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Harsha de Silva

@HarshadeSilvaMP • 351,557 subscribers

Father. Husband. MP for Colombo #SriLanka. Chair #Parliament Com on Public Finance. Founder #1990SuwaSeriya. Eisenhower Global Fellow. https://t.co/qOV9CN7Uhx

Shorts

Thank you #SouthernHighway 1969 Emergency Roadside Assistance! Last evening my wife and I had to face a bit of a scary situation but one call and the crew came in within minutes and helped me sort out the problem. They were professional and courteous. In fact they wouldn’t let me change; did it themselves which I don’t think is even their responsibility. Everyone: check your tyres. Lucky for us I was at only 100km/h and it was the rear. #RDA #SriLanka

Thank you #SouthernHighway 1969 Emergency Roadside Assistance! Last evening my wife and I had to face a bit of a scary situation but one call and the crew came in within minutes and helped me sort out the problem. They were professional and courteous. In fact they wouldn’t let me change; did it themselves which I don’t think is even their responsibility. Everyone: check your tyres. Lucky for us I was at only 100km/h and it was the rear. #RDA #SriLanka

18,301 просмотров

Packed Premadasa tonight with large Indian contingent in Colombo for #ICCMensT20WorldCup2026 and a fair number of Pakistani supporters! Found 2 Upper C tickets with difficulty 😁 Kudos to all who negotiated this game to happen! Cricket is a funny game… May the better team tonight, win #India #Pakistan.

Packed Premadasa tonight with large Indian contingent in Colombo for #ICCMensT20WorldCup2026 and a fair number of Pakistani supporters! Found 2 Upper C tickets with difficulty 😁 Kudos to all who negotiated this game to happen! Cricket is a funny game… May the better team tonight, win #India #Pakistan.

64,254 просмотров

Awaiting ‘joint statement’ Pres Anura Kumara Dissanayake said will be released after successful negotiations with US on #TrumpTariffs. Min Anil Jayantha boasted #India was the only other Asian country to negotiate with USTR thus far. Excuse me?!?!

Awaiting ‘joint statement’ Pres Anura Kumara Dissanayake said will be released after successful negotiations with US on #TrumpTariffs. Min Anil Jayantha boasted #India was the only other Asian country to negotiate with USTR thus far. Excuse me?!?!

14,980 просмотров

Even with huge financial difficulties 1990 Suwa Seriya is managing 24x7 #SriLanka life saving service uninterrupted. What a magnificent effort by Sohan de Silva and seriously underpaid 1,400 staff! Approx 1,000 incidents and 25,000 km per day. May God bless them all this Christmas!

Even with huge financial difficulties 1990 Suwa Seriya is managing 24x7 #SriLanka life saving service uninterrupted. What a magnificent effort by Sohan de Silva and seriously underpaid 1,400 staff! Approx 1,000 incidents and 25,000 km per day. May God bless them all this Christmas!

25,852 просмотров

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🇱🇰🇮🇳 Called out the Govt in Parliament of Sri Lanka for mocking India’s bold stand against Trump’s trade tariffs. #India, our true ally, stood by us in our toughest times. We should honor their fight, not laugh. India’s courage inspires Asia! #StandWithIndia #SriLanka #TrumpTariffs

🇱🇰🇮🇳 Called out the Govt in Parliament of Sri Lanka for mocking India’s bold stand against Trump’s trade tariffs. #India, our true ally, stood by us in our toughest times. We should honor their fight, not laugh. India’s courage inspires Asia! #StandWithIndia #SriLanka #TrumpTariffs

Harsha de Silva

543,243 просмотров • 11 месяцев назад

PickMe pays 18% VAT on the full ride fare. Uber pays 18% VAT on its service fee only. Same trip. Same road. Ten times the tax burden on the local company. PickMe can't absorb that gap, so it gets passed to you. Higher fares. Every time. And beyond ride-hailing, every local SaaS platform and homegrown digital service faces the same asymmetry, making it rational for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to simply incorporate in Singapore instead. Here's what makes it worse: it was COPF that pushed to bring foreign digital platforms into the VAT net in the first place. Before that, Uber paid nothing. We fixed half the problem. The Govt then implemented the framework without equalising the tax base, and handed foreign platforms a structural advantage inside a net we built to level the playing field. I raised this in Parliament of Sri Lanka on June 23rd. The VAT threshold fight was won. This one isn't over.

