SLN support services generates USD 3 mn since last October

Navy Headquarters yesterday (21) said that support operations provided for Onboard Security Team (OBST), in line with foreign private maritime security companies, since October last year, generated approximately USD 3.32 million in foreign exchange earnings.

The declaration was made in the wake of Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General (retd.) Aruna Jayasekara, accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando, visiting the Pettigalawatta Armoury Complex, in Galle, on 20 October, to inspect the facilities provided by the Sri Lanka Navy for foreign private maritime security companies deploying security teams aboard merchant vessels.

The complex serves as a storage facility for weapons and equipment belonging to these companies in connection with the Navy’s Onboard Security Team (OBST) support operations.

SLN statement: “These operations are conducted in a well-planned manner under the full supervision of the Ministry of Defence. At present, 28 foreign private maritime security companies, through 10 local agents, obtain the necessary facilities and services from the Sri Lanka Navy to support their maritime security operations.

During the inspection visit, the Deputy Minister reviewed the Navy’s role in facilitating security teams deployed aboard merchant vessels and assessed the progress of these operations. He commended the Navy’s contribution to strengthening the national economy by successfully conducting a substantial number of operations within a relatively short period since independently undertaking these responsibilities. He also issued necessary instructions to ensure that the operations continue to be carried out efficiently and effectively.”

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has asked taxpayers to submit their income tax returns for the year of assessment 2025/2026 on or before November 30.

Taxpayers can obtain further information by calling the Department’s hotline on 1944 or visiting its official website, www.ird.gov.lk.

The Department has highlighted the importance of tax compliance under its message, “Taxes for a Better Future.”

A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and comprising Justices Achala Wengappuli and Gihan Kulatunga, yesterday (21) issued an open warrant for the arrest of former State Minister Premalal Jayasekara, who failed to appear in court.

Two other defendants, who appeared before the court, were ordered to be remanded.

The case involves a shooting incident at Kahawatta during the 2015 presidential election campaign. One person, who backed common candidate Maithripala Sirisena, died in that incident.

The Ratnapura High Court sentenced three accused, including Premalal Jayasekara, to death after finding them guilty in connection with the incident. They appealed against the Ratnapura High Court decision. The Court of Appeal ordered the acquittal and release of Jayasekara and the two other defendants.

The aggrieved party later filed an appeal challenging the Court of Appeal’s decision. The Supreme Court concluded the hearing of that appeal on 4 Sept., and issued notices directing all three defendants to appear before court on 21 October.

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) will launch its “Gamin Gamata” (Village to Village) rallies, starting next week, the party’s National Organiser and Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa announced yesterday.

He made the announcement while addressing the media following a discussion held at the Parliament complex with the party’s National Convener D.V. Chanaka and MP Chanaka Madugoda.

MP Rajapaksa said that strong public resentment is mounting against the current government, accusing it of attempting to rule the country through suppression.

He noted that constituency organisers have been making urgent requests to visit villages directly to educate the public on the government’s failures.

He further highlighted that inflation in the country has risen to 8%, pointing out that the government lacks a clear plan to address the situation.

Additionally, Namal Rajapaksa mentioned that the campaign will focus on informing the public about issues surrounding coal containers, as well as actions by the government, that he claimed, are troubling the Maha Sangha and the Buddhist community.