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SJB to renegotiate with IMF immediately after Premadasa’s victory – Eran

Published

1 year ago

2024/09/18

Sahan Weerasooriya

Eran

… pledges public sector reforms and SoE overhaul

The SJB will initiate renegotiations with the IMF immediately after Sajith Premadasa assumes the presidency, said SJB Parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne, while addressing a gathering of bankers on Monday (16) evening.

Wickramaratne stated that the SJB would not wait until the conclusion of the general election to begin ensuring macroeconomic stability, which he described as a key responsibility of any government. He emphasised the importance of professionals taking up roles in governance and administration, noting that he and Karu Jayasuriya were among the few professionals from the corporate sector to enter politics.

“Unlike in other countries, Sri Lankan politicians typically do not come from a professional background. Many seek power but lack work experience, having never held a paid job or run their own business. How can a country thrive if such individuals are elected?” Wickramaratne asked.

Drawing a comparison to India, he referenced the former Indian Finance Minister, Manmohan Singh, who was brought into politics from his role as a civil servant in New York. Singh’s decision to float the exchange rate sparked accusations from the Opposition that he was seeking to gain personally from his foreign currency savings. In response, Singh publicly declared his assets, including his foreign currency account, and donated all income from these accounts to a government fund. This, Wickramaratne highlighted, built immense confidence in Singh and his policies—something Sri Lanka needs from its public servants and professionals to advance the country.

Wickramaratne further addressed the misperception that politicians are solely responsible for corruption, pointing out that, over the past few years, Local Government Institutions have operated without political leadership, yet corruption remains entrenched. “Can anyone get their building plans approved without bribing the relevant officials? Can they secure a permit to fell a coconut tree from a divisional secretary’s office or obtain a police clearance report without paying something?” he questioned, noting that public frustration with the civil service has reached a boiling point. He suggested that institutional corruption is deeply ingrained within the public sector, and without significant reforms, another public uprising (Aragalaya) could occur.

Wickramaratne stressed that the SJB intends to implement structural changes within the public service to ensure its independence.

Regarding State-Owned Enterprise (SoE) reforms, he stated that under the new SJB government, private sector involvement or public-private partnerships (PPP) would be introduced to major SoEs, while others would be shut down as part of their reform strategy aimed at rationalising public expenditure.

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Advisory for Severe Lightning issued to the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts

Published

3 hours ago

2026/02/19

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 12.00 noon 19 February 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 19 February 2026

The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur at some places in in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

ACTION REQUIRED:

The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
 Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
 Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
 Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
 Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
 Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
 For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.

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Navy and Coast Guard seize 04 Indian fishing vessels poaching in Sri Lankan waters

Published

3 hours ago

2026/02/19

Priyan

During operations conducted in the dark hours of 18 Feb 26, the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard seized 04 Indian fishing boats and apprehended 22 Indian fishermen, while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters north of Mannar and off the Delft Island, Jaffna.

Recognizing the detrimental effects of poaching on marine resources and the livelihoods of local fishing communities, the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard continue to conduct regular operations as proactive measures to deter such activities. These efforts underscore the collective robust approach and steadfast commitment to safeguarding the nation’s marine ecosystems while ensuring the economic security and wellbeing of its citizens.

The 02 fishing boats along with the 10 fishermen held in Mannar were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mannar and the remaining 02 fishing boats intercepted off the Delft Island, together with 12 Indian fishermen were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy for onward legal proceedings.

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Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka pays courtesy call on PM

Published

12 hours ago

2026/02/19

Priyan

The Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka Dr. Siri Walt paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on the 17th of February at the Temple Trees.

Welcoming the Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka the Prime Minister briefed the Ambassador on her recent visit to Davos to participate in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting noting that the series of high-level bilateral meetings held on the sidelines of the Forum, along with two important industry visits provided valuable insights for Sri Lanka’s economic engagement.

The discussion focused on Switzerland’s vocational education and training (VET) system, with particular interest in exploring possible cooperation and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

The Prime Minister also conveyed her appreciation for the assistance extended by the Government of Switzerland following Cyclone Ditwah. She emphasized Sri Lanka’s need for enhanced technical assistance during the ongoing rebuilding phase, especially in relation to the reconstruction of bridges and railway infrastructure.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Switzerland, and to expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

First Secretary (Political) of the Embassy of Switzerland in Colombo Ms. Justine Boillat, First Secretary (Migration) of the Embassy of Switzerland in Colombo Ms. Andrea Kienast and the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatt and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Foreign Employment, Tourism.attended the meeting.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]