PickMe pays 18% VAT on the full ride fare. Uber pays 18% VAT on its service fee only. Same trip. Same road. Ten times the tax burden on the local company. PickMe can't absorb that gap, so it gets passed to you. Higher fares. Every time. And beyond ride-hailing, every local SaaS platform and homegrown digital service faces the same asymmetry, making it rational for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to simply incorporate in Singapore instead. Here's what makes it worse: it was COPF that pushed to bring foreign digital platforms into the VAT net in the first place. Before that, Uber paid nothing. We fixed half the problem. The Govt then implemented the framework without equalising the tax base, and handed foreign platforms a structural advantage inside a net we built to level the playing field. I raised this in Parliament of Sri Lanka on June 23rd. The VAT threshold fight was won. This one isn't over.

Harsha de Silva

21,405 просмотров • 1 месяц назад

This morning I presented to Parliament of Sri Lanka the #COPF report on the USD2.5m a fraud that occurred during series of debt repayments to Export Finance Australia during Nov 2025 and Jan 2026. We find clearly that a fraud linked to cybercrime did take place. We find that lapses at the governance level at both the Ministry of Finance and the CBSL likely contributed to this fraud. We find dereliction of duty at the highest level at PDMO and ERD on internal controls and IT systems. We find negligence and incompetence at the operational level at the Ministry of Finance. Criminal investigations must determine whether there had been internal collusion in perpetrating this fraud. It is beyond the scope of our Committee. Only then can it be confirmed if the cyber criminals stole LKR 825m equivalent of public funds with any collusion with officials or purely due to their negligence, incompetence and ignorance. #HarshadeSilva #ParliamentLanka #COPF #Fraud #Cybercrime #SriLanka

This morning I presented to Parliament of Sri Lanka the #COPF report on the USD2.5m a fraud that occurred during series of debt repayments to Export Finance Australia during Nov 2025 and Jan 2026. We find clearly that a fraud linked to cybercrime did take place. We find that lapses at the governance level at both the Ministry of Finance and the CBSL likely contributed to this fraud. We find dereliction of duty at the highest level at PDMO and ERD on internal controls and IT systems. We find negligence and incompetence at the operational level at the Ministry of Finance. Criminal investigations must determine whether there had been internal collusion in perpetrating this fraud. It is beyond the scope of our Committee. Only then can it be confirmed if the cyber criminals stole LKR 825m equivalent of public funds with any collusion with officials or purely due to their negligence, incompetence and ignorance. #HarshadeSilva #ParliamentLanka #COPF #Fraud #Cybercrime #SriLanka

Harsha de Silva

10,788 просмотров • 16 дней назад

Vehicles stuck at the port for years. Owners suffering. Treasury collecting zero revenue. At last week's #COPF session, I heard the case of a retired Govt servant who used his pension to import a vehicle, still stuck at the port, deteriorating. We have written to the Secretary to the Treasury: resolve this within three weeks. A fair penalty or demurrage settlement. Let people take their vehicles home. Nobody benefits from this except the lawyers.

Vehicles stuck at the port for years. Owners suffering. Treasury collecting zero revenue. At last week's #COPF session, I heard the case of a retired Govt servant who used his pension to import a vehicle, still stuck at the port, deteriorating. We have written to the Secretary to the Treasury: resolve this within three weeks. A fair penalty or demurrage settlement. Let people take their vehicles home. Nobody benefits from this except the lawyers.

