News

SL signs key debt restructuring agreements with Japan

Published

4 months ago

March 7, 2025

editor

The signing ceremony of the Exchange of Notes between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of Japan and the Amendment Agreements between Sri Lanka and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the debt restructuring process was held at the Ministry of Finance premises this afternoon (March 07).

The Exchange of Notes was signed by Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development Mahinda Siriwardana on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka and Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka Akio Isomata on behalf of the Government of Japan.

A further bilateral Amendment Agreement was signed by Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka and Tetsuya Yamada, Chief Representative on behalf of JICA.

Issuing a statement following the ceremony, Sri Lanka’s Department of External Resources said that the signing of the bilateral Amendment Agreement with the JICA and the Exchange of Notes with the Government of Japan in relation to the External Debt Restructuring Process, is a significant milestone of the External Debt Restructuring Process and testament to Sri Lanka’s commitment to conclude the restructuring process as soon as possible to restore debt sustainability and thereby revamp Sri Lanka’s economy.

“The Government of Japan has played a pivotal role in spearheading Sri Lanka’s External Debt Restructuring Process, co-chairing the Official Creditor Committee alongside France and India. Its leadership, commitment, and constructive engagement have been instrumental in helping Sri Lanka navigate the challenges of economic recovery. This spirit of cooperation has enabled the Government of Sri Lanka to make meaningful progress toward restoring debt sustainability”, the statement added.

Furthermore, the External Resources Department noted that the conclusion of the Exchange of Notes and signing of the Amendment Agreement will certainly pave the way to developing further the deep and long standing bilateral relationships between the Government of Japan and the Government of Sri Lanka.

News

CoI on Deshabandu concludes examining evidence by both parties

Published

5 hours ago

July 2, 2025

editor

The examination of evidence by both the Respondent and the Prosecution before the Committee of Inquiry concluded.

The Committee recommends that both parties submit their written submissions to the Committee of Inquiry before 3:30 p.m. on the 8th of July.

Examining evidence before the Committee of Inquiry to inquire and report its findings on IGP T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon in respect of acts of gross abuse of power, concluded yesterday (July 01), with the presentation of evidence by both the Respondent, representing Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon and the Prosecution.

The Committee of Inquiry, chaired by Supreme Court Judge P.P. Surasena and comprising Justice W.M.N.P. Iddawala and E.W.M. Lalith Ekanayake, Chairman, National Police Commission, convened today, during which, testimonies were obtained from two additional witnesses by the Prosecution.

These two witnesses had been overseas on official duty. Thus, in accordance with the prior agreement between the two parties, reached to obtain the evidence post June 26, held before the Committee of Inquiry with the participation of Additional Solicitor General (President’s Counsel) Dileepa Peiris and

Deputy Solicitor General Rajitha Perera, representing the Attorney General’s Department, and R.S. Weerawickrama Attorney-at-Law, appearing on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, it was decided to record the statements of these two witnesses today.Furthermore, both the Prosecution in representation of the Attorney General’s Department and the Respondent Inspector General of Police agreed to submit their respective written submissions to the Committee of Inquiry before 3:30 p.m. on July 08, 2025.

News

Govt to present 2026 Appropriation Bill in October

Published

7 hours ago

July 2, 2025

editor

Cabinet approval has been granted to a proposal presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Finance , Planning and Economic Development to present the Appropriation Bill for the year 2026 to Parliament in October 2025.

Approval has also been granted to present the Budget speech in November 2025 and to hold the third reading and budget debate during November and December.