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Debt restructuring agreement: Japan expects GoSL to implement equal and equitable debt treatment
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The final agreement reached with Sri Lanka in respect of debt restructuring is a significant milestone Japanese Ambassador in Colombo Mizukoshi Hideaki said.The Japanese embassy said that with the aim of resolving Sri Lanka’s debt issues, Japan established and led the OCC (Official Creditor Committee0 as a coordination framework, including non-Paris Club creditors, for the first time in debt restructuring for middle-income countries.
The embassy stressed that Japan expects Sri Lanka to implement equal and equitable debt treatment in a transparent manner with other creditor countries and private creditors
The Japanese embassy statement: “The agreement on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines the details of Sri Lanka’s debt treatment between the OCC and the Sri Lankan government was reached. As a co-chair of the OCC, Japan highly welcomes this milestone agreement.
Ambassador Hideaki called upon Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, PC, on Thursday (27) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ambassador congratulated on this milestone agreement and promised continued support to Sri Lanka’s recovery from the economic crisis. Foreign Minister Sabry expressed his profound gratitude for Japan’s excellent leadership in the debt restructuring process, including its pivotal role in creating the OCC. Foreign Minister Sabry also added that the support extended by the Government of Japan and its people significantly contributed to promoting the debt restructuring process.
Furthermore, Japan commends the Sri Lankan authorities for their ongoing efforts in implementing the comprehensive economic and social reforms essential to guide the country back to a sustainable path. Japan reaffirms its continuous and unwavering commitment to supporting Sri Lanka.”
Eksath Janaraja Peramuna (EJP) yesterday complained to the Election Commission (EC) regarding President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent threat that the government would release funds only to local government bodies to be won by a clean party at the May 06 LG polls.
The EJP, led by former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, complained that President Dissanayake has claimed during a public rally at Weligama that the NPP was the only clean party.
The EJP is contesting 37 LG bodies at the forthcoming election.
The new party said that the rights of the other contesting political parties and groups had been violated by the President.
The EJP asked the EC to ensure a level playing field
Having handed over their complaint, EJP spokesman Theekshana Gammanpila told the media outside the EC office that Anura Kumara Dissanayake had won last year’s presidential election and then the parliamentary election as the then government ensured a free and fair election. But now President Dissanayake was making a despicable attempt to influence the electorate in the run-up to the vital mini polls. Gammanpila alleged that the President’s intervention could have a far reaching impact on the electorate.
The EJP spokesman emphasised the responsibility on the part of the EC to intervene and take tangible measures to prevent President Dissanayake from manipulating the electorate to their advantage. (SF)
Former North Central Province Chief Minister S. M. Ranjith and his private secretary Shanthi, who is his brother, former Minister S.M. Chandrasena’s wife, were yesterday (02) sentenced to 16 years rigorous imprisonment after being found guilty of corruption charges. They were also ordered to pay a fine of Rs. 200,000 each.
The judgment was delivered by Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendi.
They were convicted on charges filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.
S.M. Ranjith was found guilty of enabling Shanti to secure an additional fuel allowance between Sept 2012 and Dec 2014 to the tune of Rs 2.68 mn.
The Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka hosted a concert of Japanese traditional music by the Honganji Temple & Foundation Japanese Orchestra featuring the performers of NYSC on 28th March in honour of the visit of Most. Ven. Ohtani Chohjun Nayaka Hamuduruwo, the 25th Head Priest of Higashi Hongan-ji Grand Temple.
The event featured a Japanese tea ceremony and breathtaking musical performances by the Honganji Temple & Foundation Japanese Orchestra, showcasing traditional Japanese instruments such as the Koto and Shamisen. The evening was further enriched by violin and vibrant dance performances by students from the National Youth Council (NYSC) and Lanka Nippon Biztech Institute (LNBTI).
This cultural celebration further strengthened the deep ties between Japan and Sri Lanka, offering a unique experience of Japanese tradition and heritage.
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