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The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (23) issued a warrant for the arrest of former Parliamentarian Sajin Vass Gunawardena, who failed to appear before the court in connection with a case filed by the Inland Revenue Commissioner regarding alleged income tax evasion amounting to nearly Rs. 36.9 million.

The case, filed in 2023 by the Inland Revenue Commissioner, pertains to the non-payment of income tax for the assessment years 2010 and 2012.

When the case was taken up before Colombo Additional Magistrate Pavithra Sanjeevani Pathiraja, the accused, Sajin Vass Gunawardena, had failed to appear before the court, said Ada Derana reporter.

Dinesh Perera, representing the prosecution, informed the court that summons had been duly served on the respondent, but he failed to appear.

After considering the facts presented, the magistrate ordered that the accused be taken into custody and produced before the court.

Accordingly, a warrant for his arrest was issued by the court.

Sri Lanka will increase funding for research and development and invest strategically in higher education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said today, citing the need for innovation to drive economic recovery and growth.

Speaking at the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) “Serendipity Knowledge Program: Innovation for Economic Transformation” at the Cinnamon Grand in Colombo, the Prime Minister said the government is committed to setting policy direction, partnering with the private sector, and strengthening the national innovation ecosystem.

Despite having a foundation for innovation, Sri Lanka ranks 89th out of 113 countries in the Global Innovation Index 2024. Dr. Amarasuriya attributed this to decades of underinvestment in research and education, noting that the country’s gross expenditure on research and development stands at just 0.1% of GDP.

“Our government is committed to reversing this trajectory,” she said, emphasizing innovation as key to overcoming the economic crisis and avoiding the middle-income trap.

The forum was attended by ADB Sri Lanka Resident Mission Country Director Takafumi Kadono, Secretary to the Prime Minister G. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Ministry of Higher Education, Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewe, and academic representatives from across the country.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake has appointed Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Finance.

The letter of appointment was handed over to Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma by the Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake this morning (23) at the Presidential Secretariat.

Dr. Suriyapperuma has been involved in capital market regulation for several years as a Director of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, which operates under the Ministry of Finance.

He successfully elevated Sri Lanka's ranking in the “Protecting Minority Investors" indicator within the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business, from 74th to 28th globally.

President's Counsel Nalin Rohantha Abeysooriya was sworn in today (19) as the President of the Court of Appeal.

The oath was administered before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat.

Joining him in the Court of Appeal are High Court Judges Don Francis Hathurusinghe Gunawardena and Adithya Kantha Madduma Patabendige, who also took their oaths before the President.

The Parliament House Committee, chaired by Speaker has decided to revise the meal charges levied on parliamentary staff following requests made by the staff.

The revision was finalized during the committee meeting held yesterday (20) at Parliament. According to the new decision, effective from July 1, 2025, executive-level officers will be charged Rs. 3,000 per month (previously Rs. 4,000), while non-executive staff members will be charged Rs. 2,000 per month (reduced from Rs. 2,500).

The initial pricing structure had been decided during the May 23 meeting and was to take effect from June 1, 2025. However, the rates were re-evaluated based on staff appeals.

The committee also decided that food prices for MPs’ drivers, police officers, President/Prime Minister’s security personnel, and journalists using the Parliament cafeteria will remain unchanged.

In addition, discussions were held on allocating a section of the Nuwara Eliya holiday bungalow — currently reserved exclusively for Members of Parliament — for use by parliamentary staff in the future.

The committee also reviewed the need for renovations at the official MP housing complex in Madiwela, and considered providing temporary daytime rest areas for MPs’ drivers during Parliament sessions.

The Parliament House Committee includes representatives from both the government and opposition.

Former Minister Duminda Dissanayake has been remanded until June 26 following his appearance before Mount Lavinia Magistrate Chathurika de Silva earlier today.

The remand order comes in connection with an ongoing investigation into the discovery of a gold-colored T-56 assault rifle found in a luxury apartment complex in Wellawatte.

Authorities have filed charges against Dissanayake, linking him to the unauthorized possession of the weapon.

The government officially launched the National Rural Road Development Program on Saturday, aiming to improve 1,800 rural roads by the end of the year, Transport and Highways Minister Bimal Rathnayake said.

The project, which commenced with the development of the Kosgama South Kadugoda Pussella Road in the Seethawaka area, will see simultaneous work at 57 locations nationwide. The total estimated cost is Rs. 14 billion, with Rs. 65 million allocated for the initial site.

Rathnayake said the administration is committed to transforming the rural infrastructure in line with its policy of creating a “prosperous country with a beautiful life.” He emphasized that 70 percent of the population resides in rural areas and enhancing their livelihoods is a government priority.

The minister criticized previous governments for misusing tax funds, stating that corruption and waste must be stopped. He called on public officials and communities to actively participate in the development process, noting that transparency and accountability are key to success.

Under the guidance of the president, an additional Rs. 5 billion has been allocated for rural road development. Plans are also underway to develop Avissawella into a fully equipped city, including the establishment of a multimodal transport hub.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake lauded Mahinda Siriwardana, the outgoing Secretary to the Treasury, for his exemplary service, stating that it is the responsibility of public officials to strive to prevent adverse outcomes and contribute to positive change.

The President particularly commended Siriwardana’s exceptional dedication and commitment in expertly navigating the nation’s economy through the transformative period following the recent economic crisis, ultimately achieving significant economic victories for the country.

President Disanayake expressed his gratitude for Siriwardana’s invaluable contributions.

These remarks were made by President Disanayake at a farewell ceremony organised at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (18) to mark Siriwardana’s retirement from his post as Secretary to the Treasury.

