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TNA: Budget needs to be consistent with IMF economic reform program and macroeconomic framework

Published

4 years ago

2022/09/4

TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran told Parliament that the Government must rethink its priorities and address the needs of the lower income classes of the country. Sumanthiran pointed out that the Government, despite promises, has not allocated funds to provide the promised subsidy for kerosene but is making essentials necessary for the country’s middle class and upper-middle class readily available.

“The Government is making petrol and super diesel available but there is a shortage of diesel and kerosene. The priority must be the other way around. The needs of those who need the support most must be prioritised,” he said. The TNA MP said he believes the Government has taken this course of action in a bid to silence the protests of the country’s middle and upper-middle class. “The Government is doing this because it thinks by silencing the dissent of the middle and upper-middle class it can get away with blue murder,” he accused. According to the MP, the interim Budget has only further burdened the lower-income classes of the country. “Hoping to supply the Budget deficit through local revenue is not the answer,” he said. Sumanthiran pointed out that many shootings and killings are taking place across the country. “Police are not investigating these crimes and are instead being deployed in the thousands to stifle genuine protests by the people. Around 1000 policemen are deployed to stop a protest march of just 500 people. Earlier tear gas and water cannons were used on protestors and now the Government is using the Prevention of Terrorism Act to repress them as well,” he noted. He also questioned if the President is attempting to appeal to some sections of the country. “The President signed the recent detention orders in Sinhala, whereas he usually signs in English.

Is there a sudden change of personality? Is he trying to appeal to certain sections of society by signing in Sinhala?” he asked. The MP pointed out that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has announced the Staff-Level Agreement with Sri Lanka but based on several conditions. “Even as it was announced the IMF released this statement and I quote – ‘the new Staff-Level Agreement is subject to the approval of IMF management and the Executive Board in the period ahead, contingent on the implementation by the authorities of prior actions including financial assurances from Sri Lanka’s official creditors.’ In other words, this is contingent on something that has not been done yet. We hope the Government sees to this,” he said. But the MP also pointed out that to fulfil these obligations the Budget needs to be consistent with the economic reform program and macro-economic framework underlying by the IMF. Pointing out Japan’s denial of hosting a debt restructuring conference on Sri Lanka contrary to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s claims, Sumanthiran said the people must be told the whole truth. “People are being told what they like to hear,” he said.

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Pakistan High Commissioner pays courtsey call on PM

Published

3 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April

Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.

Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.

The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka pays farewll call on PM

Published

3 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.

Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

3 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.