News

Harsha discloses 16 IMF recommendations imposed on SL

Published

2 years ago

October 5, 2023

editor

SJB MP Harsha de Silva said the contents of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Governance Diagnostic Assessment report has laid out a rigorous 16-point plan for Sri Lanka’s revival.

Speaking in yesterday’s Parliament session, the MP said that even if the second tranche is given to Sri Lanka, these recommendations will have to be implemented in order to carry forward the IMF programme.

He said that these recommendations will direct Sri Lanka on the right path. “This was the reason why I kept emphasizing from the beginning that we should go to the IMF,” he said.

The 16 IMF recommendations as disclosed by MP Dr. de Silva are as follows:

Establishing an Advisory Committee by November 2023 to nominate commissioners for the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Publishing asset declarations for senior officials by July 2024, an act that brings much-needed transparency, with only 12 out of 225 MPs having disclosed their assets.

Enacting Proceeds of Crime legislation by April 2024 to align with international standards, combating money laundering and illicit financial activities.

Amending the National Audit Act to hold officials accountable for the use of public resources.

Finalizing and implementing regulations for beneficial ownership information and creating a public registry by April 2024.

Enacting a Public Procurement Law by December 2024, addressing the alarming procurement and corruption issues.

Publishing reports on increasing competitive tendered procurement contracts, targeting agencies with low levels of competition.

Requiring the publication of all public procurement contracts above LK 1 billion and other critical financial information on a designated website.

Implementing the State-Owned Enterprise Reform Policy to ensure ethical management.

Abolishing or suspending the Strategic Development Projects Office Act until a transparent process for evaluating proposals is established.

Amending tax legislation to prevent unilateral tax changes without parliamentary approval.

Implementing short-term anti-corruption measures within revenue departments to enhance oversight and sanctions.

Exploring options for new management arrangements for the Employee Provident Fund to avoid conflicts of interest.

Revising legislation, regulations, and processes for stronger oversight in the banking sector.

Establishing an online digital land registry and ensuring progress in registering/titling-state land.

Expanding the resources and skills available to the Judicial Services Commission to strengthen justice.

News

Fairly heavy rains expected today

Published

2 hours ago

April 19, 2025

editor

The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Sabaragamuwa, Central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Hambantota districts during the afternoon or night today (April 19).

The department noted that fairly heavy falls of above 50 mm are likely at some places in these areas.

Showers may occur in Western province and in Galle, Matara and Puttalam districts in the morning.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the morning.

News

Massive turnout of devotees for ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’

Published

2 hours ago

April 19, 2025

editor

The ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’, the special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, which commenced yesterday (April 18), continues today (April 19) for its second day.

Accordingly, devotees have been given the opportunity to pay their respects to the Sacred Tooth Relic today from 12 noon to 5:30 p.m.

Media reports indicate that nearly 100,000 devotees had worshipped the Sacred Tooth Relic yesterday (April 18).

Many devotees stayed in long queues overnight, lighting oil lamps and can be seen waiting to pay their homage today.

Kandy Municipal Commissioner Indika Kumari Abeysinghe stated that due to the unexpectedly large turnout on the first day, several pre-planned arrangements had to be adjusted.

In addition to the facilities provided by the Kandy Municipal Council for the devotees who come to worship the Sacred Tooth Relic, temples and mosques in the area have also been opened for the devotees, she further stated.

Meanwhile, as of early this morning, one of the queues of devotees waiting to pay homage had reportedly extended more than 8 km – from near Kandy’s Red Bridge area (Rathu Bokkuwa) to the Ketawala area along the Thalathuoya road.

Local residents had treated the devotees who had waited in queues all night with tea and water and had also provided accommodation to some devotees at their homes.

News

Earth slips block Beragala-Wellawaya road

Published

3 hours ago

April 19, 2025

editor

Traffic on the Beragala–Wellawaya road has been disrupted due to earth slips near the Viharagala area (184 km post), the Disaster Management Centre reported.

The Badulla District Deputy Director has alerted relevant authorities to clear the debris and restore normal traffic flow.

Motorists are advised to use the Ella–Wellawaya road as an alternative route until the road is cleared. Authorities are working to resolve the issue promptly.

Stay tuned for further updates.