In a scathing critique of the government’s financial priorities, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Leader of the Jathika Jana Balavegaya, today lambasted President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s spending habits and called for stricter financial discipline.
Dissanayake zeroed in on two specific allocations: Rs. 1.3 billion for Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) restructuring and Rs. 200 million for the President’s overseas travel, fuel, vehicle maintenance, and arrears.
He questioned the logic of allocating hefty sums for SLT privatization while the nation grapples with economic hardship. Regarding the President’s expenses, he asserted that “the President should be the first person to comply with financial discipline” and condemned the additional funds allocated after an already inflated budget for travel and vehicles.
Dissanayake further scrutinized the President’s frequent overseas travels, highlighting 14 trips in 14 months, including four UK visits, two Japan trips, and an upcoming “longest tour” of nearly two weeks. He contrasted this with previous presidents and questioned the necessity of attending summits where other world leaders were absent.
Dissanayake also drew attention to the irony of the President’s travel expenses while basic necessities like rice, milk powder, diesel, and medical supplies are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT).
He then turned his focus to the Rajapaksa family, questioning the continued use of state residences by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his son, Namal Rajapaksa, and other Rajapaksa family members.
The Leader of the Jathika Jana Balavegaya also cast doubt on the purpose of a recent nighttime vessel tour undertaken by the Former President, questioning his ability to participate meaningfully given his health limitations.
The body of one of the two fishermen who went missing after a multi-day fishing vessel capsized in the seas off the coast of Paravi Wella in Tangalle, has been recovered.
The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) confirmed that the fisherman’s body was recovered during search operations, which were conducted with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).
The fishing vessel, named “Maxim Putha 1,” was carrying six fishermen when the accident occurred while returning to shore after poaching.
A total of six fishermen were onboard the vessel when it capsized off the coast of Paravi Wella Beach in Tangalle, four of whom were rescued with the help of a dinghy.
Efforts are underway to locate the remaining missing fisherman.
Meanwhile, three other boat accidents were reported yesterday in seas off Galle, Kalutara and Hikkaduwa.
In response to a surge in dengue cases, health authorities will launch a special mosquito control program tomorrow (June 30), covering 16 high-risk districts across the country.
According to the National Dengue Control Unit, the program will be in continue until the 5th of July.
A total of 28,752 dengue cases have been reported islandwide so far this year.
The highest number of cases were recorded from the Western Province.
Sixteen dengue-related deaths have been reported so far this year.
Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi today offered one million rupees from the President’s Fund to ailing veteran singer Ishaq Baig for his treatments.
The Sri Lankan Singers’ Association had launched a campaign “Ishak ta Kotiyak” (Rs. 10 million for Ishak) to raise funds for Ishaq Baig’s treatment and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed to offer Rs. one million from the President’s Fund.
Minister Sunil Senevi visited Baig’s residence today and offered the cheque for one million rupees.
“Ishak ta Kotiyak”
Sri Lankan Singers’ Association President Rohan De Silva said they launched the campaign “Ishak ta Kotiyak” (Rs. 10 million for Ishak) to assist Ishaq Baig for his treatment and other expenses.
“Ishaq requires about Rs. 100,000 for his treatment and medicines monthly. We hope to make an investment with the funds so that Ishak could get at least Rs. 100,000 monthly for his expenses. We have been able to achieve the Rs. 10 million target within five days. However, we will keep the account open till the Esala Poya day while considering the request of well-wishers,” he said.
