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FSP: Ranil’s new finance bill based on IMF formula, detrimental to country

Published

2 years ago

2024/05/24

Pubudu Jagoda

Frontline Socialist Party aka Peratugaami pakshaya has alleged that the so-called Economic Transformation Bill will benefit only the corrupt at all levels.

FSP spokesman Pubudu Jagoda claimed that four parties, namely the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government that had no mandate from the people, influential and politically connected business community and the neo liberalists masquerading as educated and academics were involved in the operation to enact this law.

The former JVPer said so addressing the media from FSP office at Melder Place, Nugegoda on Wednesday (22) afternoon.

Jagoda said that the proposed law was entirely based on IMF thinking. “They wanted to blame the economic fallout on the budget deficit, thereby hiding the decades’ long balance of payments crisis. That is the real reason,” Jagoda said.

The FSPer alleged that the current dispensation, through the proposed law, aimed to create an environment of impunity for powers that be to go ahead with their sordid operations. Referring to specific sections in the bill that had been submitted to parliament on Wednesday, Jagoda said, adding that the relevant minister could take unilateral decisions with regard to necessary approvals unless anticipated responses weren’t received during the stipulated period.

The existing labour, environments and other laws could come redundant overnight if President Ranil Wickremesinghe enacted the Economic Transformation Bill.

Jagoda claimed that in terms of this law the government could go ahead with projects regardless of consequences for national security as well as public health etc.

On the other hand, Wickremesinghe’s unrealistic dreams, too, had been included in this bill, he said.

Referring to a recent statement issued by SLPP Chairman and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Jagoda said that while backing Wickremesinghe in parliament, he, too, had admitted that the current dispensation lacked mandate to take far reaching decisions in respect of privatisation and restructuring.

Declaring that the existing 15 export processing zones were run profitably, Jagoda alleged that Wickremesinghe’s controversial law would pave the way for those near and dear to him and his acolytes to take over these zones. Jagoda disclosed that 90 percent of land of 12 zones had been already assigned to investors. However, the new law would facilitate the establishment of a top-heavy set-up that could be used to accommodate current rulers’ friends and associates (SF)

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Related Topics:“Economic Transformation Bill”Frontline Socialist Party IMF Peratugaami pakshaya Pubudu Jagoda

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

17 hours ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 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, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

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 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

Latest News

Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 makes port call in Colombo

Published

22 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 15 Apr 2026 and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The vessel’s arrival is a key highlight of the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) – 2026 programme , accompanying a diverse contingent of Navy cadets from 26 different nations alongside their Indonesian counterparts.

The ship is commanded by Commander SUGENG HARIYANTO. Meanwhile, Officer Under-trainees of the Sri Lanka Navy are expected to participate in various programmes aboard the
ship and naval personnel observe its operational functions during its stay in the island.

Furthermore, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two navies, as well as visit several tourist attractions in the country.

News

PM initiates children into learning at the auspicious time while observing New Year traditional customs and rituals

Published

22 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival, organized by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, was held on Tuesday (14) in Gampaha under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, with the performance of traditional auspicious customs and rituals.

In accordance with tradition, during the Punya Kalaya (inauspicious time), the Prime Minister visited the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Viharaya in Gampaha and participated in religious observances and received blessings from Venerable Thunmodara Samitha Thero, a member of the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Dharmaduta Piriven Viharaya.

The traditional observances of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival were held at the residence of Darshana Weerasinghe in Gampaha. Marking the auspicious time for commencing work, and upon the invitation of the host family, the Prime Minister planted a sapling within the premises. Concurrently, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, joined the PM.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister joined children in engaging in traditional folk games.

At the auspicious time for engaging work and educational activities, the PM participated with children in reading and writing, guiding them and symbolically marking the commitment to advancing the educational development of the nation’s children.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests observed the traditional customs of exchanging greetings, transactions and gifts with the host family, and joined them to partake in the customary New Year meal.

Extending New Year greetings to all citizens, the Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to all Sri Lankans, both at home and abroad, for their contributions in overcoming and effectively managing the various challenges faced by the country.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival symbolizes renewal and purity, and reflects the energy of the sun. He also conveyed his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and Minister of Labour, Dr. Anil Jayantha; Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe; Member of Parliament for the Gampaha District, Ruwan Mapalagama; along with the Gampaha District Secretary, Mayor, Divisional Secretaries, and a large number of government officials.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)