News

Eran calls on govt. to extend SMEs’ debt moratorium

Published

3 years ago

2023/06/9

By Saman Indrajith

SJB Parliamentarian Eran Wickremaratne has called on the government in parliament to extend debt moratoria offered to small and medium Enterprises (SMEs). Wickremaratne said on Wednesday that following the pandemic, the prolonged economic crisis had heaped further burden on SMEs; he warned the failure to provide relief could result in more job losses.

“This cannot be done by the banks alone, the Government should take a policy decision with the involvement of the Central Bank to ensure the implementation of the moratorium extended in the past,” he said.

Wickramaratne said that there was no need for the government to act according to the conditions of the International Monetary Fund always, and an immediate decision must be taken for the good of the country.

The small and medium sector contributes about 50 percent of the gross domestic product and two-thirds of the employment sector, and therefore the Government cannot afford to turn a blind eye on the challenges faced by the sector. He added SMEs currently lack capital and have limited access to finance and required skills amidst regulatory barriers that impede access and knowledge on foreign markets.

“The Government must adopt a firm policy for the betterment of SMEs which contributes to GDP immensely, as many have withdrawn from the production process due to increase in utility costs such as water and electricity charges, petroleum and transportation. This is not their fault, but the Government has failed to offer solutions and relief to them,” Wickramaratne said.

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Related Topics:Eran Eran Wickremaratne SJB SME

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President’s Fund supports renovation of Wijewardane Children’s Home in Panadura

Published

4 hours ago

2025/12/11

Priyan

With the intervention of the President’s Fund, the Wijewardane Children’s Home in Panadura has been completely renovated and was returned for use on Wednesday (10).

Following a request from the Home’s Board of Management, the renovation work was carried out with the technical assistance and labour support of the Sri Lanka Navy. The project included painting of dormitories and other areas, refurbishment of the kitchen and repair of electrical appliances such as non-functional ceiling fans.

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Level III landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended

Published

6 hours ago

2025/12/11

Priyan

The Level III landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale by the landslide early warning center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] have been extended until 1600 hrs on Friday [12th December 2025]

Accordingly,
The LEVEL III RED warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Kundasale, Pasbage Korale, Medadumbara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Pathadumbara, Doluwa, Panvila, Gangawata Korale, Ududumbara, Akurana, Yatinuwara, Harispattuwa, Deltota, Thumpane, Poojapitiya, Udapalatha, Udunuwara, Minipe and Pathahewaheta in the Kandy district, Yatiyanthota in the Kegalle district, Rideegama, Mawathagama and Mallawapitiya in the Kurunegala district, and Yatawatta, Ambanganga Korale, Wilgamuwa, Laggala Pallegama, Rattota, Pallepola, Naula, Matale and Ukuwela in the Matale district have been extended.

LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Hali_Ela, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Kandeketiya, Bandarawela, Soranathota, Ella, Haputhale, Lunugala, Welimada, Haldummulla and Passara in the Badulla district, Warakapola, Kegalle, Mawanella, Rambukkana, Bulathkohupitiya, Dehiowita, Ruwanwella, Aranayaka, Galigamuwa and Deraniyagala in the Kegalle district, Alawwa and Polgahawela in the Kurunegala district, Kothmale East, Thalawakele, Walapane, Kothmale West, Nuwara Eliya, Mathurata, Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Ambagamuwa Korale and Norwood in the Nuwara Eliya district, and Kolonna, Kahawaththa and Godakawela in the Ratnapura district.

LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Divulapitiya, Attanagalla and Mirigama in the Gampaha district, Narammala in the Kurunegala district, and Balangoda, Kalawana, Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Imbulpe, Ayagama, Openayake, Nivithigala, Kaltota, Eheliyagoda, Elapatha, Kiriella and Pelmadulla in the Ratnapura district.

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Sri Lanka grateful for the support extended by the United States and other friendly nations following the recent disaster – President

Published

7 hours ago

2025/12/11

Priyan

During a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat today (11), Ms. Allison Hooker, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, expressed her confidence in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s leadership in steering Sri Lanka’s recovery and rebuilding efforts. She affirmed that the United States stands ready to provide any necessary support to assist Sri Lanka’s recovery.

Ms. Hooker also conveyed her condolences to the families of the victims of the disaster and expressed satisfaction at being able to extend assistance during this challenging period.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake conveyed his appreciation for the assistance provided by the President of the United States and the government in dispatching various relief teams to the country during this challenging period. The President also acknowledged the sincere support offered to Sri Lanka by all friendly nations globally, including the United States.

President Dissanayake highlighted that Sri Lanka encountered this disaster while the nation’s economy was on the path to stabilization and economic indicators were showing improvement. He emphasized the need for future focus on enhancing the livelihoods of those affected and on the long-term development of infrastructure facilities.

The President stated that restoring infrastructure, including highways and railways, as well as key income sources such as agriculture, livestock and small to medium-sized enterprises, which have been devastated by floods and landslides, will require time. He also expressed the expectation of support from all friendly nations in this effort.

The Under Secretary of State emphasized that the United States has drawn its attention to restarting discussions regarding US tariffs. Additionally, she expressed support for enhancing tourism between the United States and Sri Lanka, as well as for the growth of trade and maritime operations between the two nations. Furthermore, she highlighted U.S. support for Sri Lanka’s initiatives to combat drug-related issues.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted that a significant number of American tourists have visited the country recently and that Sri Lanka anticipates a continued increase in such arrivals. He acknowledged the support of the U.S. government in assisting the Sri Lankan people to overcome the ongoing disaster and improve their quality of life.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma and members of the U.S. diplomatic mission, including U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ms. Julie Chang.