Oct 23 (FT) The deadline to file personal income tax returns for the Year of Assessment 2023/24 is 30 Nov 2024 and is fast approaching and many individuals are in a panic trying to figure out their tax status and tax compliance obligations. This article intends to address in an FAQ format some common but important questions individuals have with respect to their tax obligations. At the outset it must be noted that the tax payment deadlines on a self-assessment basis have already lapsed for more..

Oct 23 (Reuters) Israel's national security council called on Israelis on Wednesday to immediately leave some tourist areas in southern Sri Lanka over the threat of a possible terrorist attack. The agency said the warning pertained to the area of Arugam Bay and beaches in the south and west of SL, and stemmed from current information about a terrorist threat focused on tourist areas and beaches. The security council did not specify the exact nature of the threat and called on Israelis more..

Oct 23 (DM) SJB candidate Rehan Jayawickrama today cautioned against Israeli nationals running illegal business activities in some parts of SL. He said the following in his X message: "The illegal activities of certain Israeli business owners have persisted for far too long. Despite numerous appeals to various gots to put an end to this and ensure fair play, these requests have been ignored. Now, we are facing a serious security threat that could derail SL’s tourism recovery efforts. more..

Oct 23 (NW) Former Minister Johnston Fernando has been remanded until October 30 over the alleged use of an illegally assembled luxury car. The Fort Magistrate’s Court today issued the order for the former minister to be remanded, following his arrest by the CID earlier today. Johnston Fernando was arrested after he had reported to the CID to provide a statement regarding the vehicle. more..

Oct 23 (AD) It has been revealed that the student who fell to his death from an upper floor of the C.W.W. Kannangara Hostel at the University of Kelaniya had been consuming alcohol excessively. The student had been drinking alcohol within the university premises. He also mentioned that an alcohol-fueled party had been held last night to celebrate a fellow student’s birthday. After the party, the intoxicated student was taken to his room located on the fourth floor of more..

Oct 23 (DM) Following a mobile coconut sales programme, the Coconut Development Authority (CDA) will provide coconuts at a retail price between Rs. 100 and Rs. 120 from today. CDA said that the mobile coconut sales programme was launched to offer consumers affordable prices. The first phase of the programme was launched in Colombo, Sri J'pura Kotte and the Kaduwela Municipal Council areas. Mobile coconut sales vehicles have been deployed near the Welikada Police Station in Colombo, more..

Oct 23 (DM) SL Police addressed the situation in the Arugam Bay area following the US Embassy in Colombo's travel advisory for its citizens. Embassy had imposed a travel restriction on its personnel to Arugam Bay until further notice after receiving information about a potential attack targeting popular tourist locations in the area. DIG Nihal Thalduwa said that several reports had been received in the past few days regarding more..

Oct 23 (AD) The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santhosh Jha, has met with the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Kumanayake at the Presidential Secretariat. Their discussions yesterday (22) focused on resolving the on-going fishing issues in the Northern Sea, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD). Both parties emphasized the need for a long-term solution that would address the concerns of fishermen from both countries while fostering cooperation, the PMD said. more..

Oct 23 (DM) The NPP, led by Prez Anura Dissanayake, should be allowed to govern freely for at least a year to reveal the true nature of the current govt, former State Minister Anuradha Jayaratne said. He said that no one should rush to take over the govt before that time. Jayaratne pointed out that the current govt made history by borrowing Rs. 60 billion within just 24 days, but yet failed to pay the teachers' salaries on time. He warned that the country's economic situation could worsen more..

Oct 23 (NW) SL Army has refuted videos circulated on social media platforms in the past few days related to the relocation of troops. Issuing a statement, the Army said that the videos claim that the relocation of troops from certain camps was a hasty decision, which was inaccurate. “These relocations are part of a long-term strategic plan under the Army’s resizing and restructuring measures. Additionally, all Army activities are carried out under the supervision of the Commander more..

Oct 23 (EN) Govts of Australia, UK and Russia have followed the US in warning their citizens of a possible attack in the coastal town of Arugam Bay, a popular surfing destination in the island’s east. “There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks in SL. Terrorists may target areas popular with foreigners and tourists, including in regional and coastal towns (see Safety). The ongoing conflict in the Middle East could lead to an increased threat of attacks against Israeli interests in other regions. more..

Oct 23 (DM) Former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the legal Cabinet decision taken by him as Finance Minister to increase the salaries of public servants should be implemented immediately. Former Prez said that if he had won the Prez election, he had planned to give the salary increase from next January, and that if the salary increase is not given, then the govt should immediately reveal where the money more..

