News

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has held discussions with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva on the sidelines of the “Summit for a New Global Financial Pact” held in Paris, France.

Commenting on the meeting, Kristalina Georgieva welcomed the strong ownership by the Sri Lankan government to address the current economic challenges.

Taking to Twitter, she further stated that the IMF is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s economic reforms to improve living standards for its people.

The Indian naval submarine ‘Vagir’, the latest indigenous Kalvari-class submarine of the Indian Navy, on June 19, began its four-day visit to Sri Lanka at the same time a Pakistan naval ship docked here.

The Indian High Commission said its operational visit is to commemorate the ninth edition of International Day of Yoga (IDY) under the theme of “Global Ocean Ring”.

The Commanding Officer of the Indian Naval submarine, Commander Divakar. S will call on Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Suresh De Silva. Further, during the submarine’s visit, the vessel would be open for visitors and school children.

The High Commission of India in coordination with Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre is scheduled to organize a grand event at Colombo Port to celebrate IDY on 21 June 2023 with the participation of senior defence hierarchy and personnel from Indian and Sri Lanka Navies, the mission said in a press release.

The Indian naval ships Delhi, Sukanya, Kiltan, and Savitri have previously visited Colombo.

Visits by Indian Navy ships and submarines in Sri Lanka aim to foster brotherhood and togetherness between the two neighbouring navies in keeping with India’s vision of ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR)’, the release said.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Navy said ‘Tippu Sultan’, the Pakistani naval ship, also arrived at the port of Colombo on June 18 on a two-day visit.

‘Tippu Sultan’ is a 134.1 metre-long warship manned by a crew of 168 persons, the Navy said.

The Navy said this is the first visit to Colombo by a submarine since a Chinese submarine docked in 2014.

Source – PTI

The lawyers representing controversial Sri Lankan Pastor Jerome Fernando today withdrew the writ petition filed seeking an order to prevent his arrest by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

Pastor Jerome Fernando is wanted by the Sri Lanka Police after allegedly having made derogatory statements related to Lord Buddha, Islam, and Hinduism in front of a packed congregation.

Video footage of his remarks had caused an uproar among the followers of Buddhism in the country. Following the uproar, Pastor Jerome Fernando issued an apology regarding his controversial statement.

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) obtained a travel ban against Pastor Jerome Fernando from the Fort Magistrate’s Court on May 15, but it was revealed that the pastor had left the country the previous day.

Pastor Jerome Fernando, thereafter, filed a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition requesting the court to issue an order preventing his arrest by the CID.

Last week, the Court of Appeal was informed by the Attorney General that an investigation has been launched against Pastor Jerome Fernando under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Former Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama appointed as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK) with effect from 01 August 2023.

He had served as the Cabinet Minister of Foreign Affairs from 28 January 2007 until he was defeated in the General Elections held on 8 April 2010, losing his seat in parliament.

Bogollagama also briefly served as the Governor of the Eastern Province from July 2017 to December 2018.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called on the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland during his official visit to the United Kingdom.

The focus of the discussion fell on the digitization programs, measures to broaden the Commonwealth’s partnerships, as well as Commonwealth programs such as Commonwealth for Climate and Blue Charter to enhance support to member countries.

Sharing his strategies for addressing climate change, Sri Lankan president also explored the potential involvement of the Commonwealth in these efforts.

The meeting happened at the Marlborough House – the headquarters of the Commonwealth of Nations and the seat of the Commonwealth Secretariat – in Westminster, London.

Wheat flour has been listed under the category of ‘specified goods’, by way of an Extraordinary Gazette notification issued by the Minister of Trade, Nalin Fernando.

Accordingly, wheat flour was brought under the category of specified goods with effect from midnight on 16 June, as it is an essential commodity to the people.

This has been prescribed under Section 18 of the Consumer Affairs Authority Act No. 09 of 2003 (Amended).

Meanwhile, Liquefied Petroleum (LP) gas, which was included as a specified good by way of a Gazette published on 08 July 022, will be excluded from the list of Specified Goods.

Former Colombo Municipal Councilor Mahinda Kahandagama has been arrested by the Colombo Frauds Investigation Division on charges of defrauding an individual.

He is alleged to have obtained Rs. 7 million from an individual with the promise of providing an apartment in a housing complex in Colombo 02.

Kahandagama was produced before the Colombo magistrate’s court and has been remanded until 22 June, the Police said.

Sri Lankan Dev Kawsala Samarajeewa’s entry has won the ‘women in aviation multimedia engagement contest’ organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Samarajeewa overcame challenges by 11 other finalists from France, Philippines, Argentina, USA, Turkey, Slovenia, Ireland, Serbia, Kenya, Canada and Seychelles in an online selection process.

His entry secured 28,000 likes, while entries from Argentina with 4,800 likes and Turkey won the second and third places respectively.

Samarajeewa will receive an invitation and financial support to attend the Global Aviation Gender Summit scheduled to take place from 5 to 7 July, as well as a certificate of acknowledgement.

His entry secured 28,000 likes, while entries from Argentina with 4,800 likes and Turkey won the second and third places respectively. Samarajeewa will receive an invitation and financial support to attend the Global Aviation Gender Summit scheduled to take place from 5 to 7 July, as well as a certificate of acknowledgement.

