News
Cabinet decision on duty-free vehicle facility for lawmakers awaited
… SLPP biggest beneficiary, followed by SJB
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Co-cabinet spokesman Minister Udaya Gammanpila said that the Cabinet hadn’t so far discussed whether to continue or do away with duty free permits issued to members of parliament.
Pivuthuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader and Energy Minister said so in response to a query raised by The Island.
Pointing out SLPP presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his election manifesto promised not to import vehicles for the government for a period of three years, The Island asked the co-cabinet spokesman whether the cabinet decided to continue the practice of issuing duty free vehicle permits or discontinue the facility especially in the wake of the unprecedented economic crisis caused by corona epidemic. The minister said that the issue hadn’t been discussed at the last two cabinet meetings.
In a section titled ‘An efficient governance mechanism,’ the SLPP in Oct 2019, assured in the run-up to the presidential poll that the procurement of vehicles for the public sector (including Ministers) and purchase of multi-faceted office facilities would be suspended for a period of 3 years. In addition, the renting of such facilities would also be stopped for a period of three years.
In terms of the permits, lawmakers are entitled to tax exemption to the tune of over Rs 33 mn.
A case filed against the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in late 2015 over its failure to initiate action in respect of lawmakers for selling vehicles imported under special facility exclusively provided to them is pending in courts.
In the 9th parliament, the SLPP is entitled for a staggering 145 duty free permits (128 for those elected and 17 for National List nominees) whereas the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) would receive 54 permits (47 elected and seven on the National List). The remaining permits are shared among the Tamil National Alliance (10/one NL), JVP-led Jathika Jana Balavegaya (3/one NL), Ahila Illankai Tamil Congress (3/one NL), EPDP (1), UNP (1 NL), SLFP (1), Our Power of People Party (1 NL), Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (1), Muslim National Alliance (1), Tamil Makkal Theshiya Kutani (1), All Ceylon Makkal Congress (1), National Congress (1) and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC).
In spite of repeated efforts, The Island couldn’t get in touch with Dr. Harsha de Silva to obtain views on the issuance of duty free facility at a time the government slapped an unprecedented ban on imports as a solution to deteriorating foreign reserves. Co-cabinet spokesman Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, too, couldn’t be contacted for his comments.
Sri Lanka is negotiating with India to re-schedule repayment of loans and an additional facility of USD 1.1 bn, having recently secured USD 400 mn loan facility. Of the 225 elected and appointed to the 9th parliament, there were 81 newcomers, parliamentary sources said, adding that of them, 16 were National List nominees. The rest had received multiple duty free permits with some of them entitled to the facility since 1989, the first election conducted under the Proportional Representation (PR) system.
Secretary to the Public Administration Ministry outspoken official J.J. Ratnasiri last week told a two-day orientation programme conducted at the parliamentary premises for new lawmakers that a decision hadn’t been taken as regards the duty-free vehicle permit. Speaking on facilities and various entitlements, Ratnasiri said that the ministry was yet to receive instructions in that regard.
Sources said that those lawmakers present refrained from raising any questions in that regard.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
