The World Bank noted that the Sri Lankan economy will continue to face significant challenges in 2023 and beyond.
The baseline scenario projects the economy to contract by 4.3 percent in 2023 – following the contraction of 7.8 percent in 2022 – as demand continues to be subdued, job and income losses intensify, and supply side constraints adversely affect production.
The World Bank also said that the restructuring of external as well as certain domestic debt will be needed to restore debt sustainability.
It added that a strong and credible structural reform program is critical to avoid a prolonged crisis and address the root causes of the current economic difficulties.
The World Bank said that firm resolve of political leadership and Sri Lankan citizens will be required to overcome the crisis through several structural reforms.
It added that meaningful outcomes of debt restructuring, and the collective support of international partners will also be needed to maintain the reform momentum and chart the course for a speedy and robust economic recovery.
It noted that better-targeted social assistance, a recovery in more productive sectors, and an increase in the real value of incomes will be needed to reduce poverty.
The World Bank said that Sri Lanka can use this crisis as an opportunity to build a strong and resilient economy.
It said the crisis provides a unique opportunity to implement deep and permanent structural reforms that may be difficult in normal circumstances.
The World Bank said that higher income groups, in particular, will need to take more of the burden to protect the poor and vulnerable, as Sri Lanka embarks on this journey towards a stronger and more resilient economy.
Subhashini Indika Kumari Liyanage has been appointed as the new Commissioner General of Examinations, effective immediately.
She succeeds H.J.M.C.A. Jayasundara, whose term ended on May 06, 2025.
Liyanage, a Special Grade Officer of the Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service, previously served as an Examinations Commissioner in the Department of Examinations.
Her appointment was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.
Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne announced to Parliament today (May 08) the members nominated by the Committee of Selection to serve on 06 Sectoral Oversight Committees.
Accordingly, the members appointed to the 06 Sectoral Oversight Committees are as follows. Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations
Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi
Mrs.Sagarika Athauda, Attorney at Law
Mrs.Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney at Law
Kanthasamy Prabu
Wijesiri Basnayake
Thilina Samarakoon
Ms. Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney at Law
Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development
Manjula Suraweera Arachchi
K. Ilankumaran
Ravindra Bandara
Danushka Ranganath
Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana
Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha
Mrs. Geetha Herath, Attorney at Law
Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Manpower and Human Capital
Aboobucker Athambawa
Ms. Krishnan Kalaichelvi
Mrs. Nilusha Lakmali Gamage
Sugath Wasantha de Silva
Sujeewa Dissanayake
Sanjeewa Ranasingha
Sunil Rajapaksha
Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Media and Women’s Empowerment
Muneer Mulaffer
Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe
Mrs. Samanmali Gunasingha
Prof. Sena Nanayakkara
Dr. S. Sri Bavanandarajah
Jagath Manuwarna
Ruwan Mapalagama
Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability
Roshan Akmeemana
Upul Kithsiri
Mrs.M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani
Susantha Kumara Nawarathna
Sudath Balagalla
Kitnan Selvaraj
Bhagya Sri Herath, Attorney at Law
Sectoral Oversight Committee on Science, Technology and Digital Transformation
Chathuranga Abeysinghe
Arkam Ilyas
Lasith Bhashana Gamage
Thanura Dissanayake
Mrs. Hasara Liyanage, Attorney at Law
Dr. Janaka Senarathna
Chandima Hettiaratchi
The Speaker also announced that the Committee of Selection had also nominated Members of Parliament Wasantha Samarasinghe, Sundaralingam Pradeep, Aboobucker Athambawa to serve on the Committee on Parliamentary Business.
In addition, the Speaker further announced to Parliament that the Committee of Selection had also nominated Members of Parliament Aboobucker Athambawa, Arkam Ilyas, Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran to serve on the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) and Member of Parliament Sunil Rathnasiri to serve on the Committee on Public Accounts. (COPA).
Samantha Ranasinghe has been sworn in as a Member of Parliament for Kalutara District before the Speaker of House – Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.
He is to fill the Parliamentary seat that fell vacant due to the demise of National People’s Power (NPP) Kegalle District MP Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera last month.
Ranasinghe, who served as the NPP organizer of the Rambukkana electorate during the 2024 parliamentary election, was next on the NPP list based on the preference votes obtained.