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CoPF commends decision to redraft Micro-Finance Bill

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The Committee on Public Finance (CoPF), chaired by Dr. Harsha de Silva, played a key role in advancing inclusive policymaking for the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill.

Following extensive consultations with a diverse range of stakeholders, including community-based organizations, transparency advocates, think tanks, and fintech companies, the CoPF’s engagement yielded a significant development.

The Ministry of Finance initially presented the Bill. However, after careful consideration of stakeholder feedback received during the CoPF meeting and recordings reviewed, the Ministry recognized that the Bill, in its current form, did not effectively address their original objectives.  Fears existed that the Bill might inadvertently stifle microfinance activities in Sri Lanka.

This decision by the Ministry of Finance to withdraw the Bill for redrafting reflects a commitment to transparent and inclusive policymaking.  By actively engaging various stakeholders, the CoPF identified potential issues and fostered a collaborative environment for achieving a positive outcome.

This episode also highlights the vital role Parliament plays within a democratic system. The CoPF, through its diligent work, demonstrates how legislative oversight can ensure proposed policies are well-rounded and serve the best interests of the public.

The Ministry of Finance has expressed its commitment to redrafting the Bill in consultation with stakeholders, ensuring that it fosters a healthy environment for both microfinance and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

State Ministers Dr. Suren Raghavan, and Members of Parliament Rauff Hakeem, Nimal Lanza, Mayantha Dissanayake, Chandima Weerakkody, Duminda Dissanayake, Dr. Major Pradeep Undugoda, Madhura Withanage were present at the Committee meeting held.

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Pillayan had prior knowledge of Easter attacks – Minister (Video)

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Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala says that investigations have revealed that Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias “Pilleyan”, had prior knowledge of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

Making a special statement in Parliament today (July 09), the minister pointed out that Pilleyan was in custody at the Batticaloa Prison when the attacks took place, and that strong evidence exists that he had prior knowledge of the attacks.

(Video : Voicetube)

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Student held under PTA for nine months to be produced in court

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The case of a 21-year-old student detained for nearly nine months under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) will be taken up in court today (July 9).

Mohamed Rifai Mohamed Suhail, an aviation student from Mawanella, was arrested in October 2024 after posting a video on Instagram showing the Israeli flag being trampled, BBC Sinhala reported.

He was initially taken into custody by Dehiwala Police near the Israeli consular office for failing to carry his national identity card and later released when the document was produced in court.

However, Suhail was re-arrested and remanded under the PTA in connection with the Instagram video, despite the court previously releasing him without bail. His lawyer alleges that no formal charges have been filed and no evidence has been presented by police to support the detention.

The prolonged incarceration has drawn criticism from rights groups, legal experts, and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, which has been formally notified. Meanwhile, Suhail’s family has lodged a complaint, calling for his immediate release.

(dailymirror.lk)

(This story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Injured Wanindu ruled out of Bangladesh T20I series

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Sri Lanka’s T20I captain Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh after suffering a hamstring injury to his right leg.

The injury occurred while he was batting during the third and final ODI of the recently concluded series.

Following a medical evaluation, Hasaranga will return to Colombo to undergo rehabilitation at Sri Lanka Cricket’s High Performance Centre.

Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed that no replacement will be added to the T20I squad in his absence.

(dailynews.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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