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NMSJ calls for proper use of IMF funds
Former Speaker and the National Movement of Social Justice (NMSJ) Chairperson Karu Jayasuriya, yesterday stressed the critical importance of effectively utilising the third tranche of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout package.
Jayasuriya has, in a media statement, said steps must be taken to ensure proper use of the funds. The IMF released the third tranche of $ 336 million from its $ 2.9 billion bailout package.
Full text of the statement: “We believe that the release of the third tranche by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is crucial for Sri Lanka’s restructuring programme and is in the nation’s best interest. It is our national responsibility to allocate and manage these funds towards the country’s development. Given the current economic challenges and the significant sacrifices made by the people, it is imperative that every penny received is used responsibly and effectively.
“Our foremost concern is the urgent need to combat waste and corruption, consistently highlighted by the IMF.
“Additionally, rehabilitating neglected ancient tanks, totaling approximately 15,000, for modern agricultural use is essential. This initiative can be supported by international funds, friendly nations, the private sector, and the military, promising transformative outcomes.
“Another major task is to immediately accelerate the export sector. In the 1990s, a significant programme under the theme “Export or Perish” was launched, including the highly successful international trade fair “Expo 92,” which attracted 5,600 foreign buyers. The concept of Export Villages was successfully implemented, resulting in high incomes for people in selected villages. Given the current situation, we can establish special export villages by leveraging the support of the supermarket chains that are currently operating successfully.
“The Export Development Board (EDB) should be given the necessary resources and powers to strengthen its capabilities. With advanced communication technology, Sri Lanka can be promoted as a country with rapidly increasing exports, even without the need for traditional exhibitions.
“At the same time, it is crucial to support the development of small and medium-scale entrepreneurs (SMEs). This can be achieved by providing subsidized interest rates and basic infrastructure facilities. We should take inspiration from the former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who created new opportunities for India’s youth through the development of the IT/BPO sector. This concept can be easily popularized in Sri Lanka, offering similar benefits.
“The National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) urges immediate action on these fronts, expecting responsible leadership to address these pressing issues.”
A driver attached to the Kandy Four Gravets and Gangawata Korale Divisional Secretariat has been arrested for allegedly selling donated drinking water that was intended for distribution to residents displaced by the recent disaster in the Kandy District.
The suspect, identified as H.P.G.K. Lal Hapukumbura, was produced before the Kandy Chief Magistrate, who ordered that he be remanded until 09 December.
He was brought before court by Police Sergeant Jayathilaka, under the supervision of Chief Inspector Rasika Sampath Pathirana, HQI of the Kandy Police, and on the instructions of Chief Inspector Rohana Karunarathna, OIC of the Minor Complaints Division.
By Shantha Kelum Samaranayake
Switzerland has delivered a consignment of essential WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) relief equipment and personnel to support Sri Lanka’s disaster response efforts following recent extreme weather conditions, President’s Media Division (PMD) said in a release,
The cargo, which arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport on Saturday (06), was officially handed over by a visiting Swiss WASH Mission delegation led by Mr Martin Bölsterli, Team Leader of the WASH Mission, and Ms Yvonne Josy Müller, Senior Coordinator of the Mission.
The consignment includes water purifiers, designed to ensure safe drinking water in disaster-affected communities, along with the deployment of WASH technical personnel to support implementation on the ground.
Officials said the Swiss assistance will help strengthen access to clean water in areas where supply systems have been damaged and will support humanitarian agencies working to restore essential services.
The arrival of the Swiss WASH Mission forms part of continued international support being extended to Sri Lanka as the country works to stabilise conditions in communities affected by the disaster.
The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has approved the Strategic Development Project (Amendment) Bill along with six Gazette Extraordinary notifications, following a meeting held in Parliament last week, chaired by SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva.
After extensive deliberations, the Committee gave the green light to the Strategic Development Project (Amendment) Bill, marking a key step in advancing ongoing development initiatives.
In addition, approval was granted for regulations issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969 (Extraordinary Gazette No. 2459/46) and the Value Added Tax Act, No. 14 of 2002 (Extraordinary Gazette No. 2461/43).
The Committee also approved Resolutions under the Revenue Protection Act, No. 19 of 1962, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2457/06 and No. 2461/40, as well as an Order under Section 3 of the Ports and Airports Development Levy Act, No. 18 of 2011 (Extraordinary Gazette No. 2461/44). Approval was additionally granted for an Order under Sections 2 and 3 of the Special Commodity Tax Act, No. 48 of 2007 (Extraordinary Gazette No. 2457/05).
The meeting saw participation from Deputy Ministers Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Nishantha Jayaweera, and MP Ravi Karunanayake, among others, as the Committee advanced its review of key financial and regulatory measures.
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