Category: Daily Financial Times

The policies on repatriation of export proceeds into Sri Lanka are in place as one of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL) measures to ensure adequate foreign currency inflow to build the foreign currency reserve position of the country.

The foreign currency reserves play an important role in building CBSL’s international reserves. International reserves provide a shield during times of economic instability through supporting currency stabilisation, country’s foreign debt repayment obligations and ensuring trade and import stability.

The further requirement for the mandatory conversion of the export proceeds into Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) post the repatriation, is with the aim of maintaining the foreign currency liquidity in the domestic foreign exchange market.

Evolvement of the relevant foreign regulations in Sri Lanka

The regulations on repatriation of export proceeds were introduced under the repealed Exchange Control Act No. 24 of 1953 (ECA) in 1973. However, it was discontinued after Sri Lanka accepted Article VIII under the Articles of Agreement of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1994, which placed a focus on liberalisation of current payments.

This permitted exporters to repatriate export proceeds into Sri Lanka and retain such proceeds in local or foreign currency accounts in Sri Lanka or retain them in foreign currency accounts in a bank abroad, until the regulations were re-introduced in 2016 under the ECA.

Since then, these regulations have been amended from time to time post the enactment of the Foreign Exchange Act No.12 of 2017 (FEA) which replaced the ECA, having regard to the foreign exchange policies of the CBSL.

Initially the mandatory timeline requirement for repatriation of export proceeds applied only to an exporter of goods. This requirement was extended to exporters of services as well under Extraordinary Gazette No. 2251/42 dated 28 October 2021. The repatriation timeline was within 180 days from the date of shipment or provisioning of services.

The mandatory conversion requirement of the export proceeds has also evolved over time. Though Extraordinary Gazette No.2215/39 dated 18 February 2021 mandated the immediate conversion of 25% of export proceeds on receipt, subsequent regulations amended the conversion percentage (to 10% and back to 25%) and timeline for such conversion (from 14 days to 30 days).

However, under Extraordinary gazette No. 2251/42 dated 28 October 2021 (supra), the exporters of goods and services were granted an extended timeline being on or before the seventh day of the following month of receipt, for conversion of the residual export proceeds after deduction of authorised payments. Nevertheless, there was a condition that this conversion timeframe also should not exceed the 180 day timeline from the date of shipment or provisioning of services.

Subsequently, the mandatory conversion requirement of the foreign currency to LKR was removed for service exporters under Extraordinary Gazette No. 2292/50 dated 12 August 2022.

For exporters of goods, the mandatory conversion timeline of residual export proceeds were liberalised under Extraordinary Gazette No. 2391/02 dated 01 July 2024 (subsequently amended), effective from 04 September 2024, where conversion was required on or before the tenth day following 03 calendar months from the month of receipt.

However, given the negative repercussions of the present global economic conditions on Sri Lanka’s economy and the need to ensure adequate foreign currency reserves, this liberalised timeline has been curtailed drastically under Extraordinary Gazette No. 2492/10 dated 09 June 2026. Now exporters of goods are required to convert the export proceeds after deducting authorised payments, on or before the tenth day of the following month of receipt.

The authorised payments permitted for deduction prior to conversion are:

Current transactions in relation to the export business including one month commitments

debt servicing expenses and repayment of permitted foreign currency loans and accommodations obtained by the exporter of goods including one month loan commitments

Payments of dividends declared to non-resident investors and /or of salaries to expatriate employees who are foreign nationals or dual citizens,

Withdrawal in foreign currency notes or transfer of funds for travel purposes related to the export business

payments in respect of making investments in debt securities denominated in foreign currency issued by the Government of Sri Lanka up to ten% of the export proceeds received

Payments to indirect exporters of goods and services who have commitments in foreign currency as permitted (the indirect exporters are also subject to the same mandatory conversion timeline in respect of the payments they receive from direct exporters)

The 180 day timeline for repatriation of export proceeds into Sri Lanka continues to apply for both exporters of goods and exporters of services, calculated from the date of shipment or provision of services. Where this condition is not satisfied, immediate conversion of the export proceeds on receipt is mandated and the exporters maybe subject to regulatory action.

