News
Shocking lapses in revenue collection revealed
COPA concerned over Rs. 7.5 bn spent on upgrading integrated computer system
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Parliamentary watchdog-COPA (Committee on Public Accounts), in its latest report has highlighted significant loss of revenue and misuse of public money caused by the failure on the part of the Department of Inland Revenue, Sri Lanka Customs and Department of Excise to streamline their operations.
COPA Chairman Prof. Tissa Vitarana presented his first report to Parliament on July 20. The COPA consists of 22 members representing both the government and the Opposition. The COPA report dealt with the Auditor General’s reports on Department of Inland Revenue, Sri Lanka Customs and Department of Excise.
Pointing out that as at July 31, 2020, there had been 281 vacancies (10 percent of the approved cadre), the all-party committee asserted that failure to fill 183 senior level vacancies in the Inland Revenue Department would hinder the smooth functioning of the institution.
COPA has questioned the failure on the part of Sri Lanka Customs to recruit a suitable person to the post of Legal Officer. The vacancy hadn’t been filled in spite of the Management Services Department approving the creation of the post, it has pointed out.
COPA has observed that the Excise Department, too, in spite of receiving approval from the Management Services Department on June 30, 2020 failed to recruit a legal officer though it being an essential post. There had been 35 senior and 66 tertiary level positions among altogether 292 vacancies in what the watchdog committee called a vital part in overall revenue collection mechanism.
Asserting that the three above-mentioned institutions were responsible for the collection of 90 percent of government revenue, COPA alleged that the continuing failure to streamline operations contributed to corruption. It faulted these institutions for allowing what it called private parties to misappropriate public funds.
Former COPA Chairman and incumbent member lawmaker Lasantha Alagiyawanna yesterday (28) said that tangible measures were required to ensure proper collection of revenue. Acknowledging irregularities had undermined the whole process, the SLFPer explained how those responsible for revenue collection manipulated the system for their benefit at the expense of the national economy.
State Minister of Co-operative Services, Marketing Development and Consumer Protection Alagiyawanna said that the continuing registration of vehicles imported for a particular purpose as dual purpose vehicles was nothing but a crime. Lawmaker Alagiyawanna said that in spite of interventions made by parliamentary watchdogs, COPA, COPE (Committee on Public Enterprises) and COPF (Committee on Public Finance) the situation remained quite unsatisfactory.
Responding to another query, lawmaker Alagiyawanna said that relevant ministers should take remedial measures.
COPE member Dr. Harsha de Silva yesterday said that the government revenue was now at a paltry 9.2 percent of the GDP (Gross Domestic Production). One-time non-cabinet minister de Silva said that perhaps it was one of the lowest in the world.
Vitarana’s outfit has recommended urgent amendments to Acts pertaining to the Inland Revenue Department as well as Sri Lanka Customs to facilitate the revenue collection process. As regards Sri Lanka Customs and Motor Traffic Department, COPA underscored the urgent need to amend relevant Acts as existing laws seriously hindered revenue collection procedures. COPA also called for modification of existing laws pertaining to the Excise Department to enable the institution to achieve its primary objectives.
Pointing out that a vast sum of money had been spent on developing integrated computer systems, COPA underscored revenue collection mechanisms that couldn’t be perfected without the availability of such methods. COPA called for the development of what it called a National Coordination Plan meant for strengthening of the revenue collection process.
COPA revealed that a staggering Rs 4 bn had been spent so far on modifying/updating the system at the Inland Revenue and a further Rs 3.5 bn was required to complete the work. The 22-member COPA has expressed serious concern over the large amount of funding made available to still unfinished project.
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
