Budget 2023 | Amendments to casino, gaming, betting laws

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Great Britain has expressed its willingness to provide the necessary technical and practical support to Sri Lanka to implement the “Climate Prosperity Plan”.The Deputy High Commissioner of Great Britain to Sri Lanka, Lisa Whanstall said that Great Britain appreciates the efforts taken by Sri Lanka to address climate change and will work to provide the necessary technical and theoretical support in the future, said the President's Media Division.These remarks were made during a discussion held on Wednesday (7) between the President’s Senior Adviser on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardene, and the British Deputy High Commissioner, at the Presidential Secretariat.Whanstall also said that she will provide the necessary support for the International University on Climate Change, which is planned to be built on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.Furthermore, the Deputy British High Commissioner praised Sri Lanka’s program for renewable energy and pointed out that it is a well-planned step for the future of the country.Ruwan Wijewardene presented the information about President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s upcoming programs regarding climate change and stated that the Act on Climate Change will be submitted to Parliament shortly.In addition, Wijewardene said that a climate change office will be established in Sri Lanka to investigate climate change in the region and that the necessary solutions to address climate change that may occur will be developed.He further said that the government has already focused on green hydrogen energy on the advice of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the government has planned to further develop the potential for renewable energy in Sri Lanka.They also discussed the

(PTI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday (7) justified the Indian government’s support to Sri Lanka, saying India would be shirking its responsibility if it did not step forward to support a crisis-hit neighbour.The economic support that India offered to Sri Lanka during its worst post-independence economic crisis was for the entire country and not based on any communal approach, he said.Replying to clarifications sought by MPs on his suo motu statement on foreign policy in Rajya Sabha, the minister said India absenting from a vote against Sri Lanka in the UN Human Rights Commission was in accordance with the long-standing position — which was also followed by previous governments — that it “is the most constructive way of addressing, advancing the interest of Tamil community in Sri Lanka.” “That continues to be our approach,” he said.On the support to the island nation, he said, “We have given support to the entire Sri Lanka which also include the Tamil community.” “We have not taken the communal approach in giving support,” he said.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Colombo air quality index (AQI) has increased further towards an unhealthy level.The National Building Research Organization said that the AQI across many cities in Sri Lanka range between 150 – 200, which is an unhealthy level.-What is the AQI?The AQI reports on how clean or polluted the air in your area is, and what effects breathing the outdoor air may have on your health.The AQI takes into account five of the major air pollutants. These pollutants are ground-level ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. How to protect yourself from unhealthy or hazardous air pollution: If the air quality in your area is compromised, there are several things you can do to protect yourself.

de facto police sieges of residential complexes and the rounding up of even those who merely came into contact with covid-positive people to send them off to institutional quarantines. In response to widespread protests since late November against these excesses of a surveillance state, the government allowed major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to relax rules significantly, with even home quarantine allowed and access to malls and other places eased.

Anurag Behar is CEO of Azim Premji Foundation.

Scott Disick has taken a step back to focus on his mental health.The 39-year-old star 'has stepped up his treatment and therapy' according to a source at US Weekly.Scott, who shares three children with ex Kourtney Kardashian, is 'considering' tackling his struggles with substance abuse via an in-patient program. Scott Disick has taken a step back to focus on his mental health; pictured October 24, 2019'Scott's break up and past issues with Kourtney and his parents' deaths have deeply affected him,' the magazine's insider said.'Although it didn't always show up in a negative way, there are things he's constantly had to battle and live with that don't go away overnight,' they added.

BENGALURU : Shipra Misra is chief executive and managing director of Delhi Research Implementation and Innovation (DRIIV), the umbrella body for the Delhi NCR Science and Technology (S&T) cluster. In an interview, she talks about the progress the foundation is making with Project SAMEER to control air pollution in Delhi, the move to introduce solar-powered interoperable electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, among other things.

Matt Hancock has dropped a number of bombshells in his shameless Covid diaries. The ' I'm a Celebrity ' star discusses a number of topics in his juicy novel including his social distance-busting affair, reports the Mirror.

Matt Hancock has announced he will stand down as an MP at the next general election.

The danger is a repeat of the economic, financial and political swings that created a boom-bust cycle in the rest of the world Thursday marks two years since the Covid-19 vaccination drive began, yet both the U.S. and the world economy continue to be dominated by issues created by the pandemic.