Oct 23 (DM) A gang of six robbers, armed with sharp weapons, entered the Ratmalana Railway Workshop yesterday and attempted to steal a stock of wire. Security officers opened fire, injuring one of the robbers. Two railway employees were injured during the scuffle when the robbers attacked them with sharp weapons. According to a security officer, the injured robber was shot below the knee, while one of the employees sustained wounds to his neck and hands from the attackers. more..

Oct 23 (NW) The Supreme Court today rejected a petition filed by YouTuber Ashen Senarathna challenging the National Election Commission’s decision to reject his nomination to contest the upcoming General Election. National Election Commission had previously rejected popular YouTuber Ashen Senarathna’s independent group’s nomination list from the Colombo District. The Commission disqualified the group, stating that the nomination papers were submitted by more..

Oct 23 (FT) ‘Is the House of Rajapaksa Falling Down?' was the heading of an article written by me for our sister paper the Daily Mirror two and a half years ago. The article was published on 23 April 2022 when the Aragalaya (struggle) protests were going on. Article focused on the Rajapaksa family and its struggle to stay afloat in power despite the rising tide of public resentment and anger. The following two paragraphs are excerpted from more..

Oct 23 (AD) Steps have been taken to cancel the leave of all employees of the Postal Dept in preparation for the upcoming General Election. Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe announced that the leave of all Postal Department employees has been cancelled, effective from today until Nov 14. However, any postal worker requiring leave for essential reasons must obtain permission from the Deputy Postmaster General in charge of their province, he added. more..

Oct 23 (Island) The Consulate General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates has launched a special initiative to assist Sri Lankans to regularize their visa status or return home without facing penalties, the Mission said in a statement issued yesterday. The Amnesty programme has been launched on Sept. 01. Accordingly the regularization of visa status would continue till Oct 31. Statistics related to the Amnesty programme from 01 Sept to 17 Oct 2024 are as follows: more..

Oct 23 (SLC) SL A swept to the semi-finals of the Emerging Teams Asia Cup defeating Bangladesh A by 19 runs yesterday on a Player of the Match 3 for 23 by Dushantha Hemantha in defending a score of 161 for 7 at Oman’s Al Amerat Cricket Ground. The decisive match saw the Lankan batsmen set up the win with Pavan Rathnayake top scoring with 42 off 26 (3,×4, ,2×6) followed by useful contributions from Lahiru Udara 35, Sahan Arachchige 30, Yashodha Lanka 23 & skipper Nuwanidu Fernando 19. more..

Oct 23 (NW) Former Sri Lankan cricketer Tillakaratne Dilshan has expressed hope of engaging in clean politics, stating that one day he will be known for having performed a Dilscoop in politics, like in cricket. Speaking to the media, the former cricketer revealed he has been engaged in various charity programmes in the last 15 years, which include assisting nearly 25,000 families and that 100 students are currently enrolled in universities. more..

Oct 23 (DM) Outgoing Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki said the cancellation of the LRT project during the time of former Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa was typical case of a very non-transparent decision, and after that, it was difficult for him to secure assistance from Japan from SL. He said that things started moving only when then Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe apologized about the cancellation and asked Japan for support. more..

Oct 23 (KT) Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam are among the countries under review for the expansion of Korea’s foreign nanny program next year, according to a source familiar with the matter. The Asian nations are being reviewed as potential new partners as govt officials here plan to bring some 1,200 caregiving workers by the end of June. Currently, 98 Filipinos are working as caregivers in Seoul through a six-month pilot program introduced by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon. more..

Oct 23 (DM) LGBTIQA+ community working in the Free Trade Zones (FTZ) complained yesterday that the garment factories that employ them through random manpower agencies would exploit their labour as men and pay wages designated for the weaker sex. Representatives of the transgender community claimed that they had to undergo appalling discrimination and hardships when performing their duties at the factories in suburban FTZs and its high time authorities look into more..

Oct 23 (TM) SL Rupee (LKR) was the best performing emerging market currency for the first eight months of 2024, taking the top spot for five consecutive months since March. By the second week of October, rupee had appreciated by over 10% in 2024, a feat which many thought unlikely after the Prez Election. Rupee appreciated by 10.8% Year-on-Year (YoY) in 2023 after sharply depreciating 81.2% in the crisis year of 2022, more..