Harsha de Silva

11,364 просмотров • 23 дней назад

Online betting sites are advertising openly across Sri Lanka, yet they operate with zero regulation. How is this allowed? At our COPF session, I questioned officials on this massive legal blind spot and the billions in lost tax revenue bleeding from the state. Watch the full exchange. 👇 #SriLanka #COPF #TaxAccountability #EconomicReform #PublicPolicy

Online betting sites are advertising openly across Sri Lanka, yet they operate with zero regulation. How is this allowed? At our COPF session, I questioned officials on this massive legal blind spot and the billions in lost tax revenue bleeding from the state. Watch the full exchange. 👇 #SriLanka #COPF #TaxAccountability #EconomicReform #PublicPolicy

Harsha de Silva

12,874 просмотров • 1 месяц назад

At COPF yesterday, I pressed customs on detaining 1,000+ BYD EVs at Colombo Port over engine capacity claims (100kW vs. 150kW). I urged the authorities to use internationally accredited labs to test specs and get facts, not rumors. Our processes must be credible & transparent for all—no matter the country or company involved. #BYD #Customs #Transparency

At COPF yesterday, I pressed customs on detaining 1,000+ BYD EVs at Colombo Port over engine capacity claims (100kW vs. 150kW). I urged the authorities to use internationally accredited labs to test specs and get facts, not rumors. Our processes must be credible & transparent for all—no matter the country or company involved. #BYD #Customs #Transparency

Harsha de Silva

28,257 просмотров • 1 год назад

Brilliant performance today #SriLanka at #ICCMensT20WorldCup2026! What an innings by Pathum Nissanka! And was that catch even humanly possible 😁Let’s keep this going! Sorry #Australia, just not your day… but great sportsmanship!

Brilliant performance today #SriLanka at #ICCMensT20WorldCup2026! What an innings by Pathum Nissanka! And was that catch even humanly possible 😁Let’s keep this going! Sorry #Australia, just not your day… but great sportsmanship!

Harsha de Silva

14,566 просмотров • 5 месяцев назад

Is migration really the only path to success? 🇱🇰✈️ Many spend 3.5M–5M LKR to leave, only to face huge struggles abroad. I lived in the US for years & chose to return, because real potential to build from zero exists here with the right framework. Channel that capital into local startups, digital agencies, or tech innovation instead. We’re not a "lost cause"; we’re a nation of untapped opportunities. Let’s build systems where you don’t have to leave to win. 💼📈 #SriLanka #Economy #HarshaDeSilva #Opportunities #StayAndBuild #BrainDrain

Is migration really the only path to success? 🇱🇰✈️ Many spend 3.5M–5M LKR to leave, only to face huge struggles abroad. I lived in the US for years & chose to return, because real potential to build from zero exists here with the right framework. Channel that capital into local startups, digital agencies, or tech innovation instead. We’re not a "lost cause"; we’re a nation of untapped opportunities. Let’s build systems where you don’t have to leave to win. 💼📈 #SriLanka #Economy #HarshaDeSilva #Opportunities #StayAndBuild #BrainDrain

Harsha de Silva

13,667 просмотров • 5 месяцев назад

While we are supportive of the IMF program in #SriLanka and appreciate the continued focus on macro stability by the PRESENT government and her enthusiasm about the prospects for our country, I wish to point out to MD Kristalina Georgieva with all due respect that 1. Inflation came down from 70 to 2 during the PREVIOUS government. 2. growth went from -7.3% to +5% during the PREVIOUS government and 3. The first ever governance diagnostic study for a nation was requested and complete during the PREVIOUS government. #IMF

While we are supportive of the IMF program in #SriLanka and appreciate the continued focus on macro stability by the PRESENT government and her enthusiasm about the prospects for our country, I wish to point out to MD Kristalina Georgieva with all due respect that 1. Inflation came down from 70 to 2 during the PREVIOUS government. 2. growth went from -7.3% to +5% during the PREVIOUS government and 3. The first ever governance diagnostic study for a nation was requested and complete during the PREVIOUS government. #IMF

Harsha de Silva

12,457 просмотров • 5 месяцев назад

#Budget2025 embrace Econ liberalization - the very policies they vehemently opposed for 40 years. While I welcome their belated recognition of market reforms, imagine where #lka could be if they hadn't blocked these measures since 1970s. Better late than never, but at what cost?

