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Eelam People’s Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF) leader Suresh Premachandran has said the Tamil parties will announce their stand on the upcoming presidential election on Wednesday (30).

Tamil political parties held a final discussion on the issue on Monday (28).

The final decision of the Tamil political parties will decide how the Tamil in the Northern Province would cast their votes at the election.

Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa led Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has already rejected the 13 demands that have been jointly agreed by five Tamil political parties and have also refused to hold talks with the Tamil parties based on the demands.

Premachandran meanwhile has noted that even the New Democratic Front (NDF) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa had also not invited the five Tamil parties for discussions.

An investigation is to be carried out by the Election Commission (EC) into state employees who have allegedly violated election laws.

Local election monitors had complained to the Elections Commission that at least two state employees who were well known public figures had been seen at political events.

Key among them was the President of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya.

Commissioner General of Elections Saman Ratnayake has said an inquiry would be conducted on Dr. Padeniya, who was seen at Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s election manifesto launch last week.

Ratnayake has noted that government officer could not directly or indirectly participate in promoting any political party or presidential candidate while holding the post of a government servant.

At the launch of Rajapaksa’s manifesto, Padeniya was seen seated on the front row next to the candidate.

The Elections Commission had issued a circular on 10 September stating that government officials, administrative officials, including medical officers without political rights should not participate in any political activity related to the election.

According to Ratnayake, being a union leader doesn’t make Padeniya eligible to support a political campaign as a union leaders could only represent issues faced by the respective employees.

The Vote on Account presented by Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera in parliament on October 23 for the first 4 months of 2020 was passed unanimously yesterday.

Several relief measures including a comprehensive increment of public servants’ salaries, allowances of disabled war heroes and a decision to pay the full salary to disabled war heroes for lifetime was presented by the Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera in the Vote of Account which was passed unanimously when it was tabled in Parliament last week.

Recurrent and Capital expenditure of Rs.1, 470 billion is expected to be spent during that period and another Rs. 05 billion is expected to be spent for the Advance Account.

While presenting the Vote of Account, Samaraweera highlighted the breakdown of the salary increments for public servants.

These salary increases have been calculated based on the P.A.Circular 6/2016 and on the the recommendation of the Ranugge Salaries Commission.

Accordingly public servants will be paid half of the new increase from January 01 2020 and the rest will be paid from January 01, 2021

Furthermore, the Finance Minister highlighted the relief measures granted to the people in this manner:

• To increase the Public Servants’ Disaster Loan limit to Rs.350, 000 from Rs.250, 000. To reduce its loan interest to 3% from 4%.
• To increase the current sum of Rs.6000 granted for public service staff to buy bicycles up to Rs.10, 000 and to reduce its interest to 3% from 4.2%.
• To increase the current annual Uniform fee for Office Assistants’ Service to Rs.5000/- from Rs.4, 000/-.
• To increase the Spectacle allowance of Rs.5, 000/- to Rs.8, 000/-. Public servants who have obtained the membership of the National Insurance Trust Fund are entitled to this allowance per a period of three years.
• To implement a program to provide an annual mandatory training for a minimum of five days for the officers attached to the Public Servant Office Assistant Service, the Drivers Service and the Management Assistants Service.
• For Grama Seva Officers, the following measures were announced.
o To increase the Office Allowance to Rs.1, 500/- within the Municipal Council areas and the Urban Council areas.
o To double this allowance in Pradeshiya Sabah limits to Rs.1, 000/-.
o To increase the transport allowance within the local government limit to Rs.600/- from Rs.200/- and, outside the local government limit to Rs.1,000/- from Rs.500/-
o To increase the annual Stationery allowance to Rs.1, 500/- from Rs.1, 000/- and to increase the Uniform allowance to Rs.4, 300/-.
o To amalgamate the Communication and Transport allowance and pay a Common allowance of Rs.5, 000/- instead.
• To increase the War Heroes’ allowance after 20 years.
• The decision to pay the full salary to disabled War Heroes for lifetime and, thereafter to its benefits to their dependents.
• To replace the 14-day Composite allowance with a 20-day allowance thereby increasing the salary of Police Officers by 238%.
Minister Samaraweera also announced the following amendments.

1) Excise (Amendment)

Presently there is no provision in the Excise Ordinance for the police officers to initiate proceedings before a magistrate against the offender on matters pertaining to illicit liquor. Therefore, it has resulted in the rapid increase in the trade and consumption of illicit liquor in most part of the country.

Accordingly, Section 35 and 52 of the Excise Ordinance will be amended to authorize the police officers to take legal action on matters pertaining to illicit liquor.

