 5

4.57pm - MRP of 1 kg of sprats to be reduced by Rs 5

4.58pm - MRP of 1 kg of sugar to be reduced by Rs 2

4.58pm - MRP of 1 litre of kerosene to be reduced by Rs 5

4.59pm - Price of domestic gas cylinder to be reduced by Rs 25

4.59pm - MRP of locally manufactured milk powder (400g) – Rs 250

4.59pm - MRP of locally manufactured canned fish (425g) – Rs 125

5.01pm - The pay-as-you-earn tax (PAYE) will be exempted up to Rs 100,000 per month.

5.02pm - CESS on 100 items will be removed with immediate effect.

5.03pm - Import tax on Electric Vehicles (<100kw) to be reduced.

5.10pm - Telecommunication Levy on Internet services will be increased to 25%.

5.11pm - SIM Activation Levy of Rs 200 will be imposed for a SIM.

5.15pm - All mobile operators will be given a 6 months period to convert their infrastructure enabling to provide 3G facility and a surcharge at Rs.
100 mn per district will be imposed for failing to provide such facility,

5.16pm - All metro areas have to be converted to 4G by 30th June 2018.

Sinhala Edition Click Here (Lanka Hot News)

Sri Lanka Budget 2017 Today

A Cabinet meeting on the 2017 Budget will be held today, Cabinet Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said yesterday.

Earlier yesterday Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said that he will present the third budget of the government at 2 p.m. in Parliament today. He had earlier this week discussed the proposals with former Finance Minister Ronnie de Mel .

"Minister Karunanayake said the government was trying to cap the fiscal deficit at 3.5 per cent of GDP by 2020 and has targeted a 4.7 per cent deficit for 2017.

GDP has increased to

Rs 11,183 billion (US$ 82.3 B) in 2015 from Rs 6,414 billion (US$ 56.7B) in 2010. Sri Lanka has a new phenomenon in its expenditure chain where a sizeable portion goes to social welfare and subsidies. Next year's budget allocates Rs 380 billion for welfare and subsidies, Ceylon Today earlier reported.