News
IMF working with a government without a mandate – Handunnetti
By Saman Indrajith
President Ranil Wickremesinghe had told opposition political parties that they would be given an opportunity to meet a high powered International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation last Monday to discuss the IMF programme, but he had not invited representatives of the IMF to the discussion, National People’s Power (NPP) stalwart and former MP, Sunil Handunnetti told journalists in Colombo on Thursday (14) after attending a meeting with the IMF.
The two sides met yesterday at a hotel in Colombo.NPP representatives had inquired from the IMF officials the current state of Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring, Handunnetti told journalists.
IMF had no idea. They said they have to ask the government,” he said.
“We also told them that they work with the Ranil Wickremesinghe administration that does not have a popular mandate.
“Such a government cannot solve the economic crisis,” he said.
Handunetti added that the government had appointed Rohitha Abeygunawardena as the head of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE). This committee plays an important role in maintaining the parliament’s hold on public finances.
“What is the message that the government gave by appointing Abeygunawardena? We told IMF representatives that by appointing Abeygunawardena the government has shown its blatant disregard to any conventions or decorum. We also told the IMF that Sri Lanka needs elections so that people could elect a government that they think can dig the country out of the economic hole,” Handunnetti said.
Four persons including a Budhist monk died and 32 others were injured when two SLTB buses collided head on at Weerawila at arond 12 noon today (18).
Three of the deceased were women. 22 of the injured were admitted to the Hambanthota Hospital while 10 others have been admitted to the Debarawewa hospital.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) ship OONAMI which arrived at the port of Colombo on a goodwill and replenishment visit on 09 Mar 26 departed on 11 March.
The departing ship was given a formal farewell from the Sri Lanka Navy, in keeping with naval traditions at the Port of Colombo.
The 150.5m long JMSDF OONAMI is commanded by Commander IIO Hiromasa.
During the stay in the island, crew members of the ship explored some tourist attractions in Colombo. The itinerary also included a coastal clean-up drive participated by naval personnel of both countries and engagements with the Sri Lanka Navy, designed to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation.
The Central Cultural Fund established under the provisions of the Central Cultural Fund Act No. 57 of 1980 is responsible for development of cultural and religious monuments in Sri Lanka, settling the expenditure borne for development, renovation and conservation of local and foreign cultural monuments, awarding financial donations for artisans as well as awarding those who served the nation in the fields of culture and religious sectors.
The said act has been passed in Parliament 45 years back and, the requirement to revise the provisions of the act according to the contemporary requirements haa been recognized.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted their policy
approval to amend the said act, considering the resolution furnished by the Minister of Buddhasashana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.
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Four dead 32 injured in head on collision at Weerawila
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Cabinet nod to amend Central Cultural Fund Act No. 57 of 1980
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