News

President’s and former President Ranil’s allocations same – MP Kabir

Published

1 month ago

December 6, 2024

editor

Kegalle District SJB MP Kabir Hashim yesterday accused the Government citing that the budget of Presidents Ranil Wickremesinghe and Anura Kumara Dissanayake are the same.

Hashim said the Interim Vote on Account presented yesterday allocated the same amount to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for the first four months of 2025 as was allocated to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe for the first four months of 2024.

Hashim stated this while speaking during the debate on the Government’s interim budget.

NPP MP Lakmali Hemachandra responding to the allegation made by MP Kabir Hashim said in Parliament that the US$ 1,300 million given to the Presidential Secretariat by the World Food Programme is included in the President’s expenditure head, and when all of that is added up, it has been equal to former President’s Ranil Wickremesinghe’s expenditure head.

She said that the budget for President’s personal staff has been reduced by 64 percent this time.

MP Kabir Hashim said that the NPP continued to accuse the former President of having too many privileges.

But there is no visible difference in the interim budget presented by the NPP Government.

In 2024, Rs. 1.4 trillion has been allocated for former Presidents under the Presidential Expenditure Head from January to April. In 2025, the same amount of Rs.1.4 trillion has been allocated to the present President from this interim budget from January to April.

There is no difference in that amount. So what is the difference?” asked MP Hashim.

(DailyNews)

(This story, originally published by DailyNews has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

SJB appoints committee for talks on working together with UNP

Published

2 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

The Working Committee of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has approved a proposal for discussions to work together with the United National Party (UNP).

Accordingly, a five-member committee, headed by SJB General Secretary – Ranjith Madduma Bandara, has been appointed for the discussions.

News

China pledges to back sovereignty, territorial integrity & independence of SL (Video)

Published

2 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, stated that China is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

This statement was made during a meeting between President Anura Kumar Disanayake and Zhao Leji, which took place earlier today (Jan. 16) as part of President Disanayake’s four-day official visit to China.

During the meeting, Chairman Zhao warmly welcomed President Disanayake, further emphasizing that working with Sri Lanka in a continuous and cooperative manner is a key expectation of the Chinese National People’s Congress.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism – Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation – Bimal Rathnayake, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Qi Zhenhong and Sri Lankan Ambassador to China – Majintha Jayesinghe, were also present at the event.

(President’s Media Division)

BIZ

SL President holds talks with globally renowned Chinese companies (Pics)

Published

3 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

During his four-day state visit to China, President Anura Kumara Disanayake held a series of strategic discussions with several globally acclaimed leading Chinese corporations following his participation in an investment forum organized by both public and private sector entities in China.

Among the prominent companies involved in these discussions were the China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC), China Petrochemical Corporation (SINOPEC Group), Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd (MCC), Huawei and BYD Auto.

President Disanayake highlighted the investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka and assured these corporations that the government is committed to providing all necessary facilities and support to investors to foster a business-friendly environment.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath and Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake also participated in these significant engagements.

(President’s Media Division)