#Budget2025 embrace Econ liberalization - the very policies they vehemently opposed for 40 years. While I welcome their belated recognition of market reforms, imagine where #lka could be if they hadn't blocked these measures since 1970s. Better late than never, but at what cost?

Harsha de Silva

29,219 просмотров • 1 год назад

Tourism paradox: Arrivals surging, revenue falling 📉. Foreigners run unlicensed cafes/bars/surf camps/tours on tourist visas—money leaks abroad via overseas payments. Add overtourism: Budget travellers jam hotspots, ruin natural wonders (Yala overcrowded, Sigiriya strained, beaches polluted), price locals out. We welcome innovation/investment—but legally! Same rules: licenses, local jobs, taxes. Shift to sustainable tourism: quality over quantity, protect our attractions. Govt must enforce framework NOW! 🇱🇰 #SriLankaTourism #SustainableTourism #Overtourism #RevenueLeakage #HarshaDeSilva

Tourism paradox: Arrivals surging, revenue falling 📉. Foreigners run unlicensed cafes/bars/surf camps/tours on tourist visas—money leaks abroad via overseas payments. Add overtourism: Budget travellers jam hotspots, ruin natural wonders (Yala overcrowded, Sigiriya strained, beaches polluted), price locals out. We welcome innovation/investment—but legally! Same rules: licenses, local jobs, taxes. Shift to sustainable tourism: quality over quantity, protect our attractions. Govt must enforce framework NOW! 🇱🇰 #SriLankaTourism #SustainableTourism #Overtourism #RevenueLeakage #HarshaDeSilva

Harsha de Silva

11,885 просмотров • 5 месяцев назад

Why mess with 1990 Suwa Seriya name and soul? It’s saved countless lives as SL’s MOST efficient public service! They’ve already swapped the board, now they’re gutting its purpose! Hands off our lifeline! 🚑🔥 #SaveSuwaseriya #lka

Why mess with 1990 Suwa Seriya name and soul? It’s saved countless lives as SL’s MOST efficient public service! They’ve already swapped the board, now they’re gutting its purpose! Hands off our lifeline! 🚑🔥 #SaveSuwaseriya #lka

Harsha de Silva

18,160 просмотров • 9 месяцев назад

Asked NPP Srilanka rep simple question: Will they support CBSL independence, key pillar in our Econ recovery? He had no answer—just empty rhetoric. This is the real #NPP: no substance, no policy, no different from populist Rajapaksas. Sri Lanka deserves better. Choose wisely.

Asked NPP Srilanka rep simple question: Will they support CBSL independence, key pillar in our Econ recovery? He had no answer—just empty rhetoric. This is the real #NPP: no substance, no policy, no different from populist Rajapaksas. Sri Lanka deserves better. Choose wisely.

Harsha de Silva

27,326 просмотров • 1 год назад

Your trust in my parliamentary work is deeply humbling. What we witnessed was historic - Sri Lankans united across all divides for #change. As an opposition MP, I'll support President Anura Kumara Dissanayake positive reforms while staying firm on my duty: backing progress, questioning what's wrong, and fighting corruption. This is the new politics #Srilanka chose, and I'm committed to delivering on your trust 🇱🇰 🙏🏽

Your trust in my parliamentary work is deeply humbling. What we witnessed was historic - Sri Lankans united across all divides for #change. As an opposition MP, I'll support President Anura Kumara Dissanayake positive reforms while staying firm on my duty: backing progress, questioning what's wrong, and fighting corruption. This is the new politics #Srilanka chose, and I'm committed to delivering on your trust 🇱🇰 🙏🏽

