The Cabinet has approved a proposal submitted by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to continue operating the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) and the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) as separate state enterprises with distinct identities.

This decision was made following an assessment that merging the two institutions would not yield the desired results. Key challenges include the use of different broadcasting technologies, spatial requirements for recording studios (with SLRC requiring significantly more space), and the geographical separation of transmission towers.

While the Cabinet had previously approved, in principle (on 27 November 2023), a plan to merge SLBC and SLRC under a single state-owned company, no concrete steps were taken following the submission of recommendations by the State Enterprise Restructuring Unit.

Under the newly approved proposal, the two institutions will remain independent but will operate under a formal strategic business plan aimed at enhancing efficiency and boosting revenue generation.

Ceremonial Welcome with State Honours at Bellevue Palace in Berlin

President Anura Kumara Disanayake, who is currently on an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany, was warmly received today (11) by German President Mr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Upon his arrival at Bellevue Palace in Berlin, President Disanayake was welcomed with full state honours including a ceremonial Guard of Honour accorded by the German Armed Forces. The President also participated in the inspection of the military parade.

Following the official welcome ceremony, President Disanayake and President Steinmeier held bilateral discussions.

The bilateral talks focused on further strengthening economic and international relations between the two nations, with special attention given to enhancing cooperation in vocational training and the tourism industry.

Initiation of engineering consultancy services for the technical implementation of the Sri Lankan Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting (DTTB) project, which will convert the country’s 46-year-old analog terrestrial broadcasting system to a single digital terrestrial broadcasting platform began on Monday (9).

The event was held at the auditorium of the Health and Mass Media Ministry under the patronage of Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

The Health and Mass Media Minister said that the commencement of DTTB programme technology operations, which is a long-awaited and transformative initiative for the growth of Sri Lanka’s broadcasting sector as well as digital economy initiatives, is also a milestone in reaffirming the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka.

The Minister also said the DTTB project was delayed for over ten years due to various reasons, but the Government has taken steps to expedite and permanently implement the project and that this will augur well for not only technical innovation expansion but will also be a national priority in terms of expanding the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.

The launch of this DTTB project marks a significant milestone in the television broadcasting sector in Sri Lanka and the professionals, including Japanese engineering consultants, who came to Sri Lanka to launch the DTTB project were welcomed.

The project also includes a state-of-the-art 4K digital studio complex for the Sri Lanka Television Corporation.

With the implementation of this project, the more than 46-year-old analog broadcasting system will migrate to a digital broadcasting platform, providing every Sri Lankan television viewer with a high-definition (HD) viewing experience.

It allows for a large capacity upgrade for additional television channels within the same spectrum through the high spectral efficiency of the digital system, thus providing a high-quality digital viewing experience for viewers and hassle-free technical operations for broadcasters.

In addition, another major advantage is that the spectrum, mainly the 700MHz band, can be used to promote 5G technology in Sri Lanka and thereby expand telecommunications services, including improving broadband internet facilities in rural areas.

DTTB Project Director, Eng. Prasanga Rajapaksa gave an overview of the DTTB Project and its strategic importance to the broadcasting sector in Sri Lanka.

The Poson Poya holds significant importance for us in Sri Lanka as it marks a series of religiously significant events in the history of our country. The inception of our nation as a heartland for Theravada Buddhist philosophy and tradition was signified on that remarkable Poson Poya Day, when Arahant Mahinda Thero arrived in Sri Lanka.

The arrival of Arahat Mahinda in Sri Lanka sparked a spiritual awakening as well as a deep social transformation, reached far beyond its religious significance. It initiated progress in our cultural, social and political spheres, establishing the foundation for a more enlightened and structured civilization. The way of life rooted in the Dhamma contributed to the emergence of a morally enriched and spiritually conscious society.

King Devanampiyatissa’s significant gesture of laying down his royal bow and adopting a stance of nonviolence upon meeting Arahant Mahinda Thero illustrates the deep-rooted principle of Ahimsa, or non-violence. One of the significant qualities that ought to be emphasized among the values celebrated on Poson Poya Day is non-violence. In a world where violence continues to afflict humanity on many fronts, Poson Poya Day reminds us that ‘Ahimsa’ is a timeless value that safeguards both one’s own and others’ right to life and freedom. It is a noble practice and a necessary path in today’s world, perhaps now more than ever.