As per the CBSL data, there is an increase in 2025 compared with 2024, in both total export proceeds repatriated to Sri Lanka and the foreign currency conversion to LKR.

Income tax perspective

With the enactment of the Inland Revenue Act No.24 of 2017 as amended (IRA) effective from 01 April 2018, a concessionary corporate tax rate was provided to a company ‘predominantly’ conducting a business of exporting goods and services. i.e. where more than 80% of the revenue of the company was from exports.

Subsequently, an amendment was brought under the IRA to afford this concession for income from export of goods irrespective of the proportion of export income to the total income and in the case of export of services, an exemption (for both an individual and a company), requiring the payment be received in foreign currency and remitted through a bank to Sri Lanka, in parallel to the requirement for repatriation of export proceeds under the foreign exchange regulations (FER):

a) Export of Goods – a concessionary rate of 14% during the period from 01 January 2020 to 30 September 2022, where the payment was received in foreign currency and remitted through a bank to Sri Lanka.

b) Export of Service – An exemption during the period from 01 January 2020 to 31 March 2025, where the payment in respect of any service that was provided in or outside Sri Lanka, to any person to be utilised outside Sri Lanka, has been received in foreign currency and remitted through a bank to Sri Lanka.

The concessionary rate for export of goods was removed and the standard corporate income tax rate (of 30%) applied from 01 October 2022.

It is interesting to note that in the case of export of services, the IRA exemption which is conditional upon meeting stipulated criteria was brought in prior to the FER requirement for repatriation of export proceeds from services (which was only introduced in October 2021). Nevertheless, the IRA exemption on export of services was removed, and a 15% rate applied from 01 April 2025, under the same conditions that were applicable for availing the exemption.

Value Added Tax (VAT) perspective

Exporters of goods and services can avail the zero VAT rate under the Value Added Tax Act No.14 of 2002 as amended (VAT Act) on meeting the specified requirements.

An amendment was brought under the VAT Act effective from 13 May 2021, mirroring the 06 month mandatory export repatriation timeline under the FER.

Under this amendment, exporters of goods and exporters of services (detailed below), are required to ensure that the payment for the exports made by them are received in foreign currency, through a bank in Sri Lanka licensed under the Banking Act, No. 30 of 1988, within a period of 06 months, from the end of the taxable period of the export of goods or supply of services. Apart from this, a requirement was introduced to upload schedules (schedule 6 and 7) to RAMIS providing all payment details.

The export of services to which the repatriation timeline applies under the VAT Act includes services directly connected with:

any movable or immovable property outside Sri Lanka

any goods imported into Sri Lanka for the purpose of re-export under entre-port trade

a copyright, patent, license, trademark or similar intellectual property right, to the extent that such right is for use outside Sri Lanka

computer software development, in respect of software developed by the developer for use wholly outside Sri Lanka

client support services provided over the internet or the telephone by an enterprise set up exclusively for the provision of such services to one or more identified clients outside Sri Lanka

any other service, provided by any person in Sri Lanka to another person outside Sri Lanka to be consumed or utilised outside Sri Lanka and full payment has been received

The impact of non-compliance with this timeline did not result in the standard VAT rate application, in the case of exporters who could prove to the satisfaction of the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue that the goods were in fact exported or the services were performed. In this instance, the VAT input of the exporter was considered as disallowed and barred a claim against the zero-rated output VAT.

However, effective from 11 April 2025, the restriction of disallowing the VAT input in such instance was removed as well.

Therefore, at present, the 06-month repatriation timeline does not carry adverse repercussions to an exporter under the VAT Act if it could be proved to the satisfaction of the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue that the goods were in fact exported or the services were performed.

Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) perspective

The Social Security Contribution Levy Act No. 25 of 2022 as amended (SSCL Act) which came into effect from 01 October 2022 also aligns with the FER requirement for repatriation of proceeds in respect of export of services where, an exemption can be availed in respect of any service rendered in or outside Sri Lanka, to any person or partnership outside Sri Lanka, for the utilisation out of Sri Lanka and the payment is made in foreign currency and is remitted to Sri Lanka through a bank. A timeframe within which the funds should be remitted is not stipulated as a condition for applying the exemption.