2) Value Added Tax (Amendment)

The Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill provides for the following Value Added Tax Policies which are approved in the Budget - 2019 and Cabinet decision dated June 25, 2019 on the CP No.19/1781/108/162.
(i). Piece based VAT Rate
The piece based VAT rate applicable on domestic sale of certain garments by the export oriented BOI companies will be increased from Rs.75/- to Rs.100/-,

(ii). Value of Imported Goods
The Minister of Finance will be authorized to prescribe the basis for chargeability of VAT of certain goods specified by the Minister by regulations,

(iii). Payment date of VAT

VAT payment dates presently fall on 15th, 20th and last date of the month following the each month of a taxable period is inconvenient for the tax payers as well as the tax administration. Considering the requests of the taxpayers, the VAT payment date will be changed to 20th day of the month following the month relevant to such payment.

(iv). The locally produced Rice Bran Oil, manufactured out of locally produced rice will be exempted from VAT

(v). VAT on the supply of condominium housing units

VAT imposed on the supply of condominium housing units will not be charged where the:-

(a) Unit price of each Condominium housing Unit of a Condominium Housing Project does not exceed Rs. 25Mn

(b) Agreement to sell relating to such supply is executed as per Notaries Ordinance prior to the date of commencement of the VAT (Amendment) Act, or

(c) Supply of any condominium housing units, which has been completed and in respect of which, the Certificate of Conformity has been obtained from the relevant local authority prior to the date of commencement of VAT (Amendment) Act.
In addition to the above
Reduction of VAT rate applicable on the supply of condominium housing units to 6% and input tax relating to such supply will be counted at 5%.

(vi). The supply of goods by the construction contractors to their overseas projects will be treated as exports.

3) Nation Building Tax (Amendment)

The Nation Building Tax (Amendment) has been prepared to implement the below mentioned Nation Building Tax Policies which are proposed in the Budget - 2019.
(i). Exemption applicable on the importation of unprocessed gem stones will be granted on the approval of National Gem and Jewellery Authority if the payment such services is in foreign currency and remitted to Sri Lanka.

(ii). Exemption applicable on the services provided by the construction sub-contractors will be extended to the main contractors as well.

(iii). Exemption of hotel services provide for foreign currency

(iv). Exemption of importation of Lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets.

(v). Exemption of locally value added imported palm oil.

(vi). Exemption of importation of yachts and other vessels for pleasure or sports.

(vii). Removal of exemption of cigarette.

(viii). Exemption of projects with an investment of USD 50 Mn or above during the project implementation period or the construction period.

4) Finance Act amendment

The Finance Act amendment provides for the below mentioned Tax Policies which are proposed in the Budget - 2019.

(i). Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles

The definition of "Specified Motor Vehicle" for the applicability of Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicle will be amended to provide for chargeability of the tax based on the price of vehicle instead of engine capacity and specifying the exempt vehicle categories. (For further clarification please refer to the Press Release issued by the Finance Ministry)

(ii). Levy on Foreign Commercial Transactions

Levy on Foreign Commercial Transactions will be charged at the rate of 3.5% on the Credit/Debit card payments made to purchase goods/services from outside Sri Lanka. The date of implementation of the Levy will be declared by the Minister by order published in the Gazette.

In addition to the above, following amendments will be moved during the Committee Stage of the Finance Bill.

(iii). Carbon Tax

The Carbon Tax was imposed under the Finance Act, No.35 of 2018. The tax is payable by the vehicle owners based on the fuel type and the age of the vehicle at the time of renewal of annual registration. This tax is applicable only for this year (2019) and will be removed from December 01, 2019.

 (iv). Cellular Tower Levy

The Cellular Tower levy was imposed under the Finance Act, No.35 of 2018. According to the existing provisions, proceedings to be initiated at the Magistrates Court, if any operator defaults the payment of Levy. Provisions for a surcharge will be introduced if an operator defaults the payment of Levy, prior to initiate Court proceedings.

The Mobile technology is constantly evolving to keep pace with growing demand. The Government’s ambition is to ensure that consumers have excellent connectivity across the Country.

Presidential candidate of the National Peoples’ Power (NPP), Anura Kumara Dissanayaka commented on the following matters at the launch of the manifesto of the NPP this today (26). This policy statement, which was launched at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, has been named as the “Deshaye Apekshawa,” the “Expectation of the Nation.”

Anura Kumara Dissanayake has formulated his manifesto through eight fundamental national policies;

• A land of prosperity
• A land of contentment
• A secure land
• An evergreen land
• A fertile land
• A lawful land
• A safe land
• One country

It is noteworthy that in preparing this policy statement, the names of the scholars involved in each subject were mentioned. These include ensuring national security, implementing clean governance, promoting agriculture, not allowing any extremism to be built, taking back all the lands given to companies, and developing a new development program that is integrated with the livelihood of the people.