Acting Minister of Finance, Shehan Semasinghe speaking to reporters on Monday (19) said that the government has not made a final decision regarding the domestic debt optimization program.

Minister Semasinghe further emphasized the sensitivity surrounding the optimization of domestic debt and assured that the government is approaching this issue with utmost responsibility.

Expressing his views, Minister Shehan Semasinghe further said;

“No final decision has been made yet on the domestic debt optimization program. However, as a government, we always approach sensitive issues responsibly. President Ranil Wickremesinghe also addressed the matter of domestic debt optimization in Parliament. The Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance have provided clarifications on their stance. Our focus is on finding solutions for optimizing the banking and financial system of our country without negatively impacting stability, which is crucial. Consequently, various information and announcements are being released within the country.

Once the government reaches a final decision, we are prepared to inform both the parliament and the public. This is an extremely sensitive matter that significantly influences the market situation. Therefore, it is vital that we refrain from making statements that create doubts regarding this optimization, as it helps maintain stability in our financial market. We must all act responsibly in this regard. Following the President’s visit to France, we anticipate gaining a better understanding of these issues, particularly concerning the restructuring of foreign debt.

There have been criticisms on the political platforms concerning the current economic program implemented by the government. However, if the groups criticizing had a need or a plan, and possessed the capability, they would have an opportunity to confront that challenge. Only President Ranil Wickremesinghe has accepted that challenge. He has communicated to the people the progress made by the country since assuming office as President. While the leaders responsible for meeting the needs of the people fulfils their duties, those who have not taken on this responsibility continue to make various statements. Specifically, the JVP platform has expressed various opinions regarding the management of the economy. However, none of these statements present any practical ideas or programs for building the country.

The aim is to find a solution to the economic crisis without relying on the intervention of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The government seeks to address the challenges and overcome the crisis through its own program, without external financial assistance. The specific solution that does not involve the IMF’s intervention is not mentioned.

While there are claims of providing a solution without IMF support, it is implied that such claims may lack substance. The challenging times we have faced are gradually coming to an end, and there is a belief that better progress will be achieved through the government’s program.

The IMF predicts a decrease in the negative growth rate from -7.8 to -3 by the end of the year. However, the government’s commitment and efforts are expected to lead to positive developments in 2024.

The government has achieved more results than anticipated thus far, and it is important to maintain the commitment made by the government.

The country’s progress in terms of transparency, combating corruption, and addressing fraud has gained international attention. The parliamentary week, which begins today, is expected to enhance confidence in Sri Lanka’s economy, administrative structure, and financial system. The Budget Office Bill and an Anti-Corruption Bill will be debated and passed in parliament, contributing to the country’s progress.

Passing these bills is crucial to boost the strength of the country’s financial market and attract investments. It may also lead to a change in rating agencies’ opinions about Sri Lanka. The first review with the IMF in September will showcase the progress made and the current program being implemented. Alternative measures have already been taken to address the slight decrease in income levels. Overall, the economic process is being successfully implemented in the country, though it may take some more time for the people to feel its effects.

As a government, we are committed to advancing this program. Any opposition or attempts to destabilize the political and social stability established can have consequences worse than those experienced during the weak economy of the previous year. Despite short-term challenges, we need everyone’s support to steer the country onto a new path, ensuring a clear future and preventing similar crises from occurring again.

Two groups exist in the country: one that capitalizes on the people’s suffering during the economic crisis to advance their political goals, and another that genuinely supports the government’s efforts to overcome the crisis. Some individuals attempt to spread misinformation and false news. As a government, we strive to provide accurate information based on correct data and statistics to enable people to make informed decisions.

Source: PMD

President Ranil Wickremesinghe today (June 16) called for the expedition of the repair work on the stretch of road between Orugudawatta and Ambatale, also known as the Low-Level Road, and complete it within three months.

He gave necessary directives to respective departments during a progress review discussion at the Presidential Secretariat this morning.

The Head of State has emphasized the need for a thorough examination of the issues causing delays in the project and urged the authorities to promptly address these problems, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

Implemented by the Road Development Authority (RDA) with foreign aid, the entire stretch of road spans over 7.7km. As of May 2023, the physical progress of the first phase of construction was at 85%, while the second phase stood at 80%.

The project, which commenced in January 2016, was originally scheduled for completion in 2020. However, due to challenges faced by the contractor company, issues related to compensating residents for relocation, complications arising from water pipes along the road, and various other general problems, the project experienced significant delays, the PMD explained.

Thus, the President decided to engage in an extensive discussion regarding the inability to meet the stipulated deadline.

Attending the discussion were Ministers Bandula Gunawardena, Jeevan Thondaman, and Member of Parliament S.M. Marikkar, as well as President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, President’s Senior Adviser on Economic Affairs Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Highways Priyantha Mayadunna, Secretary of the Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development R.M.W.S. Samaradivakara, heads of relevant line agencies, and representatives from the contracting company involved in the project.

The All-Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association has reduced the price of a 450g loaf of bread and other bakery products by Rs. 10 each.

The price reduction comes into effect at midnight today (June 20).

An extraordinary gazette was issued informing the closure of liquidation of the Department of Telecommunication and Internal Trade Department.

The gazette was issued by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies.