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Sri Lanka’s economy will grow by 1.3% in 2024, says ADB

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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.

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Japan grants US$ 2.5 mn. to SL to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms

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The Government of Japan has granted USD 2.5 million to Sri Lanka to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms under a 3-year project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-corruption Mechanism.

Japanese ambassador in Sri Lanka – Mr. Akio Isomata and UNDP resident representative in Sri Lanka – Ms. Azusa Kubota, in the presence of Justice Minister – Harshana Nanayakkara, launched ‘The Project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-Corruption Mechanism’

The three year initiative is supported by the Government of Japan and implemented by the UNDP Sri Lanka, working in close collaboration with the (CIABOC) and the Ministry of Justice.

The project aims to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in governance and business practices through effective and institutionalised preventive mechanisms in the public and investment promotion sectors, strengthen institutions to enhance corruption related investigative processes, improve coordination with stakeholders and ensure quality of prosecutions, empower citizens to effectively mobilise against corruption and enhance social accountability.

The project also seeks to engage and empower youth, children and journalists to actively contribute to the fight against corruption and promote a culture of integrity.

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3 ex-DMT officials including ex-commissioner, remanded

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Former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasingha and two other former officials of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The arrests were made as part of an investigation into vehicles that were illegally registered with the Department of Motor Traffic without receiving proper clearance from Sri Lanka Customs, CIABOC said in a statement.

According to CIABOC, former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasinghe has been arrested for granting approval to issue a number plate for a jeep.

Additionally, a former Assistant Director of Information Technology at the department and a clerk have also been taken into custody for facilitating the illegal data entry and executing it.

The suspects were produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court and were ordered to be remanded until July 08.

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Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

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Controller of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, today (July 01) unconditionally pleaded guilty before the Supreme Court in a case related to contempt of court.

The charge stemmed from his failure to comply with a court order related to the e-visa issuance process.

 The Supreme Court announced that sentencing will take place on July 24.

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