HONG KONG : China dropped many of its quarantine and testing requirements and curtailed the power of local officials to shut down entire city blocks, as the country’s leaders accelerate plans to dismantle zero-Covid controls in the wake of nationwide protests. Though widely predicted, Beijing’s retreat from its costly and increasingly unpopular pandemic regime has been faster than expected.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Working Committee of the National Council Sub-Committee discussed the formulation of national policy on agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries.This was taken into discussion under the Sub Committee on Identifying the Priorities in Formulation of Short-, Medium- & Long-Term National Policies of the National Council chaired by Hon.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The UN says that 6.2 million people, including 2.9 million children, are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in 2023.The latest UNICEF report on Humanitarian Action for Children 2023 says that in the context of soaring inflation, heightened income insecurity and scarce availability of essential products, families cannot meet their basic needs.While 5.3 million people were already skipping meals as a coping strategy, this number is expected to increase drastically in the coming months with the combined impact of climate-induced natural hazards and a political impasse.66,000 people are severely acute food insecure. Two in five households (41.8 per cent) spend more than 75 per cent of their expenditures on purchasing food, leaving little to spend on health and education.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka said that earnings from merchandise exports declined in October 2022, on a year-on-year basis, for the first time since March 2022, mainly due to lower earnings from garments exports. The decline in import expenditure continued in October 2022, (y-o-y), for the eighth consecutive month, despite recording an increase, compared to September 2022.The merchandise trade deficit recorded a notable contraction in October 2022, compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the workers’ remittances steadied and earnings from tourism improved in October 2022, whereby earnings from tourism crossed over USD 1 bn during January-October 2022, while workers’ remittances reached about USD 3 bn during January-October 2022.Foreign investment in the government securities market and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recorded a marginal net inflow during October 2022. The Central Bank continued to provide forex requirement to finance essential imports, exhausting the liquid level of gross official reserves. Meanwhile, the weighted average spot exchange rate in the interbank market remained around Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Fishermen from the Urawatte Fishing Community protested against the proposed decision to increase electricity tariffs on Tuesday (6).Dozens of fishermen lit torches and protested against the government and the decision to hike the electricity tariff.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Essential medicines and medical supplies valued at over Rs. 2 Billion donated by China to the Sri Lankan people reached Colombo on Tuesday (6).The shipment comes in 24 containers (16,000 boxes) with a total weight of over 255 metric tonnes.China has donated Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission (NEC) says it is planning to release the gazette notice related to the local government elections before the 5th of January 2023.The Chairman of the National Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa said accordingly, the local government elections can be held before March 20, 2023.Meanwhile, the National Election Commission said that the preliminary activities related to the local government elections have already begun.The Commissioner General of the NEC Saman Sri Ratnayake said the preparation of the 2022 voter lists related to 341 local government bodies has been completed.He said measures have already been taken to inspect the potential polling stations.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Railways has taken steps to carry out spot checks to detain and fine those who use the service without obtaining tickets.The Deputy General Manager of Railways E.S Polwattage said information has come to light over multiple incidents of people taking a free ride on trains, and several raids were carried out at the Colombo Fort railway station on Tuesday (6).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Railways says it will implement a new program where people can purchase train tickets more comfortably without having to wait in queues.This program is being implemented by a Chinese company, and the General Manager of Sri Lanka Railways W.A.B.S.E Gunasinghe said that people can buy train tickets under the new program through three main methods once it is implemented.Railway General Manager further said that train tickets will be issued online, with self-service ticket machines and prepaid cards.In addition, he said this program is scheduled to start in March 2023.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that the depression located over Southeast Bay of Bengal (320km north-east of Trincomalee) is likely to move west-northwestwards, intensify further gradually into a Cyclonic Storm around today (7) evening. The system is likely to approach the coast of North Tamil-Nadu, Puducherry and South Andhra Pradesh over the Southwest Bay of Bengal tomorrow (8).Cloudy skies will prevail over most parts of the Island.  Showers will occur at times in the Northern and North-central provinces and Trincomalee districts. Fairly heavy rainfall above 75 mm can be expected at some places in the Northern province and Trincomalee district.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka has completely relaxed the restrictions imposed on overseas arrivals during the COVID-19 pandemic.Accordingly, the requirement to produce a COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate by any person arriving to Sri Lanka via any airport or sea port is removed with effect from Tuesday (6).The Director General of Health Services said that the requirement to produce a pre boarding or on arrival negative COVID-19 test (PCR/RAT) by any person arriving to Sri Lanka via any airpoft or sea port is no longer required.If foreign nationals/tourists become COVID-19 positive after arriving to Sri Lanka, they should isolate for 7 days in a private hospital/hotel/place of residence.