One of the main objectives of their manifesto is to build an IT-based education. The National Peoples’ Power aims to create a civilized citizen by providing equal access to education for all groups according to their qualifications and skills. It is also proposed to address the serious health problems faced by Sri Lanka to improve the health of all people. It has further clarified the need to provide suitable habitats to all and assured that maximum measures will be taken to do so. Another aspect of this manifesto is the restoration of the place of art and culture. The expectation of the National Power Speed is to bring the woman forward as a driving force and provide all the needs of the children for the future of the country. The policy statement also contains a set of 11 principles for building a clean Sri Lanka.

They have also pledged to build agriculture, livestock development, fisheries, and aquatic resources, energy and transport to build a sustainable economy. The abolition of the Executive Presidency and the establishment of a new constitution is a pledge of the National Power Force. The manifesto also states the promise of establishing a government free of fraud and corruption, plans on developing the police force, and eradicating the drug menace.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake further said;

“The country is poor, the leaders are rich. The country is in debt but the bank accounts of the leaders are full. Politics is simply a business. We assure that this business will be transformed to a service for the people of the nation. We will carry out several changes to achieve this. We will stop the retirement fee received by parliamentarians after five years. We will stop former Presidents being nourished by the people of the country. The cabinet will be limited to 30. There won’t be any positions as state ministerial or non state ministerial positions. And there’s a vehicle permit mania that does not suit this country. We will stop that dear parliamentarians. We assure that the expenditure of the president will be reduced by 90%.”

The manifesto also includes the establishment of a foreign policy that guides the aspirations of the independent national people of today’s world politics. It also asserts the right to freedom of media and access to information for the benefit of a democratic society.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to the founding principles of the Non-Aligned Movement and called for the group’s collective attention to the need to address contemporary global challenges, highlighting in particular, poverty and terrorism.

He was addressing the 18th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Baku, Azerbaijan recently.

While observing that poverty remains one of the greatest impediments to the achievement of the goals of the 2030 Development Agenda, Marapana briefed the NAM member states on how alleviation of poverty has been at the core of Sri Lanka’s development strategies, the country’s endeavours to address the issues of social inequality, empowerment of women, and also, numerous welfare measures aimed at assisting the under-privileged.

Referring to terrorism, which remains one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, he reiterated Sri Lanka’s unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and also pointed out the need to address violent extremism.

Minister Marapana emphasized the gravity of the issues of climate change and expressed hope that the 25th conference of the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Chile later this year will further galvanise global action to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of this global threat.

He also underscored the relevance of NAM as the collective voice of the global South while recalling how the group has championed the values that are inherently vital in safeguarding multilateralism.

Minister Marapana also addressed the Preparatory Ministerial Meeting held prior to the Summit on Wednesday.  

Sri Lanka is a co-sponsor of the Bandung conference of 1955 during which the core values of the Non Aligned Movement, known as the Bandung Principles, were formulated. Sri Lanka is also a founding member of the Non-Aligned movement.

President Maithripala Sirisena has decided to give up his previous adopted stance of staying neutral during the presidential election campaign and is expected to get on a political stage in the next few days, a close confidante of the President told Newstube.

The sources said the President is expected to return to the country on Monday (28) after concluding an official visit to Japan and that he would take a political stand in support of one of the main contenders at the upcoming presidential election after his return.

The President it is learnt has received several surveys on the presidential election campaigns carried out by local and international groups. His support to the relevant presidential candidate will depend on these results.

Therefore, the President is definitely expected to get on a political stage shortly, the President's close confidante further said.

Meanwhile, sources at the Presidential Secretariat said despite previous claims that he would remain neutral during the presidential election, the President has now changed his mind about the matter.

Former Sri Lanka Navy Commander Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda has been named as the 16th suspect in the Magistrate’s Court case over the disappearance of 11 youths, allegedly tortured in a secret cell at the Gunside Navy Camp.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), in a B-report submitted to the Fort Magistrate last Wednesday (23), has reportedly stated that a request was made to Court to issue notice to former Navy Commander Karannagoda but was refused.

It is learnt that the CID was informed that there was no provision under which the Admiral could be issued notice and that he could be named the 16th suspect in the case.

Meanwhile, Court was also informed that photographic evidence obtained by the investigators including images taken during the ninth anniversary of the intelligence unit, showed the sixth suspect and former Naval Spokesperson Commodore D.K.P. Dassanayake, second suspect Sumith Ranasinghe, and other operatives of the intelligence units, along with Eastern Naval Area Commander Rear Admiral Thusith Weerasekera together.

The case is to be concluded in the following weeks and is likely to be transferred to the Colombo High Court along with the filing of indictments.