For exporters of goods, the exemption applies on any article exported by the manufacturer, and is not conditional upon the requirement to repatriate the export proceeds to Sri Lanka.

Conclusion

The CBSL’s monitoring and regulation on the captioned matter is twofold. i.e firstly the export proceeds repatriation into Sri Lanka and secondly the conversion of foreign currency proceeds to LKR, as part of the effort to build adequate foreign currency reserves, through means that does not impose debt obligations on the country and which will support the functioning of the economy during uncertain times.

On the other hand, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) considers only the former, i,e. the repatriation of export proceeds into Sri Lanka for the purposes of direct and indirect tax concessions.

Unlike CBSL, IRD does not receive direct source information as to whether the company or individual received the payment in foreign currency for the export through a bank or within 06 months as the case maybe. However, when an audit is carried out by the IRD, a report issued as per the CBSL guideline by the respective bank where the foreign currency account is handled, is accepted.

Sri Lankan Transfer Pricing guidelines require that goods and services being provided to/received from associated enterprises be compensated in line with the arm’s length principle. Generally, captive service providers invoice the foreign counterparts of the multinational group a service fee which comprises of cost plus profit margin. However, in certain cases, the inward foreign currency remittance is made only to the extent of the captive service provider’s cost excluding profit margin.

Therefore where the export proceeds have been routed to Sri Lanka only in part, it raises concerns on the entitlement of exporters who have claimed or are claiming the tax benefit, of the concessionary rate, VAT input or the exemption, on the premise of routing the entire proceeds.

Non-compliance with the relevant provisions of the IRA, VAT Act or SSCL Act will get flagged to the IRD only in the case of an audit being conducted and it comes within their scrutiny for the purposes of granting the benefit under the relevant tax statute.

The burden of proof will be on the exporter to demonstrate their bona fide compliance through related documentary evidence pertaining to receipt of export proceeds. This would include related invoices, transfer confirmation from foreign customer, relevant bank statements of the exporter etc.

In any event this would not constitute an additional requirement since the foreign exchange regulations require exporters to present documentary evidence on each and every receipt of export proceeds to the respective license commercial bank.

Nations Trust Bank PLC’s Basel III-compliant Tier 2 listed rated unsecured subordinated redeemable debenture issue has attracted applications worth Rs. 19.56 billion, according to the final subscription figures released by the Bank.

The initial offer comprised up to 100 million debentures at a par value of Rs. 100 each, seeking to raise Rs. 10 billion, with the Bank retaining the option to issue a further 50 million debentures in the event of an oversubscription, taking the maximum issue size to Rs. 15 billion.

The final figures show that the issue received applications for 195.59 million debentures from 189 applications, representing an oversubscription of approximately 1.3 times the maximum issue size.

The five-year Type A debentures generated the strongest investor demand, attracting applications for 173.71 million debentures from 170 applications. Of this, 111.96 million debentures were subscribed through cheques and RTGS payments, while a further 61.75 million debentures were applied for through bank guarantees.

The seven-year Type B debentures received applications for 3.06 million debentures from 10 applications, all through cheques and RTGS payments.

The 10-year Type C debentures attracted applications for 18.83 million debentures from nine applications. This included applications for 15 million debentures supported by bank guarantees and 3.83 million debentures through cheques and RTGS payments.

Union Assurance, recently hosted its Agency Distribution Annual Awards 2025 at Shangri-La Colombo, bringing together the Company’s most distinguished advisers and leaders for a prestigious evening of recognition and celebration.

The evening’s theme, “Legacy to Infinity”, reflected the enduring legacy built by generations of advisers and leaders to protect what matters most of all Sri Lankans while inspiring the pursuit of even greater achievements in the years ahead.

The ceremony was graced by John Keells Holdings PLC Chairperson Krishan Balendra with the senior leadership of Union Assurance, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Agency Officer, along with the award recipients representing regions from across the island.