POGUES legend Shane MacGowan's wife has given fans an update after he was rushed to hospital. Victoria May Clarke yesterday asked for "prayers and healing vibes" for the singer saying he was "in hospital again".

COLOMBO (News 1st) – High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Milinda Moragoda met with the Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister of India Smt.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Secretary General of Parliament said that the Committee on High Posts approved the appointment of Chairmen to four institutions and the appointment of an ambassador.Accordingly, the Committee on High Posts approved the appointment of Kandeepan Balasubramaniam as the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the State of Kuwait.Furthermore, the appointments of Upul Dharmadasa as the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority and K. A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Committee on Parliamentary Business had decided that the Parliament will meet on Tuesday the 13th instead of next Saturday the 10th of December.Earlier it was decided to hold Parliament sittings on the 10th and the entire day was reserved for Questions for Oral Answers.Accordingly, the entire day of Tuesday 13th has been reserved for Questions for Oral Answers and as previously decided, the second reading debate of the Value Added Tax (Amendment) and Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bills will be held on Friday 9th December.Furthermore, the committee has agreed to hold the vote on the third reading of the Appropriation Bill to be held on the 8th at 5.00 pm.It has been decided to present the Order mentioned in Gazette No. 2308/62 dated 03.12.2022 under the Essential Public Service Act No.

Amanda Owen in tears over family memories after 'unreal' farewellBelinda Welsh wrote: "Wishing Shane a speedy recovery."Jo commented: "That's such a great news! Still sending all the good, healing vibes and positive energy!"Luke typed: "Sending all my love to both of you, Shane MacGowan is a living legend."Kieran Linehan penned: "Great news hope he's OK and home very soon."Shane has been confined to a wheelchair since shattering his pelvis in 2015. Last year, he also damaged his knee after a fall at home. Yesterday, she shared a picture of Shane smiling for the camera as she revealed he was back in hospital. She typed: "Please send prayers and healing vibes to Shane MacGowan in hospital again and really hoping to get out asap!! Thank you."Piers Morgan blasts Harry and Meghan for using him in doc trailer [REACTION]Emmerdale's Lisa Riley addresses tough personal news away from soap [EXCLUSIVE]Strictly's Helen Skelton gives stern warning to Gorka [REVEALED]She added to The Irish Mirror: "I’m definitely hoping he gets out this week.“He’s a bit frustrated, I think. He finds it very frustrating… he wants to get out.”When asked if he was doing okay, she added: “I think he is, yeah" adding: “Please don’t get too worried.

Hollywood success.The actor sat down for an interview with his brother, who suffers from cerebral palsy and previously underwent a heart transplant, leaving Ashton to question why he was the "lucky" one.Ashton is known for his successful Hollywood career having starred in films like Guess Who, Just Married and Jobs.However, behind closed doors in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Ashton was dealing with his complicated feelings towards his twin brother Michael.Michael was born with cerebral palsy along with several other health issues throughout his life.In a recent interview, Ashton admitted the "guilt" he feels for his brother's health issues and used the chat as an opportunity to acknowledge his brother's feelings.The brothers feature on a forthcoming episode of the Paramount Plus series, The Checkup with Dr Agus.Ashton said in a clip obtained by Entertainment Tonight: "How do I get to be this lucky? And for my brother to be born with cerebral palsy, then have a heart transplant, then have this random blood clot."These things where you're like, ‘Who has to go through that? How do I get to be this lucky?'"The actor then went on to acknowledge that he had failed to consider how Michael would feel, with Ashton admitting the brothers are finally in a good place in their relationship.Ashton continued: "There was a moment in all of this where I moved to New York and was starting to get some traction with my career and Mike came out to visit and stay, and he looked at me and he said, 'Every time you feel sorry for me, you make me less.'"He said, ‘This is the only life I’ve ever known, so stop feeling sorry for the only thing I have.'"And that then created an entire shift back to where I think we are today, which is straight-up

Naomi Osaka gave fans an update on how she is doing.The athlete said on Good Morning America on Tuesday that taking a mental health break from tennis in 2021 was 'necessary.''I wouldn't have wanted it any other way,' shared the beauty who wore a pale blue satin suit with a feather trim. Helping: Naomi Osaka gave fans an update on how she is doing.

