Topic: Tax & Budget — Neutral reports only
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-20 11:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Analysts are upbeat amid city’s booming IPO sector and thriving financial market, but warn of geopolitical headwinds
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-20 06:56 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Evidence does not point to a climate debt trap following Cyclone Ditwah and that cyclical growth of around 4% remains sustainable for 2026, although risks such as inflation are emerging, economic policy expert Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja, told the Sri Lanka Investor Conference 2026 themed “Rebuild. Digitize. Reprice”, organized by Asia Securities held in Colombo recently.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-20 06:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: According to Deputy Tourism Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, the position of Member of Parliament (MP) cannot be considered as a profession that attracts a pension. Speaking in Parliament during the debate on the Parliament Pensions (Repeal) Bill, Prof. Ranasinghe said; “We have received a mandate from the people. By abolishing pensions the mandate will be strengthened again.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-20 04:12 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Deutsche Welle
Snippet: Украина испытывает острый дефицит ракет для систем противовоздушной обороны (ПВО), прежде всего к Patriot – комплексам, способным эффективно перехватывать баллистические цели. Впрочем, партнеры, в том числе США, не спешат масштабно наращивать поставки. Может ли Украина усилить защиту от баллистических ракет и снизить зависимость от других стран?
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-19 19:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Envoy makes the pledge as Beijing prepares to roll out tax-free access to the Chinese market for goods from 53 African nations
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-19 06:56 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Russia has sought direct collaboration between the Central Banks of Sri Lanka and Russia to facilitate increased spending by Russian tourists visiting Sri Lanka, as Russian-issued visa, debit, or credit cards do not work overseas due to sanctions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-19 06:44 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Economic Development Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera told Parliament that several Bills with legal amendments will be presented to Parliament in the near future to simplify the tax system by collecting tax arrears.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-19 00:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Beijing sees huge untapped potential in spending by inbound travellers as it strives to drive up demand over the crucial nine-day holiday
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-18 14:27 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 95]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Ford shrinks battery size while extending driving range in bid to launch the new EV by 2027 for the same price as a conventional petrol car
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-18 06:52 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: The Parliamentary Pension (Repeal) Bill was passed by 152 votes with 154 votes in favour and two votes against with no abstention, yesterday (17).
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-18 06:34 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe said that a group of social media activists are trying to create a public opinion that most of the tourists coming to Sri Lanka are budget conscious and have low spending habits.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-17 21:15 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal for Sri Lanka to host the inaugural meeting of an expert group established under the BIMSTEC framework to strengthen cooperation on fiscal and monetary policy among member states.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-17 21:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: The package, which includes fare cuts and food handouts, is meant to keep people travelling and shopping, and help shore up early-growth momentum
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-16 19:51 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Lagging regional peers since the pandemic, the Thai economy has faced multiple headwinds, including US tariffs, high household debt and a strengthening baht
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-16 18:58 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Previously unreleased comments by Xi urge income growth and tech breakthroughs, potentially setting stage for measures ahead of March’s parliamentary meetings
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-16 17:11 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Asia Times
Snippet: Keep independent journalism alive
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-16 13:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Growth accelerated after a surge in political broadcasts following 2024’s martial law decree, prompting calls for stricter tax oversight
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-16 06:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: United Motors Group (UML) announced a robust financial performance for the first nine months of the financial year, ende December 31, 2025. Year-to-date Group Profit after Tax (PAT) for the financial year stood at Rs. 2.4 billion, an increase of 5,315% compared to the same period last year. At the company level, United Motors Lanka PLC profit increased to Rs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-16 01:11 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Temperatures aside, vendors say competition from rivals over border and poor economy have dampened consumer spending
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-15 11:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: As K-culture conquers the world, its wealthy stars keep falling foul of a tax system ‘that has not yet fully caught up’
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-14 17:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Island’s leader has appealed to opposition parties to stop blocking a US$40 billion spending plan, citing the need to ‘safeguard security’
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-14 16:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Financial Times
Snippet: We're showing you this article with reduced functionality due to intermittent issues on FT.com. This article is up-to-date as of February 14 2026.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-14 16:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Financial Times
Snippet: We're showing you this article with reduced functionality due to intermittent issues on FT.com. This article is up-to-date as of February 27 2026.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-14 05:32 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Prosecutors claim Chinese-run distribution network concealed revenue, evaded tax obligations and fostered money laundering of drug proceeds