True to Union Assurance’s tradition of recognition, top-performing advisers were rewarded with over Rs. 60 million in value, including a fully Company-maintained Mercedez-Benz to the top performer of the year, cash rewards, luxurious local and overseas tours, along with a range of other incentives. This underscores the Company’s commitment to recognising achievement by providing best-in-the-industry recognition.

The awards spanned Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond, and Platinum categories, along with Best Region, Zone, and Leader awards, recognising performance across individual achievement, leadership, business growth, and regional results. The evening’s highest honour, Ultimate Champion, was awarded to Upul Priyantha, Senior Personal Portfolio Director of the Kirulapone Region, who was also recognised as the New Business Champion in acknowledgment of his outstanding performance and contribution during the year. The event further recognised over 300 advisers and leaders representing regions across the country for achievements in new business generation, customer stewardship, talent development, leadership, and regional performance. Collectively, these recipients reflect the professionalism, dedication, and customer focus that continue to strengthen Union Assurance’s position as one of Sri Lanka’s leading Life Insurers.

Union Assurance PLC Director and CEO Senath Jayatilake said: “The achievements recognised today reflect the strength of Union Assurance and the significant contribution our Agency Distribution channel continues to make to our growth and success. Our network of expert advisers plays a pivotal role in extending our reach, deepening customer trust, and delivering solutions that enable Sri Lankan families to secure their financial futures. The calibre demonstrated here reinforces our position in the market and positions us strongly for sustained growth, as we continue to advance our strategic ambitions and strengthen our standing as the Life Insurer of choice for generations to come.”

Chief Agency Officer Imtiyaz Aniff said: “Tonight is a celebration of the people who define our Agency Distribution channel. The dedication and professionalism demonstrated by our advisers reflect a culture of commitment and pride in what they do each day. Beyond results, it is their focus on building meaningful customer relationships that truly set them apart. I extend my congratulations to every award recipient and thank them for the invaluable role they play in shaping the future of our agency force.”

Anantara Kalutara Resort recently unveiled a renewed dining experience at Acquolina Restaurant and Lounge, its signature Italian dining destination, with an exclusive evening inspired by the spirit of La Dolce Vita – the Italian art of savouring life’s simple pleasures, beautiful flavours, and meaningful moments.

Hosted under the theme “La Dolce Vita at Acquolina”, the event brought together content creators, celebrities, leading travel agents, partners, and invited guests for an evening of Italian flavours, Mediterranean flair, warm conversations, and heartfelt Anantara hospitality. Set within Acquolina’s beautiful poolside al fresco setting, the celebration introduced guests to the restaurant’s refreshed menu concept and renewed culinary identity.

The evening captured the true spirit of Italian dining, bringing guests together over beautifully crafted dishes, lively music, and the simple joy of sharing memorable moments.

The refreshed menu invites guests to savour Italy from coast to table, beginning with delicate starters such as Carpaccio di Manzo with Australian beef tenderloin, arugula, parmesan and truffle oil, and Insalata di Mare, a bright seafood salad finished with extra virgin olive oil and lemon. The journey continues with signature dishes including Linguine al Granchio Bianco, a refined linguine with crab and lemon cream, and Risotto ai Frutti di Mare, rich with fresh prawns, calamari, clams, and white wine. Guests can also enjoy a selection of Tuscany herb-marinated grilled steaks, including the impressive Tomahawk steak, while Tiramisu Acquolina brings a classic Italian finale with mascarpone, Kahlua, espresso, and cocoa.

Complementing the culinary experience is a curated range of Italian-inspired cocktails, crafted to enhance the spirit of La Dolce Vita. Highlights include the signature Acquolina Rosso and Acquolina’s refreshing interpretation of the Hugo, offering guests a taste of Italy through vibrant, elegant, and beautifully balanced flavours.

Anantara Kalutara Resort General Manager Christoph Dueker said: “Acquolina Restaurant and Lounge is more than an Italian dining venue; it is a celebration of the joy of dining well. With this refreshed menu and experience, we wanted to bring together authentic Italian flavours, Mediterranean flair, and the warmth of shared moments in a way that feels true to Anantara Kalutara Resort.”

