• President wants efforts ‘redoubled’ to crush terrorism in Sri Lanka
• Govt to pilot SriLankan; Staff, Travel trade wary
• Increased security for Opposition MPs
• Lanka’s $ 500 m Bond issue wins 2 awards
• Pongal bonanza for people
• President meets select business leaders to get ideas to tame inflation, boost economy
• Apparel sector in crisis meeting with Mahinda tomorrow

Editorial: On the highway of death

Political column: Sri Lanka: Final call

The Ex Files : “Public service now a govt. service”

Defence Line: Eelam War IV sans CFA

As I see it: Tamils disturbed by CFA withdrawal

What's Inside

• Passenger demand surges to 18-month high in Nov. says IATA
• Mideast carriers post 18.8 per cent growth
• JKH offers schols for Moratuwa Uni transport and logistics management students
• Indian Minister plays safe, consults PM on new Sethu affidavit
• Developments in the Economy in 2007
• HSBC Global Research’s Checklist for 2008 growth outlook
• SCOPP slams UNP
• Vociferous MPs in Govt. hit list - UNP
• Alien plant invades Mahaweli areas
• Dozen LTTE cadres killed in Jaffna
• Govt. attacks prevent schooling in N&E
• UNP wearing ‘Black’ denounce Govt in House
• Sri Lanka Tourism assures no cause for alarm
• Weerawansa foresees UN peace keepers in SL
• Murali to be felicitated in Parliament today
• Trade Unions unite

Pongal bonanza for people

By Sarashi Samarasinghe
The government has decided to bring solace to the masses by waiving the duty and the Value Added Tax (VAT) on essential food items.

Prices of essential foods saw a significant increase after January 1. However a decision was taken at the January 2 cabinet meeting to waive the duty and VAT. This decision will come into effect in the next few days before the Thai Pongal festival.

“After we informed the Trade Ministry about the price increase of essential food items and the unbearable amount of tax, the Ministry took a decision to waive both the Duty and Vat,” said K. Palaniyandi, President, Old Moor Street Trade Association.

According to the Minister, Ministry of Trade and Consumer Services, Bandula Gunawardena, the government will impose a ‘unit tax’, waiving other taxes, thereby bringing price stability to all essential products.