Related News:

Karanagoda further grilled by CID over youth abduction

New Democratic Front (NDF) Presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa has already created awareness on his programme of action, policies and targets among the people making use of his political experience and   widespread socio political vision at mass rallies held across the island, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe noted.

The Premier said that several UNP Ministers and MPs have brought to his notice on the miserable performance of SLPP candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa who employs the use of teleprompters to address all his campaign rallies.

while Sajith Premadasa is providing practical solutions to the problems in the country, Gotabaya is making unrealistic economic proposals while uttering the same mantra of ensuring security in the country.

The will of the people should never be taken for granted, and this election may well swing either way – but it is important to consider the intentions of Gotabaya Rajapaksa who is hell-bent on protecting the Rajapaksa family from charges of corruption, fraud and murders.

“What promise do you give to the people via your manifesto that the corruption over thrown in 2015 will not return with you? How are we to believe when you are surrounded by the same crooks?," a civil society activist observed.

Gotabaya should answer this question clearly without going down the 'mulberry bush' chanting the slogan of national security.

Enough is enough, now he should get up from slumber after starting his run up to presidency early to see his main contender already far ahead of him in the final lap.      

Sajith Premadasa has clearly indicated his plan of making the business community as stake holders of national security providing necessary facilities and protection.

He has already unveiled the women’s charter of protecting women’s rights while protecting their dignity.  

He has clearly explained his policy on youth which is aimed at giving the due place for suitable persons and creating more employment opportunities.
Furthermore, Gotabaya is yet to answer the challenge made by Sajith Premadasa with regards to a public debate between the two candidates.

Accordingly, the people of this country have clearly understood the vast differences of attitudes and policies between presidential front runners Sajith and Gotabaya.

The Elections Commission has stated that six out of the 35 presidential candidates are yet to submit their assets and liabilities declarations.

Commissioner General of Elections, Saman Sri Ratnayake has said that all assets and liabilities declarations should be submitted by the beginning of January next year.

He has said the six candidates, who are yet to declare their assets, are not among the leading candidates contesting the presidential election next month.

Over the past three years, despite many natural calamities and the Easter attack that affected Sri Lanka’s economy, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows remained stable with US$ 2.4 billion in FDI in 2018, up from US$ 970 million the previous year, a senior cabinet minister said.  

Better trade and competitive policies exerted a powerful effect of attracting more and better Foreign Direct Investment into Sri Lanka, Minister of Development Staretgies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrema disclosed.  

The 3-Year Annual Average of FDI has grown by 23% in years of 2016-18 compared to the 2013-15 period. Further, BoI registered companies had created 17,000 new jobs.

During the period between 2016 to September 2019, approvals were granted and investment agreements were signed for over 360 projects (over 200 new projects and 157 expansions of existing projects).
"This year itself, the BoI has approved FDI projects worth over $20 billion. There is one project which has just been approved by the Cabinet, amounting to $15 billion," Samarawickrema said.

These projects will generate a FDI value of around US$ 9.5 billion whilst providing additional employment opportunities to over 60,000 Sri Lankans when they are realized over the next 2-4 years.

Out of these, 253 projects are at the implementation stage and over 100 are in the commercial operation stage.

Minister Samarawickrema noted that the total FDI that flowed into Sri Lanka between 1978 to 2015 was US$ 12 billion.

During 2016 to 2019 alone, there has been total FDI Inflow of US $ 5,4 billion, he said adding that  45% of the FDI during the last 37 years, was realized in last 4 years.

Leader of the National Union of Workers and Minister of Hill Country New Villages, Infrastructure, and Community Development Palani Digambaram is to agitate over the demands for the estate sector workers and is to give an ultimatum to New Democratic Front (NDF) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa on the matter.

Digambaram is expected to meet NDF presidential candidate Premadasa and demand a pledge to increase the wages of the plantation sector workers and failing which the former is to resign from his portfolio.

“Digambaram will demand the wages of the estate workers be increased substantially. If Premadasa doesn’t agree to do so, he will resign from his ministerial portfolio,” party sources have said.

Sources have said this would be a condition for Digambaram and his party to extend support to Premadasa’s candidacy.

In the event an agreement is not reached between Digambaram and Premadasa, the latter will resign from portfolio and rethink whom to support at the upcoming presidential election.

According to party sources, Digambaram and his party have been promising a wage increase to the poor people of the estate sector but it never materialises. Therefore, the party is to support the candidate who pledges to address the estate sector workers’ demands.

Further, the monetray allegations effected by the people will not necessitate in the action of the front that will tell them get things realised as well as how they should consur their decision. We all know how well they have aligned themselves to get the necessary people into so much so that they will only telecast the necessary evil that will emnate from their houses.