The noble Dhamma gifted to this land by Arahant Mahinda Thero teaches us the importance of seeing “what is meaningful as meaningful, and what is meaningless as meaningless.” What we need today are disciplined and responsible individuals who embody this wisdom. The noble duty entrusted to us is to re-establish such a principled society in our land, enabling us to build a modern, morally grounded nation, one that embraces social harmony, ethical values and environmental responsibility.

I firmly believe that the social, economic and political transformation we aspire to can only be realized through the revival of such a cultured and virtuous society. On this Poson Poya day, I invite everyone to come together in unity and collective purpose toward that vision.

May this blessed Poson Poya Day illuminate the hearts of all Sri Lankans with the light of Dhamma.

The official inauguration of the Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting (DTTB) project took place on June 9 at the Ministry of Mass Media, marking a pivotal milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey toward digital transformation.

Japanese engineering consultants spearheading this cutting-edge initiative were formally welcomed by Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media; Hon. Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy; Hon. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning; and Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.

This landmark project will see Sri Lanka transition from its outdated 46-year-old analogue broadcasting system to a state-of-the-art digital infrastructure. Upon full implementation, citizens across the country will enjoy high-definition (HD) television with enhanced content quality and wider coverage.

A major highlight of the initiative is the development of a new 4K digital studio complex for the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, marking a leap forward in local content production and aligning national media capabilities with global standards.

The project is made possible through the generous support of the Government of Japan, JICA, and a coalition of local and international partners. More than a technological upgrade, the DTTB initiative serves as a cornerstone for Sri Lanka’s digital economy, fostering a more connected, informed, and media-savvy society.

As the Ministry of Digital Economy continues to drive innovation across sectors, the DTTB project stands as a symbol of progress—bridging the gap between traditional broadcasting and the future of digital communication.

Independent Television Network (ITN), the pioneer television station in Sri Lanka celebrates its 46th Anniversary today (June 05).

ITN Ltd., commenced operations on April 13, 1979 with the introduction of the ITN television channel. As the first television broadcasting service of Sri Lanka and South Asia they began transmission of the first terrestrial television channel in the country. Started operations with very modest beginnings, and very basic equipment comprising a 1KW transmitter and a 65 foot antenna mast, ITN beamed programmes to a radius of about 15 miles in and around Colombo.

On June 05, 1979 ITN was converted to a government owned business undertaking, under a Competent Authority. In 1992, ITN was converted to a public company under State jurisdiction. The founding board of directors was composed of Shan Wickramasinghe, Anil Wijewardene and Bob Christie.

The rare ITN captured visuals on the Tsunami are still used by media all over the world. ITN is a Shrama Abhimani Award winner (Oct 2009). ITN channel is also the first 1080p full HD television channel in Sri Lanka.

ITN now has a daily transmission of 20 hours. There is also a small component of English programmes mainly featuring films and dramas with worldwide appeal. On the Engineering side, five transmitting stations spread throughout the Island enables coverage to most parts of the Island. With the establishment of another transmitting station in the central hilly region it is expected that ITN programmes will cover the entire Island.

ITN will commence its Multi Media Campus (MMC ITN Campus) shortly (on June 07) setting another milestone. It will provide the opportunity for students to follow the best certificate course in Sri Lanka for Digital Communication.

SriLankan Airlines yesterday welcomed an Airbus A330-200 wide-bodied aircraft bringing the SriLankan fleet to 23. The aircraft performed a low fly-past over Colombo and Katunayake before touching down at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Directors of the Board and members of SriLankan Airlines’ senior management team pose alongside the operating crew who flew the aircraft from France to Colombo. Inset: The aircraft receiving the traditional water cannon salute at the BIA.

Novel variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus that cause COVID-19 disease have not been detected in Sri Lanka, Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe said yesterday.

“The variant currently in circulation, first reported in many countries in 2024, is a sub-lineage of a previously known genetic variant. This same variant was detected in Sri Lanka in 2024, and tests conducted by the Medical Research Institute (MRI) in May 2025 confirmed the continued presence of these sub-lineages. These are not novel variants, and no evidence of increased severity or complications has been observed,” he said.

Issuing a special media statement on the current COVID-19 situation in Sri Lanka, Dr. Jasinghe yesterday said that the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a global increase in the activity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causative agent of COVID-19, since February 2025.

According to the International Respiratory Surveillance System, several countries, particularly in Asia, have reported a notable rise in COVID-19 cases over the recent months.

