Srilanka

As per the instructions given by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Inland Revenue Department is now closely monitoring the situations where tax relief benefits do not reach the public and consumers, Commissioner General of Inland Revenue Nadun Guruge said. Addressing the media this morning at the Inland Revenue Department, the Commissioner said that a lot of tax concessions have been introduced by the government to general public in order to boom countryeconomy in short term as well as in long term and the target aspect of the government through these tax concessions would be achieved economic development of the country.

The Government of Korea has decided to provide a grant of US $ 10.96 million for the promotion of tourism industry in Sri Lanka. Ambassador of Korea to Sri Lanka, Heon Lee, said the grant will be given this year.This was revealed during a discussion between the Minister of Industry, Export, Investment Promotion, Tourism and Aviation Minister Prasanna Ranatunga and the Korean Ambassador.

At least one Sri Lankan national was killed while several other Sri Lankans are among the injured in a fatal bus crash in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Thursdayaccident on Abu DhabiSheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street opposite Al Raha Beach, where six people, including five women, lost their lives and 19 others suffered injuries, was reportedly caused by careless driving.

Water supply to Colombo and surrounding areas will be disrupted for 22-hours commencing from 9am tomorrow (Jan.18) till 7.00 am on Sunday (Jan.19), the National Water Supply and Drainage Board said.The Water Board stated that the water cut is imposed due to a power interruption by the Ceylon Electricity Board.