Oct 23 (TM) A total of 21,160 postal voting applications have been rejected out of the total applications submitted for the Parliamentary Election, according to the Election Commission (EC). A total of 759,210 postal voting applications were received for the upcoming Election. “The process of accepting postal voting applications has now been completed. Out of the 759,210 applications submitted, 738,050 have been accepted. more..

Oct 23 (NF) CID has recorded a statement from the Director of Transport at the President's Office regarding the alleged disappearance of several vehicles. According to the police, the investigation was initiated following a complaint lodged by the Presidential Secretary. The complaint states that 29 vehicles, including motorcycles, have gone missing. The police reported that the Director of Transport at the Prez's Office provided an extensive statement over several hours and more..

Oct 24 (DM) Going by popular trends, most independent analysts are forecasting that the new President and his party will get at least a simple majority in parliament. The new govt in its General Election campaigns, which it launched last Friday (18), has focused not only on the revival of the economy but more so on the battle against corruption. At election rallies, it was revealed that there are about 10 major cases of corruption where political and other leaders are known to more..

Oct 24 (DM) Many moons ago, before the last prez election, there was great uncertainty because the lawmakers were robbing the people off their tax contributions. Now, after the elections, we are again a little concerned and harbour doubts as to how much we’d have to change to accommodate the views of the govt to be formed soon. NPP led caretaker govt hasn’t given us goosebumps yet. Instead it has given us hope. But it is good to be prepared, because here we have a more..

Oct 24 (CT) Far from the hustle and bustle of city life and nestled along the Southern Coast of SL is a place of natural beauty and tranquility. The clear blue water and the sounds of the waves, the breathtaking sunrise and the unforgettable sunset over the Indian ocean. This is the Rekawa beach where nature can be experienced at its best. As the sun rises, the undisturbed beach lights up, with its tall coconut trees and mangroves more..

Oct 24 (CT) They have destroyed their beginnings; they have destroyed their path and they ultimately destroyed their end. Ceylon’s politic al journey has had a lamentable history. At the dawn, or on its very eve, of Independence, in 1947, DS Senanayake formed the UNP. Its stature was immense; its composition acceptable without much controversy and its strength amongst all walks of life beyond doubt. The so-called Father of the Nation founded the party with his mercantile-class friends more..

Oct 24 (DM) Oct 24 marks the 30th anniversary of my father’s death. It was a on a day like today on that fateful night when the LTTE assassinated one of the most dynamic and accomplished politicians this country produced. This article is written with the intention of commemorating him. Given the recent political developments and the victory of the NPP I would like to concentrate on a lesser appreciated feat of him. He is credited with giving leadership towards the completion more..

Oct 24 (TM) The latest addition to SL medical education, Moratuwa Uni Medical Faculty, is reaching several milestones this year, becoming deep rooted in the national medical education sector. Today, in the process of moving into an administrative building of the SAITM the Moratuwa Medical Faculty is to be housed in a set up that can claim as their own. Ministry of Health will be responsible for establishing professorial unit more..

Oct 24 (TM) Sri Lanka was yesterday gripped with fear and speculation following a security alert issued by the US Embassy regarding credible information of a potential attack targeting the popular east coast tourist hot-spot; Arugam Bay. Within hours of the announcement, the UK, Russia, Australia and New Zealand also flagged concerns regarding a possibility of an attack. It is understood that the focus of the threat is likely a small but visible population of Israeli tourists more..

Oct 24 (CT) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s election was based on the promise that he would bring a new political culture and end corruption which, many Sri Lankans can agree, has been an encumbrance of the progress of the entire nation. Many would have cast their vote last month, believing that rejecting politicians who have been identified in the past as crooked and unscrupulous and their political camps would be the solution. The same sentiment is being carried over to more..

Oct 24 (Island) Former MP Udaya Gammanpila has raised many hackles by releasing a presidential probe committee report on intelligence coordination and investigative processes in respect of the Easter Sunday terror attacks (2019). Among those who have seen red are prominent ruling party politicians and some religious dignitaries. Their ire is baffling, for Gammanpila has only done what Anura Kumara Dissanayake, as an Opposition MP, kept pressuring the Rajapaksa-Wickremesinghe govt to do. more..

Oct 24 (ST) Mired with allegations for the past few years, the country’s foreign employment facilitation agency, SL Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) is faced with a fresh allegation. This latest charge has to do with the face-off that D.D.P. Senanayake, General Manager (GM) SLBFE had with an internal auditor R.A.D.N. Gunasekara less than two months ago. The Business Times has obtained a letter issued by Deputy Auditor General (Admin), M.S. Nayanakumara in which he reprimanded more..