The culinary direction behind the refreshed menu reflects a balance of tradition and modern presentation, offering guests a dining experience that is approachable, refined, and deeply rooted in the spirit of Italian hospitality. With its renewed identity, Acquolina Restaurant and Lounge invites local diner as well as international travellers to experience Italian dining in Kalutara through a fresh lens where every dish tells a story of flavour, craftsmanship, and the art of living well.

Methodist Church Sri Lanka Retired President Bishop Rev. Asiri P. Perera has issued an open letter to Manohary Sallay, the wife of former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Suresh Sallay who has been detained for over 100 days under the Prevention of Terrorism Act due to his alleged involvement with the devastating 2019 Easter Sunday terror attack. Following are excerpts of the open letter.

‘As the wife of Suresh Sallay, your feelings and thoughts are real, and I do not interfere with your right to express them. A spouse’s loyalty is natural. Yet, I appeal to your conscience to reflect carefully on your public declaration that ‘Suresh is an innocent man suffering for no reason.'(18 June Daily Mirror

Points to consider

1 Due process matters

Innocence or guilt is not determined by declarations but by the legal and judicial process.

By insisting on innocence before proceedings conclude, are you not undermining the very system that protects justice for all citizens?

2. Public perception

Many citizens have already questioned the validity of such a statement.

Does it not risk appearing as though you are dismissing the voices of victims and the seriousness of ongoing investigations?

3. Political echoes

Your language resembles that of certain disgruntled politicians who, burdened by their own wrongful acts, now speak of ‘revenge’ and ‘persecution.’

Could it be that they are using you as a pawn to campaign for their agendas, rather than allowing truth to emerge through fair inquiry?

4. Impact on investigations

By pressing for changes in interrogating officers or procedures, do you realise the injustice this does to the integrity of investigations?

Shouldn’t the priority be to let trained officers pursue truth without interference, so that justice is not compromised?

5. Mask and transparency

In hospitals or on public roads, wearing a mask is understandable for health reasons.

But when you make daily statements to the media while masked, it does not help credibility. If you want the public to hear you and take you seriously, why hide your face?

Does this not suggest that certain truths are being withheld? And is your husband not doing the same by withholding the full truth from the public?

6. Spiritual care during interrogation

While family visits are permitted daily and lawyers meet weekly, why not also seek permission from court to allow a clergy person from your husband’s own faith tradition to visit him?

Such pastoral presence could help him serenely reflect on inner turmoil, confront pricking guilt, and seek spiritual solace.

His refusal of food and water may not be a noble ‘fast unto death,’ but rather a sign of unresolved spiritual and psychological conflict – a despair that makes death seem easier than facing truth.

Yet, none of our religions encourage death as an escape. They call us instead to repentance, reconciliation, and healing.

7. Moral responsibility

If your husband is indeed innocent, the courts will vindicate him.

But if guilt is proven, will your public defense not appear as complicity in shielding wrongdoing?

Closing appeal

Mrs. Sallay, your loyalty as a wife is understandable. Yet, loyalty must not blind us to justice. Sri Lanka has suffered enough from hidden guilt, political manipulation, and denial of responsibility. The nation needs truth, not premature declarations.

Let the courts speak. Let justice take its course. And let spiritual care be part of the journey, so that even in interrogation, conscience may awaken and healing may begin.’

Marriott International, Inc. signed a landmark agreement with CG Hospitality Global to open three new hotels in South Asia, introducing Marriott’s industry-leading luxury and premium hotel brands to key urban, economic and leisure destinations across Nepal and India.

Anticipated to open in 2031 and adding nearly 450 keys to the company’s portfolio, The Ritz-Carlton Kathmandu, The Westin Kathmandu and JW Marriott Hotel Siliguri are poised to become coveted addresses for discerning travellers and residents.