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-14 02:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Local governments seen curbing infrastructure spending as Beijing’s fiscal discipline pushes regions to prioritise social services and tech over large projects
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-13 20:15 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Abolishing the much maligned travel tax is a good start but the whole system needs an overhaul, critics say
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-13 15:11 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: The United States and Taiwan have finalised a trade deal to reduce tariffs on Taiwanese exports and facilitate billions of dollars of spending on US goods.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-13 15:08 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Asia Times
Snippet: Keep independent journalism alive
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-13 14:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: State media also spotlights deep flaws in PLA’s readiness that have surfaced during country’s widening anti-corruption drive
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-13 12:01 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: On social media, many humorously asked the mother about her daughter’s next investment move
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-13 06:58 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: First Capital Holdings PLC, a subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group) and a pioneering force in Sri Lanka’s investment bank landscape recorded a Total Comprehensive Income(TCI) of Rs. 3.23Bn for the nine months ended December 31, 2025, compared to Rs. 4.53 Bn in the corresponding period of the previous year. For the third quarter of 2025/26, the Group reported a Total Comprehensive Loss of Rs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-12 21:27 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Zohara Buhary, a member of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), has been officially stripped of her seat following a disciplinary decision by the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC).
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-12 19:31 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Profit growth slows to 7.3 per cent from 8.4 per cent a year earlier as bad loans exceed two-decade average, HKMA says
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-12 19:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: PM Lawrence Wong says while defence spending will be kept at about 3 per cent of GDP, Singapore is prepared to spend more if the need arises
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-12 13:01 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Election spending declarations by 32 candidates reveal huge spending gap, from HK$20 to more than HK$200 a vote
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-12 12:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Big-spending loser who was told by agent to bet responsibly, was aware of gambling risks, has case thrown out by court
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-12 06:56 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: The Government has commenced stakeholder engagement on proposed tariff reforms under the 2026 Budget, with the aim of strengthening the production economy and boosting exports.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-11 14:35 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Chinese developer says the delayed disclosure is due to ‘objective factors’, rather than a failure by the executives to properly discharge their duties
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-11 06:58 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Tokyo Cement Group (Tokyo Cement) reported a turnover of Rs. 14,523 million compared to Rs. 11,639 million over the same period of the previous year, and a profit after tax of Rs. 332 million compared to Rs. 1,006 million over the same period of the previous year, for the 3 rd Quarter ending December 31, 2025.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-11 01:19 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Rappler
Snippet: Here are today’s headlines – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world:
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-11 01:19 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Rappler
Snippet: Today’s headlines: Travel tax, Jose de Venecia Jr., Bad Bunny
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-10 21:13 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Desperation grows as Israel refuses to reinstate work permits, leaving thousands of Palestinians without income and forcing families into deep debt
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-10 15:08 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Voters weary of upheaval embraced Bhumjaithai’s technocratic promises of debt relief and subsidies, sidelining the reformist People’s Party
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-10 13:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Prototype under Indigenous Defence Submarine programme is seen as central to boosting asymmetric naval capabilities to counter Beijing
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-09 20:15 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Hong Kong matchmakers share how they’re helping people find love in a city where everyone is both extremely busy and wants a younger partner
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-09 16:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: Election result revives risk appetite after global tumult, as investors anticipate Japan will increase public spending to sustain growth
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-09 13:06 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: South China Morning Post
Snippet: The election results clear the way for more fiscal stimulus, reinforcing a bullish outlook for stocks
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-09 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Last week was full of various `news’ about the fast unto death launched by the development officers and the related topics. Absorbing development officers into the teachers service matters to them but what matters to the country is how and what these development officers and all the other public servants do during their official duty hours.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-09 06:53 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said that measures will be taken to provide free life insurance cover to the value of about Rs.300,000 to consumers who spend more than Rs.10,000 per month on goods purchased from cooperative stores.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[2026-02-09 06:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]
Source: Daily News
Snippet: Sri Lanka keeps circling the same national anxiety: growth is weak, the tax base is tight, the workforce is ageing, skilled youth are leaving, and yet, too many capable people are parked on the sidelines when we can least afford it. It is baffling how we still treat flexible work like a soft concession – something to be granted sparingly, often apologetically, and usually to women with young children or caregivers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------