News

Sri Lanka must stick with IMF programme in ‘good times and bad’ – Ranil

Published

1 month ago

December 20, 2024

editor

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe says that criticism pertaining to the country’s economy should be made within the framework of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement.

Issuing a special statement yesterday (Dec. 19), he emphasized that it is necessary to move forward and protect the IMF agreement and that neither the government nor the opposition has the ability to exit that agreement.

“If we do so, economic problems will arise in this country again,” he warned.

The former President said that Sri Lanka is preparing to issue new international bond coupons before December 20 and that all related activities are now completed.

“All we have to do now is issue a declaration that we have come out of bankruptcy. After that, the banks will also take the necessary relief measures.”

Wickremesinghe said that at the same time, relief must be provided to the people. “We have talked about this before. Every possible relief should be provided urgently.”

The former Head of State added that presently the income tax payment threshold has been increased from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 150,000.

“That is the number we can do. I also discussed with the IMF to take it to the limit of Rs. 200,000. They did not agree to it,” he said.

“We should act accordingly and provide more relief after the economy becomes stronger.”

Wickremesinghe said the government should remain in this program and that there is no way out of this. “We must stick with it in good times as well as in bad times.”

“I tell the opposition that there is no point in criticizing for no reason. I accept that the opposition is there to criticize. That is not a problem. Normally, an opposition is not going to praise a government.”

“But I would like to remind you that such criticism should be made within the framework of the IMF agreement,” he added.

(Excerpts : adaderana.lk)

News

Bird deaths in Beira : NARA to submit report

Published

5 minutes ago

January 25, 2025

editor

The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) has initiated an investigation over the recent spate of bird deaths at Colombo’s Beira Lake and a report is to be submitted within 03 days.

Over the last few days, over 30 carcasses of ducks and geese have been found dead in the vicinity of the lake and residents claim that the deaths were reported after chemicals were added to the lake to reduce its odor.

Meanwhile, Colombo Municipal Council’s (CMC) Chief Veterinary Officer, Mohamed Ijas has confirmed that bird flu has been ruled out but had been unable to verify claims about chemicals being the cause.

News

Awareness programme on e-NIC held

Published

7 minutes ago

January 25, 2025

editor

An awareness programme to introduce the process and discuss issues related to the Electronic National Identity Card (e-NIC) was held yesterday (Jan. 24) at the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), Colombo. The event was conducted under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne.

The session aimed to address key challenges and operational aspects of the e-NIC project, providing a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and identify solutions. The Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy and the Chairman of ICTA Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, along with ICTA Director, Sanjaya Karunasena, also participated in the programme, contributing valuable insights to the discussion.

This initiative marks a significant step in streamlining the implementation of e-NICs and ensuring a smooth rollout for citizens, aligning with the President’s vision for a digitally empowered economy.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Air Vice Marshal Vasu to lead SLAF

Published

4 hours ago

January 25, 2025

editor

Air Vice Marshal Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe is set to become the next Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), succeeding Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, who will retire on January 29.

Currently serving as the SLAF’s Director General of Planning, Edirisinghe brings extensive experience to the role. A native of Kandy and an alumnus of St. Sylvester’s College, he joined the SLAF as an Officer Cadet in 1991 and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in 1993.

Initially trained on the SF 260 Warrior, he transitioned to rotary-wing aircraft due to a shortage of helicopter pilots. After completing training on Bell 206/212/412 helicopters, he was operationally cleared for flying duties and served in utility operations in the North and East of the country.

Edirisinghe will take over as the 20th Commander of the SLAF.Air Vice Marshal Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe is set to become the next Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), succeeding Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, who will retire on January 29.

Edirisinghe will take over as the 20th Commander of the SLAF.