News
Govt. unable to purchase paddy for want of funds
Rohini asks why squander money on more ministers if basic needs cannot be met
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) yesterday (11) lambasted the government for failing to purchase paddy purportedly for want of funds.SJB lawmaker Rohini Kaviratne said that the SLPP-led President Ranil Wickremesinghe government should be ashamed of its failure especially against the backdrop of appointment of 37 State Ministers at the expense of taxpayers.The Matale District MP was responding to Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera’s recent disclosure he couldn’t purchase paddy for want of funds.
SLFPer Amaraweera said that the failure on the part of the Agriculture Ministry to obtain the required funding through two major state banks had jeopardized the planned purchasing of paddy stocks. The Minister said that his efforts to accelerate the process hadn’t been so far successful and the issue at hand would be taken up at a meeting, scheduled to be chaired by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who also holds the finance portfolio.
The Island
sought an explanation from State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya regarding Minister Amaraweera’s complaint. The SLFPer promised to inquire into the issue at hand tomorrow. The newly appointed State Minister assured that he would be able to explain the status as regards the matter involving the state banks today (12).
Dudley Sirisena, one of the major paddy millers who had been critical of successive governments as well as the private sector over the paddy purchasing schemes declined to comment on Minister Amaraweera’s allegations.Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena couldn’t be contacted over the phone for his comments on Minister Amaraweera’s complaint as regards the inordinate delay on the part of the state banks to release the required funding.
Private television stations over the past few days reported farmers being turned away at purchasing centers for want of funds.Lawmaker Kaviratne said that the government was begging countries for free rice while the local produce was not purchased. Alleging that the government failure would allow the private sector to further exploit the farmers, MP Kaviratne said, urging the Wickremesinghe administration to prioritize which needed immediate attention.
The public had been demanding a system change and seemed to have initially believed Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s ouster would automatically result in far reaching changes. “But, the SLPP as expected got a gang of State Ministers appointed. In terms of the constitution, the SLPP and President Wickremesinghe can appoint 12 more ministers and three more State Ministers,” MP Kaviratne said.
MP Kaviratne said that the country was in such a precarious situation that appointment of 30 Cabinet and 40 non-Cabinet ministers, close on the heels of staff-level agreement with the IMF on USD 2.9 bn loan facility, seemed a crime. Obviously, the government was blind to the developing crisis, MP Kaviratne said, pointing out the SLPP’s efforts to consolidate its position, both in and outside Parliament, in the wake of breaking up of the 145-member parliamentary group.
Responding to another query, MP Kaviratne said that the government was continuing a major crackdown on those who had been involved in the Gotagogama protest campaign as part of its overall strategy to suppress the Opposition. The government’s failure to purchase paddy should be examined against the backdrop of its failure to compensate for those who suffered serious crop losses for want of fertiliser and agro chemicals.
MP Kaviratne said that the Rajapaksa government paid USD 6.7 mn for a ship load of rejected Chinese carbonic fertiliser. In spite of corruption allegations pertaining to the Chinese deal, as well as liquid fertiliser from India, the government conveniently failed to investigate, MP Kaviratne said, adding that the people would soon launch street protests against the incumbent government.
News
Prime Minister of Sri Lanka holds a bilateral meeting with Minister for Education and Skills Development of Bhutan
On the sidelines of the inaugural Global Conscious Food Systems Summit 2026, being held in Bhutan from 31 August to 4 September 2026, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, in her capacity as Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, held a productive bilateral meeting with Yeezang De Thapa, Minister for Education and Skills Development of Bhutan, on 03 September 2026.
The discussions focused on further strengthening and expanding Sri Lanka-Bhutan cooperation in the education sector, with particular emphasis on developing mutually beneficial initiatives through enhanced Government-to-Government engagement.
Both sides underscored the importance of deepening institutional cooperation and exploring new avenues for collaboration in education, higher education and vocational training, with a view to creating greater opportunities for students, educators and academic institutions of both countries.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to initiate discussions towards the finalization and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the fields of education and vocational training. It was also agreed that the implementation of the MoU could be facilitated through the establishment of a Joint Working Group, headed at the Secretary level, with meetings to be convened annually to review progress, identify new areas of cooperation, and facilitate the effective implementation of agreed activities.
The major areas of cooperation discussed included enhancing collaboration among universities and academic institutions, promoting academic and faculty exchanges, joint research and university programmes, strengthening training and capacity-building opportunities for educators and teachers, and sharing expertise and best practices in the education and vocational training sectors.
The two sides also discussed strengthening child protection and safeguarding mechanisms, promoting ethical values among students, and addressing violence against children while ensuring their safety, protection, well-being and access to quality education.
Opportunities for Bhutanese students to pursue undergraduate studies at universities in Sri Lanka were also discussed, with particular emphasis on Dentistry, Medicine (MBBS), and allied health disciplines such as Physiotherapy. The discussions further covered opportunities for postgraduate studies in medical and health sciences at Sri Lankan universities, as well as enhanced collaboration among universities and other academic institutions of the two countries.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for Sri Lanka and Bhutan to advance cooperation in education and vocational training and explore new avenues for long-term collaboration for the mutual benefit of students, educators and academic institutions of both countries.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya had an audience with His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at the Tashichhodzong in Thimphu on September 02, during her official visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan.
The cordial discussion focused on Bhutan’s future development priorities and opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.
His Majesty expressed Bhutan’s interest in drawing on Sri Lanka’s experiences and expertise in areas relevant to its development plans. The discussion also focused on promoting investment between the two countries, including the possibility of establishing an investment zone in Bhutan.
The two sides also exchanged views on demographic challenges facing Bhutan, including the increasing migration of young people and its impact on the country’s population and future workforce.
The meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation and sharing experiences and best practices in support of the sustainable development of both countries.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
Namal Rajapaksa had been summoned by CIABOC to provide a statement in connection with investigations into the controversial Airbus deal. He was subsequently arrested by CIABOC after recording his statement for over 5 hours.
Prime Minister of Sri Lanka holds a bilateral meeting with Minister for Education and Skills Development of Bhutan
Prime Minister Meets His Majesty the King of Bhutan
Kusal Mendis, Binura Fernando ruled out of T20I series in England
SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa arrested by CIABOC
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