A meeting of party leaders, convened by President Anura Kumara Disanayake, was held today (10) at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss the impact of recent US Tariffs on Sri Lanka’s economy and the proposals to discuss this with the US government.

This meeting was convened in response to a request made by several opposition Members of Parliament, who highlighted the importance of engaging in dialogue regarding this issue with the President.

The President briefed the party leaders on the findings of the Committee appointed to conduct an in-depth study on potential issues that may arise due to the new reciprocal tariff system introduced by the US and to submit recommendations to the government.

A thorough discussion was held regarding the main issues highlighted by the Committee and the suggestions presented by opposition parties.

The discussion also addressed possible frameworks for engaging in dialogue with the United States, as well as the necessity for Sri Lanka to diversify its export markets to reduce potential negative impacts.

The proposals discussed in the meeting, along with the Committee’s recommendations, will be compiled and advanced for further deliberation.

The meeting was attended and expressed their views during the meeting by Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, MP Harsha de Silva representing Samagi Jana Balawegaya, MP S. Rasamanickam from Tamil National Alliance, MP Ravi Karunanayake from New Democratic Front, MP D.V. Chanaka from Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, MPs Mano Ganesan and Palani Digambaram from Tamil Progressive Alliance, MP M.L.A.M. Hizbullah from Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, MP Rishad Bathiudeen from All Ceylon Makkal Congress, MP Dilith Jayaweera from Sarvajana Balaya Party, MP Jeevan Thondaman from United National Party, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara from Sri Lanka Freedom Party and MP A. Archuna representing 17 Independent Groups.  Additionally, the meeting was attended by MPs Gayantha Karunathilaka, Kavinda Jayawardena, S.M. Marikkar and Kader Masthan.

(President’s Media Division)

Suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon has been granted bail today (April 10) after being produced before the Matara Magistrate’s Court.

He was granted bail under two sureties of Rs. 01 million each, reports say.

Tennakoon was held in remand custody since he surrendered to the court on March 19.

An arrest warrant was issued against him with regard to a shooting incident near the W15 hotel in the Pelena area of Weligama in December 2023.

The Sri Lankan rupee has declined against the US dollar today (10), with the spot exchange rate surpassing the Rs. 300 mark for the first time since September 27, 2024.

According to the daily exchange rate data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), the buying rate for the US dollar stands at Rs. 294.13, while the selling rate is recorded at Rs. 303.20.

Meanwhile, the spot exchange rate has been registered at Rs. 301.20 today.

The spot rate reflects the weighted average of all spot transactions carried out in the domestic interbank foreign exchange market, including any market interventions conducted by the CBSL through Requests for Quotations (RFQs) on the previous or most recent business day.

(adaderana.lk)

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