News
PM presents Vote on Account for next four months
By Saman Indrajith
The government had decided to review all project loans amounting to around Rs. 9 billion, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday, presenting to Parliament the Vote on Account for the next four months of this year.
The PM said that around half of the loan basket comprised foreign loans and the time had come for the government to give priority to investment promotion rather than depending on loans.
The government had to consider the fact that there were many unsettled bills for 2019, the PM said, adding that it would compel the government to curtail its expenses.
He said that Rs 1,900 billion would be allocated for the government expenses from September to December 31, this year. There was a debt ceiling of Rs 1,300 billion, he said.
The PM said that when his government handed over the reins in 2014, the growth rate of the economy had been between five and six per cent. That situation deteriorated gradually and at the end of 2019 it became the lowest growth rate in South Asia at 2 per cent.
Rajapaksa said that all 225 MPs had a responsibility to revive the national economy and requested them to join hands with the President and the government to develop the country.
The debate on Vote on Account continues today.
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
JMSDF ship OONAMI concludes goodwill visit
Cabinet nod to amend Central Cultural Fund Act No. 57 of 1980
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