Sri Lankan health authorities have acknowledged this trend, reassuring the public that no new variant has emerged, and emphasising the importance of vigilance, not panic.

“In May 2023, the WHO officially declared the end of the global pandemic status of COVID-19. Since then, it has been classified and treated as an endemic disease, similar to other common respiratory infections,” he said. Dr. Jasinghe further explained that genetic mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are a known phenomenon during its transmission.

According to Sri Lanka’s Respiratory Surveillance System, in 2024, 3 percent of respiratory specimens tested for SARS-CoV-2 yielded positive results, with a peak of 9.6 percent in May 2024. For 2025 so far, the average positivity rate is around 2 percent, with a slight increase noted in the present period.

“We observed a rise in reported COVID-19 cases in May 2024 and again in May 2025. However, the WHO has not drawn any definitive conclusions about future transmission patterns. Monitoring and research are actively ongoing,” said Dr. Jasinghe.

The Health Secretary also noted that seasonal increases in respiratory illnesses, such as influenza, are common during this time of year, especially due to prevailing climatic conditions.

“Our health authorities remain vigilant in tracking disease trends. The public need not panic unnecessarily. If someone experiences fever or respiratory symptoms, there is no need for hospital admission out of fear. However, medical attention should be sought if breathing difficulties occur,” he said.

Dr. Jasinghe urged the public to practice good respiratory etiquette and health habits to minimise the spread of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory infections. These include covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, avoiding unnecessary contact with the face, washing hands properly or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, avoiding touching the face with unclean hands, wearing facemasks if symptomatic and avoiding crowded public settings unless necessary.

Special emphasis was placed on the need to protect high-risk groups.

“Older adults, pregnant women, and young children, whose immune systems are compromised or still developing, need special attention,” said Dr. Jasinghe.

“Those with chronic conditions, including heart disease, chronic respiratory illnesses, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, and those on immunosuppressive therapy are at increased risk and require additional protection.”

President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized that he gives the nation his assurance that not a single rupee of the tax money paid by the people will be misused or lost to corruption.

He further stated that if any politician or public official is found engaging in such misconduct, strict action will be taken regardless of their position and the maximum possible punishment will be enforced. The President affirmed his commitment to ensuring justice for the taxpayers by dismantling the corrupt mechanisms that have long operated against the public interest.

President Disanayake made these remarks this morning (02) while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the national programme titled “Tax Power’ to enhancing Tax Compliance and Broadening the Tax Base held at the Presidential Secretariat.

The launch of “Badu Shakthi – National Tax Week” also took place in parallel under the theme “Your Tax – Your Future”.

The President emphasized that the current government inherited a nation in a state of collapse and that a well-structured tax system is essential to revive and rebuild the country.

He further noted that Sri Lanka is currently under economic probation and invited all citizens to join hands in building a self-sufficient national economy. He underscored that the extended credit facility agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should mark the final such programme for the country.

The “Tax Shakthi” National Tax Week commenced with the objective of transforming negative public perceptions surrounding tax compliance into a more constructive outlook, while fostering a new tax culture grounded in transparency, accountability, and civic responsibility. From June 2 to June 7, a series of awareness programmes will be carried out to educate the public on the importance of tax contributions, how tax revenue supports national development and the tangible benefits delivered to citizens through effective public financing.

As part of the initiative, the Inland Revenue Department officially launched its online platform for the submission of individual income tax returns for the 2024 assessment year. Marking a significant gesture of leadership and commitment to fiscal responsibility, President Anura Kumara Disanayake submitted his personal income tax return via the online portal, becoming the first to do so for the 2024/25 assessment year.

Additionally, the implementation of the ASYHUB system at the Sri Lanka Customs Department was carried out as part of this initiative. Developed with the support of the German government and the UNCTAD organization, this modernized system enables importers to complete their customs procedures before the goods arrive in the country. Through this system and the integrated risk management software used by Customs, risk-free shipments are directly cleared at the port and conveniently transported to the respective importers’ warehouses.

Excise Department officers were introduced to a new mobile application designed to identify legally manufactured alcoholic beverages through a secure labelling system.

Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, also addressed the event, stating that the primary aim of Tax Week is to enhance tax compliance among the business community and the general public, thereby strengthening the national tax base.

Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mahinda Siriwardana, noted that paying taxes is a goodwill investment made by citizens for the betterment of the country.

Convenor of the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russell Aponsu emphasized that tax compliance plays a crucial role in building a well-disciplined nation guided by ethical and sustainable development principles.

The full speech delivered by President Anura Kumara Disanayake at the event:

There is a generally negative perception of taxation in our country. Public discourse often reflects concerns about tax wastage, tax evasion and the overall complexity of the tax system. Moreover, institutions have emerged with the sole purpose of advising individuals and businesses on how to evade taxes. These attitudes have developed largely due to the weaknesses in our tax administration system and the public’s awareness of past misuse and mismanagement of tax revenues. Therefore, it is essential that we initiate a broader public discussion on tax compliance, the mechanisms through which taxes are collected, and the prevailing public attitudes toward taxation.

When we examine some of the available data, the picture is far from encouraging. Only 43% of those registered as companies have submitted their tax returns. For the 2023–2024 period, only 23% of individuals liable for income tax have filed returns. Among partnerships, the compliance rate is 46%. Meanwhile, just 18% of those liable for PAYE tax have submitted their returns. None of these figures exceed 50%, clearly indicating widespread tax non-compliance and deliberate efforts to evade taxes.

The root cause of this situation lies in the public’s criticism particularly from taxpayers of how past political administrations have misused tax revenues. Therefore, our first responsibility is to assure the people that their tax money will be used appropriately and exclusively for essential needs. That assurance is now entrusted to me and to the current political leadership. As President, I give you my personal guarantee that not a single rupee of your tax money will be wasted or misappropriated by the political authority.

I, as President, have been granted certain privileges funded by public tax money through laws, gazette notifications and Cabinet decisions. However, we have already relinquished many of those privileges. I have made every possible effort to reduce expenditures under the Presidential budget allocation, in order to safeguard every rupee contributed by the people. The Cabinet and Members of Parliament are following the same principle. We are operating under a regime of discipline and accountability. And that is where we begin to set the first example.

We must also build an efficient public service. We are making a concerted effort to transform the relationship between the state apparatus and the citizen into a fast, efficient and fully digital system. At the same time, corruption that has spread throughout the public sector must be eradicated. You are aware that when an ordinary citizen applies for a passport, they must personally visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration, submit their photograph and provide fingerprints. Yet, underworld figures have been issued multiple passports with different sets of fingerprints and several types of photographs. Institutions tasked with upholding our legal framework have themselves contributed to its breakdown.

Similarly, there was a case where a locker belonging to an officer of the Department of Motor Traffic contained a sum of money that could not have been legally earned even over three years. There are serious allegations surrounding the Customs Department. The Excise Department is also affected by similar issues. As a result, while our country may appear peaceful on the surface, a hidden shadow system continues to operate beneath. This underground network is run by organized smuggling rings. Recently, during the opening of a new Customs warehouse system, illegal imports by some well-known branded companies were uncovered clearly pointing to the involvement of powerful players in this black economy. This shadow system has long been protected by political authorities. It also includes certain state officials, illegally armed individuals, and even some members of the media.

Therefore, we are confronting a highly organized shadow system. I assure the people of this country that this shadow system will be dismantled. We are building a nation where everyone is subject to the rule of law. What use is amassing great wealth if, at the age of 61, you end up spending 20 years behind bars? Can anyone justify stealing public funds after receiving their education through public money and drawing a salary funded by taxpayers? All such actions will be punished. This issue regarding public funds is not merely a matter of paying or collecting taxes. It is a deeper, networked problem. Pointing fingers at individual institutions will not solve it, because it is an interconnected system. Therefore, as a state apparatus, we must be fully prepared to deal with it. Anyone unwilling to take on this responsibility is free to step aside. Unless this shadow system is broken, the country will not be able to move even an inch forward. That is why we are committed to dismantling this corrupt network.

Entrepreneurs are conducting their businesses lawfully and paying fair taxes to the government. It is the responsibility of the state to protect that system. Likewise, those who work hard to earn an honest living and pay a portion of it to the government in taxes deserve the assurance that their contributions are safeguarded. That is our responsibility. Therefore, I invite every taxpayer to continue fulfilling your duty. I give you my assurance that every rupee you pay will be protected. And if even a single rupee is misappropriated, I will ensure the full force of the law is brought to bear against it.

