SJB Working Committee member and ex-SLPP lawmaker Charitha Herath says that all eyes are on the newly constituted Constitutional Council (CC) as to how it will handle the dispute between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and the previous CC, over the appointment of Auditor General (AG).

The former parliamentarian said so in response to The Island query yesterday (25). In terms of the Constitution, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa last week agreed on the appointment of former civil servant Austin Fernando, Professor Wasantha Seneviratne and Ranjith Ariyaratne as non-MP members of the CC.

They replaced former Ministry Secretary Dr. Prathap Ramanujam, former Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Medical Association Dr. Dilkushi Anula Wijesundere and Dr. Dinesha Samararatne of the University of Colombo. Pointing out that they rejected the President’s nominees for the AG’s post on several occasions, Herath emphasised the pivotal importance of the appointment of a person with impeccable credentials.

The other CC members are the Prime Minister, Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremaratne (Chairman), the Opposition Leader, the President’s nominee Bimal Rathnayake and five persons appointed by the President, upon being nominated as follows: one MP nominated by agreement of the majority of the MPs representing the Government (Aboobucker Athambawa, MP), one MP nominated by agreement of the majority of the Members of Parliament of the political party, or independent group, to which the Leader of the Opposition belongs (Ajith P. Perera, MP), and one MP nominated by agreement of the Members of Parliament other than those representing the Government and those belonging to the political party or independent group to which the Leader of the Opposition belongs, and appointed by the President ( Sivagnanam Shritharan, MP.)

The present CC was established on October 31, 2022 in terms of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution. The Attorney General heads the National Audit Office (NAO). One-time COPE Chief said that it would be the responsibility of the government to ensure the integrity of the NAO.

Chulantha Wickramaratne, who served as AG for a period of six years, retired in April 2025. Following his retirement, President Dissanayake nominated H.T.P. Chandana, an audit officer at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation as the AG. The CC rejected that nomination. Subsequently, President Dissanayake appointed the next senior-most official at the NAO Dharmapala Gammanpila as Acting Auditor General for a period of six months. Then, the President nominated Senior Deputy Auditor General L.S.I. Jayarathne to serve in an acting capacity, but her nomination, too, was also rejected. Many an eyebrow was raised when the President nominated O.R. Rajasinghe, the Internal Audit Director of the Sri Lanka Army for the top post. That nomination too was rejected. As a result, the vital position remains vacant since 07 December, 2025.

Herath said that the government was in a bind over the Auditor General’s appointment and the disgraceful campaign launched against Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, Jr, PC.

The ex-lawmaker said that JVP/NPP loyalists masquerading as journalists and civil activists had launched the protest against the Attorney General. Herath said that the decision to send Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne, on compulsory leave, too, was a matter of serious concern.

Herath said: “This is the same government that campaigned strongly on non-interference, institutional independence, and respect for the rule of law—principles they used to criticise every previous administration. Now, they appear to be doing exactly what they once opposed, only more openly. If this pattern continues, these undemocratic actions will eventually lead to their own downfall.”

BASL in late December, 2025 urged President Dissanayake and others, including the Opposition Leader, to consult civil society and professional bodies, including them, before the appointment of civil society representatives.

Herath said that the newly constituted CC would face its first acid test when it addressed the Auditor General issue.

by Shamindra Ferdinando

A Catholic Church–backed organisation, Just for Justice, has called on the government to immediately fast-track the extradition of Pulasthini Mahendran, also known as Sarah Jasmine, who has been linked to the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

Addressing a press conference at the Centre for Society and Religion in Maradana last week, Fr. Rohan Silva said Mahendran should be brought back to Sri Lanka without delay to enable investigators to uncover the identities of those who masterminded the attacks, which claimed the lives of more than 275 people and injured more than 500.

Mahendran, who now reportedly goes by the name Sarah Jasmine, is the wife of Atchchi Muhammadu Muhammadu Hastun, one of the suicide bombers who attacked St. Sebastian’s Church, in Katuwapitiya, in April 2019.

Fr. Silva referred to a recent statement made by Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala, in Parliament, that information uncovered during investigations indicated that Mahendran was not dead. The Minister also told Parliament that there was no indication she was currently in India, but added that the government could secure her extradition if the need arose.

“We tell the Minister and the government that there is an urgent need,” Fr. Silva said. “She must be brought back so that investigators can obtain details about the masterminds of the attacks.”

According to Fr. Silva, repeated efforts had been made to obstruct investigations by promoting the claim that Mahendran died in a suicide blast at a safe house in Sainthamaruthu on April 26, 2019, days after the Easter attacks, despite what he described as evidence suggesting otherwise.

Initial reports stated that 16 people were killed in the Sainthamaruthu explosion. However, the figure was later revised to 17 when police reported the incident to court on April 30, 2019, and informed the media that Mahendran was among the dead.

 “It is our belief that those who masterminded and orchestrated the terror attacks wanted to remove Jasmine to prevent evidence being extracted from her,” Fr. Silva said. He added that there had long been suspicions that she was alive and had been taken to India or another country.