DANNIELLA Westbrook has sparked concern amongst her fans after revealing she’s ‘blacking out’ and having seizures. The 49-year-old, who admitted she had been crying with pain, shared a troubling video from bed today as she begged for advice as she struggled with a series of health issues. Actress Danniella told her followers: “I have come on to get some advice from people because I keep passing out and every now and again I am having seizures.

KELSEY Parker has faced another devastating death in the family - just months after losing her husband, Tom. The Sun can reveal the heartbroken mum-of-two is grieving her granddad, Peter Morris, who died last week aged 84.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Religious leaders led by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith called on the people to cut down on unnecessary spending and help one another this Christmas."The Archdiocese decided that Christmas this year should be celebrated with the poor and needy. We urge the Catholic community and every single citizen in this country, not to waste anything.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday (5) said that Japan is the first choice when it comes to giving out the East Container Terminal at the Colombo Port."Why don't we develop and become a logistics centre? When I last tried to develop the Colombo Harbour and tried to give out the East Terminal, there was a big debate, as to I am trying to sell the country. Now we have given the West terminal out. Very good, but if you really want to get going, you have to give the East terminal out.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe told a gathering on Monday (5) that China has requested Sri Lanka to engage in talks with the Exim Bank, and these discussions are underway.He said that the country has already started discussions with bilateral creditors including India, which have proven to be successful."The talks with China started later because they had to start after the party conference. They wanted it.

COVID-19’s effects on gene activity are caused indirectly, by inflammation, rather than by viral infiltration of the brain Three years have passed since we first came to know about COVID-19 and even now, much is unknown about this deadly virus. A new study has revealed that in case, you suffered from severe COVID infection, there is a high chance that your brain is aging faster than usual.  The study, which has been published in  Nature Aging, points out that gene activity inside the brain is more extensive in people who had severe COVID infections than in uninfected people who had been in an intensive care unit or had been put on ventilators to assist their breathing.

A team at South Lanarkshire College has been recognised for its talent and innovation in times of uncertainty at the National College Development Network (CDN) awards.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Chairman of the All Ceylon Private Bus Owners Association Gamunu Wijeratna says the operations of buses during the holidays will reduce by 50%.Further, he said that although the price of diesel is reduced it is not possible to reduce the bus fares, as the fuel price drop was not a significant reduction.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Colombo Crimes Division arrested a 41-year-old man from Colombo 15 for his involvement in a kidney transplant racket.Sri Lanka Police said that suspect had targetted people from poor families promising them money in return for their kidneys following surgery at a leading hospital in Colombo.Four men and one woman had filed complaints with the Borella Police citing that the suspect had not given them the money as promised.Sri Lanka Police said that the suspect had acted as a broker between the donor and the recipient of the kidney.Police said that in addition to broker fees, the suspect had also scammed the donor and recipient.The suspect will be produced in court on Tuesday (6).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 2023 Sri Lankan budget has made significant reference to the restructuring of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).The budget document noted that the urgency of restructuring State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) was reiterated several times during the last 6 months, and a Unit has now been established at the Ministry of Finance with the specific task of restructuring SOEs.Initially measures will be taken to restructure SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lanka Telecom, Colombo Hilton, Waters Edge and Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) along with its subsidiaries, the proceeds of which will be used to strengthen foreign exchange reserves of the country and strengthening the Rupee.In addition, the  Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute will be merged with the National Gem and Jewellery Authority in order to provide services with better quality and efficiency to the gem-related craftsmen to increase export revenue. The government will also explore the possibility of setting up of a Gem Emporium (Gem Zone) for the benefit of the industry participants.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 2023 Budget document has proposed that vehicles seized by Sri Lanka Customs owing to non-payment of applicable taxes and other reasons, will be released from Sri Lanka Customs, subject to the payment of applicable taxes and fines.The document notes that the vehicles falling under the following two categories can be released.(a) Any vehicle imported into Sri Lanka on or after May, 22, 2020 but before November 12, 2021 and not removed from the Sri Lanka Customs due to restrictions and prohibitions set out in the Regulations made under the provisions of the Import and Export (Control) Act, No.1 of 1969, or(b) Any vehicle propelled electrically, imported before November 12, 2021, and not removed from the Sri Lanka Customs due to nonpayment of applicable taxes.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is proposing to explore the possibility of exporting marijuana.President Ranil Wickremesinghe delivering the 2023 Budget speech said that a committee of experts will be appointed to explore the possibility of cultivating marijuana in Sri Lanka ONLY for export purposes.In addition, to regularize the Beedi industry and deter people from Beedi consumption, the President  proposed to impose a tax of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Minister of Finance will present the 2023 budget to Parliament today (14) to create long-term, stable economic growth.The 2023 budget has given special attention to the sectors of the capital market, export market, labour market and digital economy and it is expected to achieve the budget targets through the social market economy.This year’s budget will focus more on providing social welfare benefits to the people who need them most and creating a policy environment to build the private sector as the driving force of the country’s economy.Through the 2023 budget, the process of building a new economy tailored for the new world has been initiated aimed at creating a program to ensure a decent country for the youth

