News

President AKD urges IMF to strike a balance in economic recovery program

Published

3 weeks ago

November 18, 2024

editor

The government of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to advance Sri Lanka’s economic recovery within the context of the mandate.

Senior Mission Chief Peter Breuer and the IMF delegation met with President Dissanayake and key ministers of the newly-formed government at the Presidential Secretariat today (Nov. 18), to discuss the next steps in the IMF program.

The IMF team congratulated the President and his government on their decisive electoral victory, expressing optimism about the collaboration. President Dissanayake, in turn, underscored his administration’s responsibility to uphold the people’s mandate, emphasizing that the success of the IMF program hinges on rebuilding public trust in governance.

Highlighting his government’s commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the people, President Dissanayake urged the IMF to maintain a balanced approach that considers the hardships faced by citizens. He assured that under his leadership, social spending allocations would be utilized effectively, with priority given to combating child poverty and malnutrition and providing better support for differently abled individuals.

The IMF delegation noted that allocations for social spending under the previous administration had not been fully utilized, prompting President Dissanayake to pledge proactive measures to ensure efficient allocation and utilization of resources.

Governance and anti-corruption were also central to the discussions. The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to the fight against corruption, a key component of the mandate granted by the people. He assured the IMF team that his government would implement stringent laws to enhance the legislative and institutional structures to uphold transparency and accountability.

The meeting marked a positive step forward in the collaboration between the government and the IMF, laying the groundwork for a coordinated effort toward economic recovery and long-term stability.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Faiszer Musthapha’s name gazetted as MP

Published

10 hours ago

December 11, 2024

editor

Former Minister Faiszer Musthapha’s name has been gazetted by the Election Commission as a National List MP of the National Democratic Front.

The NDF contested under the symbol of a Gas Cylinder at the recently concluded General Election.

2414-11_E Download

News

CID ordered to develop program to reimburse ‘Onmax DT’ depositors

Published

10 hours ago

December 11, 2024

editor

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has reported to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that a total of 2,017 complaints have been filed by depositors who claim to have been cheated out of their money after investing in ‘Onmax DT,’ a private firm alleged to have been operating a pyramid scheme.

According to the CID, the total estimated financial losses incurred by the complainants amounts to around Rs. 2.96 billion.

During a hearing before Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage today (11), CID officials disclosed that a total of 865 new complaints have been received since the last hearing, and that additional complaints continue to be received.

Nine suspects, including the directors of Onmax DT, appeared before the court for the hearing. The CID further informed the court that three other suspects remain overseas, and open warrants have been issued for their arrest.

Investigations against the suspects are being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the CID revealed that inquiries into two suspects have been completed and the excerpts of the investigations have been referred to the Attorney General.

Additionally, the CID officials informed the court that properties belonging to the suspected directors have been identified in foreign countries, including Australia, and investigations are being carried out in collaboration with the INTERPOL.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage instructed the CID to immediately develop a program to reimburse the depositors who suffered financial losses.

The court ordered the CID to present an update on the progress of the investigation at the next hearing, scheduled for February 5, 2025.

(adaderana.lk)

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

News

New Naval Attaché at Chinese embassy in SL calls on Navy commander (Pics)

Published

10 hours ago

December 11, 2024

editor

The new Naval Attaché at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka, Senior Captain Zheng Zhaoping called on Commander of the Navy – Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera at the Navy Headquarters on Dec.10.

During the ensuing meeting, they exchanged views on several matters of bilateral importance, and the cordial discussion drew to a close with an exchange of mementoes, as a gesture of goodwill and cooperation.

Director General Health Services, Rear Admiral Janaka Marambe, Director General Operations, Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage, Director Naval Operations, Commodore Aruna Weerasinghe and Defence Attaché at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka, Senior Colonel Zhou Bo were present on this occasion.