Connect with us

News

NPP meets with IMF in Colombo, Raises concerns over debt agreements

Published

on

A delegation from the Jathika Jana Balavegaya (JJB) met with the IMF Mission in Sri Lanka at the Shangri-La in Colombo.

Former MP Sunil Handunnetti speaking to reporters following the meeting, said that the IMF mission had requested a meeting with the Economic Council of the Jathika Jana Balavegaya.

Handunnetti said that they raised concerns over the fact that a government with no mandate is attempting to address the issues in the country, adding that in order to alleviate the people from these issues, it was paramount to elect a government with a mandate.

He also went on to note that the IMF mission was not in possession of any documents to discuss the present status of the country’s debt restructuring program. 

According to JJB member Sunil Handunnetti, the IMF mission in the country was not invited for the meeting convened by the President to discuss the IMF program with opposition groups.

Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, representing the Economic Council of the Jathika Jana Balavegaya,emphasized the importance of transparency and governance in Sri Lanka, echoing sentiments regarding the need for corruption-free leadership capable of delivering tangible outcomes. 

The discussion primarily focused on the progress of governance and reform frameworks recommended by the IMF team. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding recent governmental actions, notably the appointment of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Chairman, which sparked scrutiny.

One significant topic of discussion was the status of International Sovereign Bond (ISB) outstandings and bonds. It was noted that while no concrete agreement had been reached, discussions remained ongoing. Both parties expressed a desire to see progress on these matters without allowing them to unduly influence pending elections.

Dr. Suriyapperuma also highlighted discrepancies in recent discussions between the government and the IMF, where the IMF had not been formally invited despite the talks being portrayed as IMF-led. 

Source – newsfirst.lk

News

Court to hear petitions against Indo-Lanka MoUs

Published

on

By

Two Fundamental Rights petitions filed seeking an order to invalidate the Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) recently signed between Sri Lanka and India were fixed for June 12 by the Supreme Court yesterday (June 05).

The FR petitions were filed by a group of petitioners including President of the Patriotic National Movement Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara and Treasurer of Vinivida Foundation – Sunil Jayasundara.

When the case was taken up by a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Achala Wengappuli and Menaka Wijesundera, Senior Counsel Kanishka Witharana sought the earliest possible date to support the application, citing its urgency and national significance.

The Attorney General, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and members of the Cabinet have been named as respondents.

The petitioners claim the MoUs violate the constitution and international law, alleging it was signed without Parliament’s approval, with particulars kept from the public, undermining national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In addition to seeking an interim injunction preventing the MoUs from being executed after ruling that their fundamental rights have been violated, the petitioners also sought  Rs.02 million in compensation from the respondents.

Several MoUs between India and Sri Lanka, including defence cooperation, were exchanged on April 05 at the Presidential Secretariat in the presence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Continue Reading

News

Several spells of showers expected today

Published

on

By

The Meteorology Department says several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts today (June 06).

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva and Eastern provinces and in Vavuniya and Mullaittivu districts during the afternoon or night.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40 kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Southern province.

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

Continue Reading

News

Top defence officials of India – SL meet in Colombo (Pics)

Published

on

By

Indian Defence Secretary Mr. Rajesh Kumar Singh, leading a high-level delegation, held separate meetings today (Jun 05) with Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara and Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd). 

The meetings were also attended by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, reflecting the importance accorded to strengthening bilateral defence relations.

Discussions focused on key areas of mutual interest, including, bilateral defence cooperation, military exchanges and joint training opportunities, capacity building, collaboration in disaster management and humanitarian assistance.

During the meeting the Deputy Minister of Defence, recalled the close and long-standing friendship between neighbouring India and Sri Lanka, and expressed gratitude to the people and government of India for the support they have extended in the past, especially in times of need.

When the Indian delegation met the Sri Lankan Defence Secretary at the Ministry of Defence premises, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha (Retd.) expressed gratitude to the Government of India for the continued cooperation in strengthening Sri Lanka’s defence capabilities.

In response, his Indian counterpart reiterated India’s commitment to maintaining close and friendly relationship with Sri Lanka and expressed firm resolve to further enhance defence and security cooperation, contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

Both sides agreed to continue regular high-level engagements and to explore new avenues for cooperation, particularly in maritime security, counter-terrorism, and capacity development.

(defence.lk)

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Sri Lanka Mirror. All Rights Reserved