The President highlighted the need for a new value system focused on individual merit in an era where material possessions often overshadow genuine human values.

He stressed that the country requires a public service driven by humanity and empathy towards others, fulfilling its duties rather than one marred by excessive consumerism and corruption.

President Disanayake further emphasised that the public service should not be an inaccessible mechanism aloof from citizens. He underscored the importance of considering the impact of decisions on people’s lives when making policy choices. The President concluded by stating that young public officials have much to learn from the distinguished career of Mahinda Siriwardana, a senior public servant with extensive experience and profound understanding.

In his address, Siriwardana described his three-year tenure as Secretary to the Treasury as the most significant period of his professional life.

He thanked the President for maintaining confidence in him and allowing him to continue in the position despite a change in government leadership, noting that the President’s support was a great source of strength. Siriwardana added that the country might not have overcome its economic crisis without President Anura Kumara Disanayake’s faith, resilience and boundless dedication.

During the ceremony, the President also presented Siriwardana with a commemorative token in appreciation of his outstanding service.( PMD)

A Committee comprising government officials and experts has been appointed under the leadership of Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake to seek and implement sustainable solutions for managing and controlling the damages caused by wild animals to food production (Agriculture and Plantation sectors) through a scientific approach. The Committee held its first meeting today (19) at the Presidential Secretariat. 

The main objective of the Committee is to conduct a scientific study on the agricultural damage caused by wild animals and to implement short, medium and long-term action plans. In addition to drafting national policies and legislation, the Committee will also coordinate the provision of necessary human, physical and financial resources.

It was emphasised during the meeting that decisions should be made by recognizing wildlife as a part of the natural ecosystem. It was also noted that any solution must acknowledge the right of wild animals to their natural habitats. The need to implement a rapid action programme for high-risk districts was also discussed.

Prof. Ashoka Dangolla from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Peradeniya shared his views, highlighting that based on research conducted over more than 15 years on Toque macaque; it is possible to arrive at successful solutions through a scientific approach. He also pointed out that various methods can be used to control animal populations.

Director General of Wildlife Conservation, Mr M.S.L.R.C. Marasinghe, stated that a multi-pronged approach is necessary to address this issue. He emphasised the importance of animal censuses to obtain standard data on animal densities and underscored that the matter must be approached scientifically, beyond social perceptions.

It was also decided that gathering inputs from all stakeholders including academics, environmentalists, wildlife specialists, officials and members of the public affected by wildlife conflict is essential.

Among those present were Senior Additional Secretary to the President Mr. Kapila Janaka Bandara, Ministry Secretaries including Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Ravi Seneviratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration Mr. S. Aloka Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Mr D.P. Wickramasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration Ms. Ayesha Jinasena, public officials including Director General of Department of Wildlife Conservation,  defence sector officers, university professors and the members of the Committee.

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, his wife, and daughter, who were arrested and released on bail earlier today, have been remanded for failing to fulfil bail conditions.

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court granted bail to the three individuals who had been arrested by the Bribery Commission earlier today.

Rambukwella, his wife, and daughter had appeared before the Bribery Commission to provide statements with regard to investigations into their assets.

Thereafter, they were arrested and produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, after which they were ordered to be released on bail.

Colombo Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali had ordered them to be released on Rs. 50,000 cash bail and 09 sureties of Rs. 05 million.

However, due to their inability to fulfil the bail conditions, Keheliya Rambukwella, his wife, and daughter have been placed under remand.

Two daughters and the son-in-law of former minister Keheliya Rambukwella, arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, were granted bail today by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayathunga.

Chamithri Rambukwella, Amali Rambukwella, and Isuru Pulasthi were each released on Rs. 50,000 cash bail and three sureties of Rs. 5 million. The court also imposed a travel ban on all three.

The suspects were produced in court by the Bribery Commission in an investigation into their assets.

Meanwhile, former minister Keheliya Rambukwella, his wife and one daughter, who were remanded yesterday for failing to fulfil bail conditions over the same case, have been released.

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today ordered the release of the three individuals after they fulfilled their bail conditions.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasised that childcare is not solely a women’s issue as it is an economic and policy issue. She said that enabling women to balance work and caregiving is not only the right thing to do, but also essential for economic progress.

The Premier made these remarks while participating in a World Bank Group event titled Childcare as an Enabler of Women’s Increased Economic Participation in Sri Lanka, held today (17) at Cinnamon Life Hotel, Colombo, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division.

The roundtable mainly focused on how opportunities can be granted to women to thrive in the workforce while contributing to the nation’s economy through childcare services.

Delivering the keynote address, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya highlighted that women are central to the economy through both paid and unpaid contributions. However, barriers continue to restrict their workforce participation.

It is true that women’s labour force participation in Sri Lanka stands at only 32%, significantly lower than men’s participation at 74%. However, this statistic fails to capture the full scope of women’s economic contributions, as unpaid work by women is not statistically included.

Closing the gender gap could increase Sri Lanka’s GDP by up to 20%, as this is not just a social goal; it is an economic strategy that strengthens family well-being and national development.

The Sri Lankan government has taken steps such as Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs through the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs to expand childcare services in order to support women in the workforce, the statement said.

The Prime Minister further stated that tax incentives are being provided to businesses offering child protection services, economic assistance is being granted to working families, and a National Child Protection Framework is already in operation to ensure the quality of such services. Furthermore, she emphasized that public-private partnerships are crucial in expanding the provision of these services.

The Prime Minister appreciated the World Bank’s support in this regard.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, K.D.R. Olga, Gevorg Sargsyan, World Bank Group Country Manager for Sri Lanka, and representatives from the government, private sector, civil society, and officials from the World Bank Group.