Sri Lanka’s three-member cabinet, including President Anura Dissanayake, has sanctioned a proposal to allocate Rs. 5 billion from the government’s consolidated fund to facilitate the upcoming general elections. Cabinet spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath explained that the 2024 budget had initially allocated funds for only one election, leaving no resources for a general election. According to
In a landmark decision, Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has approved the National Trade Facilitation Roadmap bill, marking a significant advancement in the country’s efforts to modernize its cross-border trade processes and align with global trade facilitation standards. This roadmap will serve as the official strategy for implementing comprehensive trade reforms aimed at streamlining trade procedures and
The Cabinet has officially approved the IT Strategic Plan for the Inland Revenue Department, as announced by Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana during a press conference held at the Government Information Department on September 10, 2024. Dr. Gunawardhana detailed that the IT Strategic Plan, designed to digitize the Inland Revenue Department, was a
Sri Lanka’s Coconut Development Authority (CDA) will be granted expanded powers to regulate the quality of imported edible oils, including coconut and palm oil, according to a recent government statement. This decision was made following a proposal by Minister of Plantations, Mahinda Amaraweera, which received Cabinet approval. The move aims to protect the domestic coconut
The Government has announced plans to ease the current regulations on the repatriation of export earnings in response to feedback from exporters and government agencies. The existing rules, outlined under ‘Rules for Repatriation of Export Earnings No. 01 of 2022,’ will be amended to provide greater flexibility for managing export earnings. The proposed changes, set
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the awarding of the IR and IS contract packages for the Central Highway Project to Maga Engineering Ltd. This decision follows recommendations from the Standing Procurement Committees, which recognized Maga Engineering Ltd. as the lowest responsive bidder. The Central Highway Project, vital for enhancing Sri Lanka’s transport infrastructure, is
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal from the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Investment Promotion, to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare a bill for amending the Port City Economic Commission Act No. 11 of 2021. The amendments aim to enhance the global competitiveness of the Port City by addressing
Sri Lanka’s cabinet has given the green light to draft legislation for establishing a National Agency for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), following a proposal from President Ranil Wickremesinghe, according to the state information office. The new agency will be tasked with designing and managing PPP projects, as well as coordinating with international organizations. It will focus
Sri Lanka has received around 100 applications for permits to import vehicles to support the tourism industry, according to Somarathne Vidanapathirana, Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Lands. The Cabinet recently approved the import of vans and buses to enhance the fleet for transporting tourists, easing a previous vehicle import ban implemented during a
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) announced that the process to expand free visa facilities to over 60 countries is expected to be finalized by the end of this month. SLTDA Chairperson Priantha Fernando stated that the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have submitted a joint Cabinet paper for approval.