Fr. Silva questioned the government’s commitment to uncovering the truth, noting that despite the Minister’s statement in Parliament, no steps had been taken to bring Mahendran back.

“We have doubts whether this delay is due to conflicts of interest among investigators or those who direct them,” he said. “This government came to power promising impartial and expedited investigations into the Easter attacks and justice for the victims. Now, 81 weeks have passed, and we demand that the government deliver on those promises.”

by Norman Palihawadane

Reinforcing its longstanding commitment to Sri Lanka’s private sector, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, yesterday announced a high-impact investment programme of $166 million to support Sri Lankan businesses and accelerate the country’s transition from economic stabilisation to sustainable growth.

This comprehensive country-level financing package aims to expand financial access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a focus on empowering women-owned businesses and the agri-business sector. By targeting these key areas of Sri Lanka’s economy, the financing seeks to drive inclusive growth and unlock job opportunities for underserved groups.

This investment has been made strategically in three of Sri Lanka’s leading commercial private banks – Nations Trust Bank (NTB), Commercial Bank of Ceylon (CBC), and National Development Bank (NDB) – comprising a $50 million loan, $80 million in Risk-Sharing Facilities (RSFs), and $36 million in trade finance support.

While SMEs account for over 75 percent of all Sri Lankan businesses and 45 percent of jobs, access to credit remains a significant barrier to their expansion. Aligned with both the World Bank Group and key national priorities, this partnership aims to deliver targeted solutions for SMEs, helping businesses overcome challenges and supporting the country’s long-term economic resilience.

“SMEs are the undisputed backbone of Sri Lanka’s economy, and their growth is essential for creating jobs. During periods of crisis, IFC plays a critical counter-cyclical role by stepping in when private capital pulls back – and this investment in Sri Lanka’s financial sector reflects that commitment. By helping banks channel capital to women-led businesses, smallholder farmers, and the sectors driving recovery, we are enabling Sri Lanka not just to rebound, but also to grow forward with greater resilience and inclusivity,” said Allen Forlemu, IFC Regional Industry Director, Financial Institutions Group, Asia and the Pacific.

“As part of our One World Bank Group approach, IFC is dedicated to unlocking new inclusive financing streams and ensuring that prosperity reaches the front lines of Sri Lanka’s economy. Strengthening the country’s financial ecosystem means equipping banks with the capacity, tools, and confidence to extend finance where it is most needed – from expanding trade finance capabilities to modernising digital transaction systems. In partnership with three leading banks, NTB, CBC and NDB, our investments aim to build a foundation that empowers SMEs and communities to plan ahead, withstand future shocks, and participate fully in the opportunities that a competitive, inclusive economy can deliver,” said Imad Fakhoury, IFC Regional Division Director for South Asia.

IFC’s financing of $50 million to NTB, marks the first IFC-funded debt investment in Sri Lanka’s financial sector following the 2022 economic crisis. Of the total financing, $7.5 million or 15 percent is earmarked for on-lending to women-owned SMEs, enabling greater access to credit for women entrepreneurs.

Further, IFC has partnered with CBC and NDB to establish up to $80 million in RSFs. Under the facilities, which consist of $60 million for CBC and $20 million for NDB, IFC will share 50 percent of the principal losses incurred by the banks on a portfolio of eligible SME loans. This strategic intervention will help accelerate the banks’ strong commitment to expanding lending to SMEs, including to women-owned SMEs and agri-businesses. These facilities are supported by the IDA Private Sector Window Blended Finance Facility, through the Small Loan Guarantee Programme (SLGP), a programmatic approach to de-risking and scaling up financing for SMEs in eligible countries, including Sri Lanka.

IFC’s Global Trade Finance Programme (GTFP) will provide a $36 million trade finance facility guarantee to NTB and NDB, strengthening their trade finance capabilities. The trade finance lines consist of up to $20 million for NTB and $16 million for NDB and aim to enhance the banks’ ability to provide underserved sectors with access to global markets and supply chains.

Beyond financing, IFC will also deliver technical expertise to modernise NDB’s digital transaction banking and supply chain finance systems, directly expanding credit access for underserved SMEs. The upcoming advisory support also includes a comprehensive upgrade of NDB’s climate risk management framework, integrating climate considerations into the bank’s strategy and operations.

“As Sri Lanka rebuilds following multiple shocks – including the recent devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah – IFC’s collaboration with leading financial institutions is instrumental in addressing urgent needs while laying the foundation for long-term competitiveness. These investments send a strong signal of confidence to the market,” said Gevorg Sargsyan, Country Manager for the World Bank Group in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. “The World Bank Group is committed to working across sectors and with partners to ensure our support has real impact when Sri Lanka needs it most. Our unwavering focus is on promoting sustainable and inclusive growth, so that every community has the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the country’s progress.”

These investments build on IFC’s 55-year history in Sri Lanka. IFC remains a long-term partner and shareholder in the country’s leading financial institutions, holding an equity interest in CBC and maintaining decades-long relationships with NDB and NTB.

Recently, IFC also helped strengthen Sri Lanka’s financial infrastructure by launching a Secured Transactions Registry (STR), enabling greater credit access for SMEs.