SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva yesterday said that he would remain in politics until he got an opportunity to lead what he described as the Centre-right camp.

Alleging that there were some interested parties trying to push him out of the Centre-right camp, the one-time UNPer, in a statement issued yesterday (13), vowed to remain in the SJB, regardless of such attempts.

MP de Silva represents a blend of conservative and liberal policies, advocating a market-based economy with limited government intervention, personal freedom, fiscal conservatism, and moderate social reforms.

Declaring that the ruling NPP had failed, he said that attempts were being made to cause trouble in the SJB. Assuring that he would campaign against the government, MP de Silva said that he wouldn’t hesitate to commend whatever good things done by the government. (SF)

Governor of the Central Bank (CB), Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, yesterday refrained from giving any indication on the future direction of interest rates while addressing a public seminar held at the CB, keeping markets and businesses guessing ahead of the next monetary policy review.

Dr. Weerasinghe said the CB was yet to fully assess the prevailing and emerging economic conditions before considering the next course of monetary policy action.

The CB has maintained the Overnight Policy Rate at 7.75% in recent policy reviews amid a gradual recovery in economic activity and improving private sector credit growth. However, inflationary pressures have shown signs of re-emerging in recent months, particularly following the increase in electricity tariffs and higher utility-related costs, raising concerns over the future path of consumer prices.

Policymakers have continued to stress the need to ensure price stability while supporting the country’s fragile economic recovery under the IMF-backed reform programme.

Independent economic analysts expect the CB to maintain its current policy stance at the upcoming review, citing rising domestic cost pressures, lingering global uncertainties and external sector risks.

Analysts say the recent acceleration in inflation could prompt the Central Bank to adopt a more cautious approach before considering any rate cuts later this year.

For further insights into the Central Bank’s clarifications, readers may also refer to The Island Financial Review report on the CBSL’s response to the controversial USD 2.5 million sovereign debt repayment allegedly siphoned off by a cybercriminal.

By Sanath Nanayakkare

Former MP M. A. Sumanthiran, PC, has accused the police of attempting to prevent the enforcement of the law out of fear of the Sinhala Buddhist clergy, alleging that officers were acting under a “Sinhala-Buddhist supremacist mindset” in relation to the controversial Thaiyiddy Tissa Vihara issue in Jaffna, Tamil Guardian reported.

The remarks were made after proceedings at the Mallakam

Magistrate’s Court, in respect of a case filed by the police seeking an order preventing the Valikamam North Pradeshiya Sabha from reclaiming a road belonging to the local council, within the premises of the Thaiyiddy Tissa Vihara.

Sumanthiran appeared before court, on behalf of the Chairman and Secretary of the Valikamam North Pradeshiya Sabha, during the hearing.

Speaking to the media afterwards, Sumanthiran said the police had informed court that reclaiming the road could lead to a breach of peace. The road in question, known as “Bhavani Road”, belongs to the local council but has been blocked off with fencing erected by the temple administration, illegally.

The ex-lawmaker stated that the Pradeshiya Sabha had initiated action, in accordance with the law, to remove the obstruction and restore access to the public road. Sumanthiran added that the police should act against those obstructing the implementation of the law, not against those seeking to enforce it.

Referring to complaints reportedly made by the Chief Incumbent of the Vihara, Sumanthiran questioned who exactly was threatening public peace.

“The Vihara’s chief priest has complained that enforcing the law would create unrest. Who is creating that unrest? It is as if he is saying, ‘I myself will create the disturbance if the law is implemented’,” he remarked.

Sumanthiran further alleged that police officers were attempting to commit legal violations by obstructing those carrying out lawful duties.

“This is a Sinhala-Buddhist supremacist mindset. Because the police officers are Buddhists, they are afraid of Buddhist prelates and are trying to engage in unlawful conduct,” he charged.

He added that legal action would be pursued against those attempting to obstruct the enforcement of the law.