Harsha de Silva

22,857 просмотров • 1 год назад

Yesterday we visited Kandy Court Complex and spoke with High Court Judge in charge and other officials and discussed with Sri Lanka National Archives folk on the plan to repair and recover as much of the important documents damaged; perhaps some 75,000 case records and thousands of other items in the libraries. Besides, the technical team is visiting other government institutions needing assistance. They have a good plan and I am sure they will deliver. Now my job is done! Thanks you to everyone who helped. #CycloneDitwah #SriLankafloods #Archives

Yesterday we visited Kandy Court Complex and spoke with High Court Judge in charge and other officials and discussed with Sri Lanka National Archives folk on the plan to repair and recover as much of the important documents damaged; perhaps some 75,000 case records and thousands of other items in the libraries. Besides, the technical team is visiting other government institutions needing assistance. They have a good plan and I am sure they will deliver. Now my job is done! Thanks you to everyone who helped. #CycloneDitwah #SriLankafloods #Archives

Harsha de Silva

11,527 просмотров • 7 месяцев назад

This is what I told Pres Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the meeting he called to get our views on #TrumpTariffs

This is what I told Pres Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the meeting he called to get our views on #TrumpTariffs

Harsha de Silva

17,479 просмотров • 1 год назад

The EV permit scandal exposed: A scheme for expat dollars became a luxury car racket. One facilitator. 70% of all permits. Money laundering when #SriLanka was desperate for forex. This is what real oversight looks like 🔍 #EVPermitscandal #lka #COPF

The EV permit scandal exposed: A scheme for expat dollars became a luxury car racket. One facilitator. 70% of all permits. Money laundering when #SriLanka was desperate for forex. This is what real oversight looks like 🔍 #EVPermitscandal #lka #COPF

Harsha de Silva

18,610 просмотров • 1 год назад

At the Ceylon United Business Alliance International launch, I proposed two bold steps to empower Sri Lanka’s SMEs: 1) Train our diplomatic missions to actively promote exports, reviving a 2017 Harvard Kennedy School model. 2) Create a long-term credit facility using a portion of the Rs. 5T+ EPF/ETF funds. SMEs need coordinated policies, not silos, to thrive in a volatile world. 🇱🇰 Watch full speech: #SriLankaSMEs #EconomicDiplomacy #PolicyReform

At the Ceylon United Business Alliance International launch, I proposed two bold steps to empower Sri Lanka’s SMEs: 1) Train our diplomatic missions to actively promote exports, reviving a 2017 Harvard Kennedy School model. 2) Create a long-term credit facility using a portion of the Rs. 5T+ EPF/ETF funds. SMEs need coordinated policies, not silos, to thrive in a volatile world. 🇱🇰 Watch full speech: #SriLankaSMEs #EconomicDiplomacy #PolicyReform

Harsha de Silva

11,141 просмотров • 11 месяцев назад

Pres Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Govt advert says taxes fund critical public services such as 1990 Suwa Seriya, serving 2M+ Sri Lankans equally. Ironic—we started it in 2016, now it’s their tax pitch! Still, it shows taxes can transform lives when used right. 🇱🇰 #TaxForPublicGood

Pres Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Govt advert says taxes fund critical public services such as 1990 Suwa Seriya, serving 2M+ Sri Lankans equally. Ironic—we started it in 2016, now it’s their tax pitch! Still, it shows taxes can transform lives when used right. 🇱🇰 #TaxForPublicGood

Harsha de Silva

11,993 просмотров • 1 год назад

The #NPP belief that IMF would amend #lka Debt Sustain. Analysis (DSA) based on someone else’s growth numbers is pure fantasy. This reckless approach would drive us into bankruptcy in no time. #Srilanka cannot afford this level of immaturity. Dont let them bring us disaster.

The #NPP belief that IMF would amend #lka Debt Sustain. Analysis (DSA) based on someone else’s growth numbers is pure fantasy. This reckless approach would drive us into bankruptcy in no time. #Srilanka cannot afford this level of immaturity. Dont let them bring us disaster.

Harsha de Silva

15,740 просмотров • 1 год назад