In this process, neither power nor social background will be taken into account. Only by cleansing this entire shadow system can we realistically achieve our tax revenue targets. Therefore, our key objective during Tax Week is to send this message to society. To that end, a broad and inclusive social dialogue must be initiated.

When we look closely at the lives of ordinary people, we see that we have failed to create an economy that adequately meets their basic needs. One of the foremost concerns raised by many industrialists and businesspeople is the issue of taxes. Consequently, the most frequent discussion revolves around the perception that taxes are an obstacle to economic activity. Taxes are not a hindrance to economic movement. I am ready to assure every entrepreneur and industrialist that if your industry lacks reliable electricity, we will provide it. If you do not have suitable land to carry on your business, we will acquire and provide it. If you lack access to water facilities, we will supply them. If the roads are inadequate, we will build proper roads. However, you must pay your taxes. No one should request tax concessions in the name of developing their industry or business. Everything else infrastructure, legal frameworks and efficiency improvements we will arrange and provide. But you must pay your fair share of taxes.

We are systematically undertaking the reconstruction of a collapsed economy. We face a significant challenge though I am reluctant to emphasize this, it must be said. What we have inherited is a stalled country. Typically, during a change of government, the country continues to move forward despite political transitions. Many have gained from this momentum. However, what we encountered was a country at a complete standstill. Investments, projects and foreign loans everything had come to a halt. Now, what has been entrusted to us? How do we revive a country that has been stopped on all these fronts? That is our primary challenge. This is why we are striving to revive the projects that were halted, particularly through foreign investments. We believe that within the next two to three months, a substantial number of these stalled projects will be able to restart.

Therefore, what we have is a country that needs to be revived. A country that is running can be held and directed, but what we have is a country that needs to be awakened. In that process, we must first understand the underlying causes that led our country to this collapse. Even in the midst of this crisis, as political leaders, as public officials, and as members of the general public, if we fail to learn from these failures, then we fail as human beings. Some of the root causes of this collapse have even been pointed out by the Supreme Court.

Recently, when punishments were handed down to those involved in corruption and fraud, the judges also highlighted the root causes of this collapse. Through our own life experiences, we have identified the factors that led to this breakdown. Therefore, the responsibility entrusted to us is to thoroughly understand these root causes and prevent their recurrence.

One of the main reasons for this collapse was our failure to properly reform the tax system and collect a fair amount of tax revenue. This crisis was of our own making. If I recall correctly, in around 1996, tax revenue accounted for about 23% of the national income, but it has since fallen to just 7.3%. This decline was a significant factor that contributed to the deepening economic crisis. Hence, it is essential to efficiently collect taxes. This crisis arose precisely because we failed to do so. Over different periods, tax reforms were carried out to satisfy various political agendas rather than economic principles. This politically driven approach to tax reform created a major problem. I assure you that we do not make any economic decisions based on political principles. All our economic decisions are made strictly on economic fundamentals. Politically motivated economic decisions were one of the reasons the country as a whole fell into collapse.

Because we were unable to overcome this crisis on our own, we have become subject to external control. We are being managed from above. Our revenue targets are now set for us. This year, the national income must grow by 15.1%. Of that, 2.3% must be maintained as a primary surplus. We have to manage the economy according to expenditure limits and revenue targets agreed upon by external parties. Why? Because we were the “bad child.” Now, we have been punished and placed under guardianship. Our economy and assets are under guardianship. Are we to remain an economy always under such guardianship? Certainly not. In a discussion with Mr. Mahinda Siriwardhana, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, the consensus was reached that this should be regarded as the final stage of entering the International Monetary Fund’s extended loan programme. We must embark on an economic journey based on our own criteria and targets.

However, at some point, our economy must set economic goals aligned with the public’s aspirations and social expectations. Yet, currently, we are managing an economy partly under guardianship. Therefore, our firm determination is to bring this to an end this phase of the IMF extended loan programme and move forward. To achieve this, our government revenue must be increased. A large portion of this revenue comes from taxes. The bulk of tax collection and administration falls on the Department of Inland Revenue, the Department of Customs and the Excise Department. Therefore, as taxpayers, tax collectors, and tax administrators, let us work together to succeed in this effort. Let us strive to transform an economy under guardianship into a sovereign economy with full independence.

Joining this effort were Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayanta Fernando, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Harshana Suriyapperuma, Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, along with other senior government officials, provincial governors and private sector representatives.