The People’s United Opposition yesterday (01) alleged that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had turned a blind eye to serious corruption allegations against the NPP government and was going ahead with the USD 2.9 bn loan in terms of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme, finalised in 2023.

Addressing the regular weekly media briefing at the Flower Road Office of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, former Ministers Prof. G. L. Peiris and Patali Champika Ranawaka questioned the failure on the part of the IMF to act in spite of the NPP government engaging in open corrupt practices, contrary to the terms and conditions of the agreement/understanding with the lending agency.

The media was told that the IMF couldn’t absolve itself of the responsibility for the actions of the government, especially because Sri Lanka, experiencing severe economic difficulties, was receiving loans from IMF at over 8%. Ex-parliamentarian Ranawaka pointed out that what Sri Lanka received from the IMF was not JAICA-type soft loans and the country was further burdened.

Prof. Peiris and Ranawaka alleged that the IMF appeared to have chosen not to take up the serious and growing accusations, particularly over coal and fuel scams that caused massive losses. They claimed the government had taken decisions at the expense of the country but for the benefit of certain businessmen close to them.

Both Prof. Peiris and Ranawaka explained the circumstances under which certain persons and companies received privileged status to import very costly vehicles and even helicopters and aircraft as the government

wasted precious foreign reserves for the benefit of friends. Ranawaka named two companies that benefited from government actions while alleging that those engaged in lucrative coal and fuel business made a killing.

They pointed out that the IMF released the latest USD 695 mn amidst stepped up serious allegations against the government. (SF)

SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa has defended former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa following questions over his continued stay in the United States, despite facing scrutiny over several legal and corruption-related matters in Sri Lanka.

Speaking to the media, Namal Rajapaksa rejected claims that Basil Rajapaksa was absconding, stating that he did not believe any member of the Rajapaksa family is evading legal proceedings.

“People in the government speak to my uncle more often than I do. Whether he is remaining abroad, based on their advice, I do not know. You will have to ask them and my uncle. However, he continues to be represented within the judicial process,” Namal Rajapaksa said.

He noted that Basil Rajapaksa was represented before Sri Lankan courts through his lawyers and that the relevant legal processes were continuing.

Responding to criticism that members of the Rajapaksa family were avoiding court proceedings by remaining overseas, Namal Rajapaksa said legal representation was taking place through the proper channels and that the judicial process was being followed.

He also questioned the Government’s priorities, claiming that greater attention was being placed on investigations involving Rajapaksa family members, while several issues, affecting the public, remained unresolved.

Namal Rajapaksa pointed to challenges faced by farmers, including rising fertiliser costs and difficulties in selling produce, as well as concerns in the tea sector, factory closures, job losses and the resignation of public officials.

He alleged that the Government was attempting to gain political advantage by focusing on some investigations rather than addressing economic and governance issues facing the country.

An 18-year-old Sri Lankan girl, identified as Yancy, was killed and her 17-year-old friend suffered serious injuries after a car rammed their motorcycle, following a clash involving two groups at a bar in a hotel, near Koyambedu, in Chennai, late on Saturday, The Indian Express reported.

Based on CCTV footage and other evidence, the police launched a search operation and detained four persons and have arrested three of them so far. The police have also seized the car, allegedly used in the fatal hit-and-run crash. The bar, where the initial altercation took place, was sealed on Sunday, police said.

According to the CMBT police, the three arrested men were identified as Balaguru (21) of Arumbakkam, Joshua (19) of Choolaimedu and Kishore Kumar (19) of Nerkundram. The three are college students, police said.

“As per the CCTV footage, the car involved in the incident had a DMK flag displayed on it. However, our investigation so far has found no direct link between the arrested persons and the party,” a senior police officer said.

The police have identified the deceased as Yancy, who was a resident of a Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camp, near Anichankuppam, in the Villupuram district. She had recently cleared her Class 12 examinations and was preparing to join college. She had come to Chennai, on May 19, to meet friends.

According to the police, the incident stemmed from a dispute between two groups, inside the bar of a star hotel near Koyambedu, around 11 pm, on Saturday. The argument, reportedly over dancing, escalated into a physical altercation before bouncers intervened and escorted both groups out of the premises. The groups allegedly resumed their quarrel near a shop outside the hotel before being separated once again.

The police said Yancy and her friends later left the area on two motorcycles, heading towards Thirumangalam. Members of the rival group allegedly followed them in a car. During the chase, persons accompanying Yancy allegedly hurled stones at the car, triggering a fresh confrontation.

“The occupants of the car then allegedly drove into the motorcycle on which Yancy and her friend were travelling, causing them to fall onto the road,” the police officer said.

Due to the impact, Yancy suffered severe head injuries and died on the spot, while the 17-year-old girl was admitted to the Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital with multiple injuries. She is currently undergoing treatment and is said to be critical, the police said, adding that there were more than two persons on the bike.