PMD – President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Minister of Finance will present the 2023 budget to Parliament tomorrow (14) aimed at creating long-term, stable economic growth.The 2023 budget has given special attention to the sectors of capital market, export market, labour market and digital economy and it is expected to achieve the budget targets through the social market economy.

Which areas will be given more attention in this year's budget?The State Minister of Finance stated that special attention will be paid to cover the bills which have so far remained unpaid, and will also include an aid program for the country's poor.Moreover, the State Minister Semasinghe said that more avenues for the promotion of tourism sector, the promotion of other sectors which function to increase the country's foreign exchange revenue will also be other areas which the bill would focus upon. The State expenditure will be mitigated, while loss-making entities will also be focused upon in this budget, he added.What of IMF negotiations?Meanwhile, State Minister Semasinghe stated that bilateral creditors of the country will continue to hold negotiations, while the Government expects to set the grounds to obtain the IMF Director board's approval by December. He stressed that NO country or any bilateral creditor party is acting on the premise of not extending its support towards Sri Lanka. The third set of negotiations with the IMF authorities will be initiated on 17th November, the State Minister added.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special meeting of the ruling party is scheduled to be held on Monday (14) in connection with the upcoming appropriation bill.The meeting, which is scheduled to be held at 05:00 PM at the Temple Trees, will be presided over by the President and the Prime Minister.The General Secretary of the SLPP, Attorney-at-law Sagara Kariyawasam said that the ruling party MPs will be specially briefed about the upcoming budget proposals.Officials of the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank as well as several economic experts are also scheduled to be involved.Kariyawasam also said that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna will extend its full support to President Ranil Wickremesinghe's decision to restore the country's economy.However, Karivayasam stated that his party will take a decision on extending support for this year's budget after further consideration of the budget proposals presented tomorrow.Meanwhile, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya says that it has called a meeting of its parliamentary group on Monday (14) afternoon to discuss the budget proposals.Its General Secretary, MP Ranjith Madduma  Bandara said that the meeting will be held at the Parliament Complex under the Chairmanship of the Opposition Leader.Moreover, MP Dallas Alahapperuma stated that a meeting of the reformist group of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna representing the Nidahas Janatha Sabhawa will be held at 5:00 PM on Monday (14) to discuss the budget proposals.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced in Parliament yesterday (10) that special security arrangements as done in previous years will be implemented in connection with the Budget speech for the year 2023 to be made by the Minister of Finance on Monday the 14th of November 2022.Accordingly, today (11) the entire Parliament building including the restrooms and wardrobes of the Members of Parliament will be subjected to security inspection.On the 14th, when the budget is presented in Parliament, galleries will be restricted only to the Diplomatic Corps. As the Members’ car park will be kept closed on this day the vehicles of the Members will be directed to the relevant Car Parks. The Speaker also requested the Members of Parliament to arrive in Parliament on that day in a Chauffeur-driven vehicle as far as possible. The speaker also informed that Valet parking of the self-driven vehicles of the Members of Parliament will be attended to by the Chauffeurs of the Parliament Staff who will be deployed at the Members’ Entrance.In addition, special traffic arrangements will be adopted by the Traffic Police and the nearest Police Stations in the area on this day. The speaker also informed that the cooperation of all Members of Parliament is kindly expected towards the aforementioned special security arrangements.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special meeting was held in Parliament to discuss the draft bill for the establishment of the Budget Office of the Parliament.The special meeting was attended by the Party leaders and members of the Committee on Parliamentary Business.    The Members of Parliament who were present had a lengthy discussion on the draft bill related to the establishment of the budget office of the parliament. Also, it was decided to meet again in two weeks after further study of this bill.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Dr. Harsha De Silva is the Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance and he told the Parliament on Tuesday (8) that the state expenses would increase by Rs.