CG Hospitality Global is Nepal’s largest and most diversified multinational conglomerates, with interests spanning hospitality, FMCG, financial services, cement, electric vehicles, telecom, education, infrastructure and real estate, amongst others. Headquartered in Nepal, the company is deeply committed to supporting the country’s long-term tourism and economic growth, while helping position Nepal as a globally recognized travel and hospitality destination. CG Hospitality Global shares a strong and growing association with Marriott through multiple hospitality developments across the region, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding world-class hospitality experiences in South Asia.

This multi-property agreement was officially signed in the presence of Marriott International’s Chairman of the Board David Marriott, CG Corp Global and CG Hospitality Chairman Dr. Binod K. Chaudhary, and Managing Director and CEO Rahul Chaudhary.

Marriott International President, Asia Pacific excluding China Rajeev Menon and Marriott International Senior Vice President South Asia Kiran Andicot said: “We are pleased to deepen our association with CG Hospitality Global through a shared vision to bring world-class hospitality experiences to these high-potential markets” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “These landmark developments reflect the exceptional standards and brand excellence that define Marriott’s luxury and premium portfolio, while contributing meaningfully to tourism growth, local employment and regional economic development. Backed by CG Hospitality Global’s strong market expertise and long-term commitment to Nepal, we are confident these hotels will emerge as defining hospitality destinations in the region”.

CG Hospitality Global CEO and Managing Director Rahul Chaudhary said: “Growing our relationship with Marriott International marks an exciting new chapter in our journey to elevate South Asia’s hospitality landscape. These signings signifies the importance that both parties put in this collaboration, and we sincerely thank Marriott for their trust, collaboration, and shared vision as we embark on these landmark projects together. Together, we will create iconic destinations that celebrate local culture, unlock meaningful employment, and deliver exceptional experiences for travelers and communities.”

The Ritz- Carlton, Kathmandu, Nepal: Marking the brand’s debut in Nepal, The Ritz-Carlton, Kathmandu will bring its legendary service and refined aesthetic to one of the city’s most prestigious addresses. Anticipated to feature 150 elegantly appointed guest rooms, including 30 expansive suites, each space will be thoughtfully designed to offer a sense of understated luxury and sophisticated comfort. The property is also expected to feature the Ritz-Carlton Club signature, exquisite dining experiences across five distinct restaurants and bars, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, as well as The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Additionally, it is slated to feature over 1,100 square meters of well-equipped conference and event facilities, providing an ideal venue for corporate gatherings and social occasions. The hotel will offer excellent accessibility, located just 5 km from the Tribhuvan International Airport and just a short walk from cultural sites such as the famous Thamel, filled with local eateries and retail shops, The Narayanhiti Palace Museum, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambunath Stupa and the revered Pashupatinath Temple.

The Westin Kathmandu, Nepal: Located at a convenient 7 km from the Tribhuvan International Airport, The Westin Kathmandu is expected to feature 150 premium rooms and suites. Plans for the property include three dining venues, a WestinWORKOUT® Fitness studio, the signature Heavenly Spa by Westin, a rooftop swimming pool and over 700 square meters of flexible meeting and banquet space, enhanced with natural light and smart technology. The hotel is poised to exemplify the brand’s position as hospitality’s global leader in wellness, allowing travellers to transcend the rigors of travel while on the road through its pillars of well-being: Sleep Well, Eat Well and Move Well.

JW Marriott Hotel Siliguri, India: Rooted in mindful luxury, JW Marriott Hotel Siliguri, is envisioned as a serene sanctuary for the mind, body, and spirit, bringing the brand’s signature warmth, intuitive service, and refined design to the tranquil landscape of Siliguri. Set against the foothills of the Himalayas, in a city known as the gateway to Northeast India, the hotel offers a seamless connection to both place and purpose. Design plans for the hotel include 150 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites, alongside wellness spaces that invite guests to pause and reconnect with the present. Immersive culinary experiences will come to life across four distinct dining venues, including a specialty restaurant. Additionally, the property is slated to offer a signature Spa by JW, an outdoor swimming pool, a fully equipped fitness centre and 1,500 square meters of banquet space, ideal for corporate meets and private celebrations. Conveniently located just 10 kilometers from Bagdogra Airport, the hotel will serve as a restorative retreat, balancing effortless access with a profound sense of calm.

The three-property signing is the latest in a series of milestones reflecting the growing association between Marriott and CG Hospitality Global, including recently celebrating 75 total signings and 50 open properties for Series by Marriott in under two years. Outside of India, CG Hospitality Global and Marriott also opened The Farm at San Benito, Autograph Collection in the Philippines, marking the debut of the Autograph Collection brand in the country, while CG Developers announced JW Marriott Residences at Dubai Islands, Central, Dubai’s first JW Marriott branded residences.

These milestones reflect the growing momentum of Marriott and CG Hospitality’s relationship and reinforce a collaboration that continues to deepen across a range of markets and brands especially through the Series by Marriott.

The delegation of the Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA), led by party Leader MP Mano Ganesan, met with Australian High Commissioner Matthew Duckworth at the Australia House in Colombo last week for a comprehensive discussion on issues affecting the Malaiyaha Tamil community and broader matters relating to national democratic governance and inclusive development.

The TPA delegation comprised MP Ganesan, Vice President – International Affairs and Communications Barath Arullsamy, and Ratnapura Pradeshiya Sabha Vice Chairman Chandrakumar.

Representing the Australian High Commission were High Commissioner Duckworth, Deputy High Commissioner Ruth Baird, and Second Secretary – Political Matthew Lord.

During the meeting, Ganesan emphasised that the Malaiyaha Tamil community must no longer be viewed solely through the lens of its historical origins as an indentured labour force.

“The community has undergone a significant transformation and today constitutes Sri Lanka’s fourth largest ethnic community, numbering approximately 1.5 million people. The aspirations of our people have evolved beyond labour-related concerns and now encompass equal citizenship, land ownership, education, economic empowerment, and meaningful participation in national development,” he said.

The delegation briefed the High Commissioner on the longstanding land rights challenges faced by estate communities. It was highlighted that despite contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s economy for over two centuries, thousands of plantation families continue to live without secure land tenure.

Ganesan also pointed out that while Sri Lankan law provides mechanisms for land allocation to landless citizens, many plantation families remain excluded from these benefits. The TPA reiterated that access to land ownership is fundamental to ensuring dignity, social mobility, housing security, and long-term economic development for the community.

The discussion also focused extensively on disaster-affected families in the Central and Uva Provinces, particularly in the districts of Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Badulla. The delegation highlighted that many families displaced by landslides and earth movements continue to live in temporary accommodation, with relatives, or in vulnerable locations despite the passage of several months.

Ganesan expressed appreciation to the Government of Australia for its financial assistance towards strengthening the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), particularly initiatives relating to digital mapping and technological modernisation. The delegation noted that delays in NBRO clearance processes have often become a major obstacle in identifying and releasing suitable lands for housing and resettlement projects.

He conveyed the community’s gratitude for Australia’s support, noting that improved technical capacity within the NBRO would contribute modernisation towards accelerating solutions for affected families.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on democratic governance, reconciliation, minority inclusion, and constitutional reform. The delegation observed that several commitments made by the current National People’s Power (NPP) Government, including reforms relating to democratic institutions and minority concerns, remain unfulfilled and stressed the importance of ensuring that governance reforms proceed alongside economic recovery efforts.

The delegation further briefed the High Commissioner on the proposed National Tamil Community Council (NTCC), a non-territorial representative mechanism intended to provide structured policy input and parliamentary engagement for communities dispersed across multiple regions of the country.

Both parties reaffirmed the importance of continued engagement and dialogue on issues affecting vulnerable communities and inclusive national development.

More than Rs. 226 billion worth of narcotic drugs have been seized by law enforcement authorities since the beginning of 2025, with Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala yesterday disclosing large-scale recoveries, as well as instances of drug trafficking involving narcotics held in Court custody.

Responding to a question raised by MP Ravi Karunanayake in Parliament, Wijepala said narcotics valued at Rs. 154 billion were recovered during 2025, while seizures worth a further Rs. 72.3 billion were recorded between 1 January and 30 April 2026.

The Minister said authorities recovered 1,571.3 kg of heroin, 14,714 kg of cannabis, 37.9 kg of cocaine, 699 kg of hashish, 2,741 kg of crystal methamphetamine (ICE), 615,000 narcotic capsules, and 3 million tablets during 2025.

During the first four months of 2026, recoveries included 1,189.7 kg of heroin, 3,184 kg of cannabis, 261 kg of cocaine, 1,260 kg of hashish, 779,460 narcotic capsules, and 651,101 tablets.

The Minister also revealed what he described as serious irregularities involving narcotics retained as Court productions and samples submitted to the Government Analyst.

“One instance has been reported from the Colombo Magistrate’s Court where the officer in charge of production items had sold 750 g of heroin. A Court case is pending over the matter,” Wijepala told Parliament.

He said a second incident involved an attempt by an officer attached to the Government Analyst’s Department to sell 250 g of crystal methamphetamine.

Wijepala explained that narcotics recovered by law enforcement agencies are typically retained in Court vaults as production items until legal proceedings are concluded, with access controlled by officers responsible for custody of the exhibits.

He said investigations had revealed that approximately 80,000 kg of various narcotic substances are currently being held pending destruction.

The Minister also disclosed that the Government has spent Rs. 780 million on reward payments to Police officers and other informants who contributed to the detection and recovery of narcotics.

Kandy powered by a run-a-ball century from their captain Dimantha Mahavitharana defeated Galle by seven wickets in the final played at the P Sara Oval to emerge champions of the Sri Lanka Youth League Under19 tournament.

Mahavitharana slammed 11 fours and one six in his knock of 107 to enable Kandy reach their target of 228 with two overs to spare in a game reduced to 39 overs a side.

The match was more or less won by the opening pair Mahavitharana and Mahendra Abeysinghe who put on a stand of 174 off 173 balls. Abeysinghe made 71 off 85 balls (6 fours) before getting run out. But getting the remaining runs didn’t prove to be a difficult task of the platform was laid.

Earlier, Galle batting first could muster only 209-7 in 39 overs with skipper Dulsith Darshana contributing a stroke-filled 74 off 83 balls (10 fours, 3 sixes) and wicket-keeper Chamathka Kavishan scoring 43 off 70 in a partnership of 63 off 74 balls.

Mahavitharana carried away the Player of the Final (Rs. 50,000) as well as the Most Valuable Player (Rs. 100,000) awards. As champions Kandy received a cheque for Rs. 500,000 while Galle picked up Rs. 300,000 as runner-up. The Best Batsman and Best Bowler’s awards each worth Rs. 75,000 were won by Senuja Wekunagoda of Colombo North and Kanilka Anthony of Kandy.

The awards were presented by Tournament Committee chairman Prasanna Fernando.

Scores:

Galle (U19) 209-7 (39) (Arosh Sithumina 26, Dulsith Darshana 74, Chamathka Kavishan 43, Chaniru Senarathne 2/26, Kolitha Sugath 3/40, Ryan Gregory 2/20)

Kandy (U19) 228-3 (37) (Dimantha Mahavitharana 107, Mahendra Abeysinghe 71, Kaushika Kumarasinghe 25)

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will convene its 187th Annual General Meeting today (25), at 5.30 p.m. at The Forum, Cinnamon Life.

This year’s gathering welcomes UK High Commissioner Andrew Patrick as Chief Guest, who will deliver the keynote address. His presence reflects the close and longstanding ties between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, and is especially fitting at a juncture when strengthening trade ties, investor confidence, and sustained economic reform remain front of mind for the nation’s business community.

Ceylon Chamber Chairperson Krishan Balendra, will also address the audience, reflecting on a year of progress and setting out the priorities ahead. His remarks will provide an overview of the Ceylon Chamber’s continued push to sharpen private sector competitiveness, drive evidence-based policy advocacy, and anchor long-term economic stability.

Following the formal proceedings, members and guests are invited to a networking reception.