Srilanka

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has wrapped up the first day of his first official visit to India with a US$ 400 million development credit line, an Indian commitment to help boost Sri Lankasecurity intelligence capability and co-operation in the vexed problem of fisheries poaching in the Palk Strait.

A hoarding with Sinhala and Hindi letters in New Delhi welcoming President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to India in his first state visit.

The government has decided to bring down the income tax rate from 24 per cent to 18 per cent, Co-Cabinet Spokesman and Information - Communications Technology, Higher Education, Technology - Innovations Minister Bandula Gunawardane said yesterday. Addressing a news briefing, he said any form of monthly earning of Rs.250,000, Rs.500,000 and Rs.750,000 and above would be imposed an income tax of 6 per cent, 12 per cent and 18 per cent respectively.

The Railway Control Room stated that the Northern Railway Line has been restored and trains will be commuted in accordance with the existing timetable.The Yal Devi train derailed between Galgamuwa and Ambanpola railway stations on Wednesday disrupting the entire Northern Railway services throughout the day.