News
SJB asks govt. to halt parate executions
By Saman Indrajith
The government should grant relief to small and middle level entrepreneurs by issuing a circular suspending parate executions by the banks, Chief Opposition Whip and Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella told Parliament yesterday.
“If the government is actually concerned about the SMEs affected by the pandemic and the economic crisis, then all that it has to do is to stop parate executions. This could be done by issuing a circular. This has been done in previous times. The last time such a suspension was enacted was in 2021. If the government is actually keen to help the SMES, then it should save the latter in trouble.
“The government says that relief will be granted once the economy is back on track. The people cannot wait until such time. The SMEs need urgent assistance. All you need is the political will to assist them, not mere promises. We need to protect the SMEs. During the first half of this year, the banks have foreclosed on the properties of 400 SMEs and auctioned them. Businesses have collapsed. The government goes around, claiming that it has no money to pay back the loans and seeking additional time. Then, how do you expect only the SMEs to pay back their loans and honour their obligations to the banks. They too have the same problem,” Kiriella said.
Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa said that the government must stop parate executions immediately, taking into consideration the prevailing situation in the country. “Laws should change in accordance with the needs of time. The SMEs are crushed by the high interest rates. In the meantime, the leasing companies have unleashed their thugs to seize vehicles. This is an ugly and illegal practice. The government should stop this,” Premadasa said.
Voting commenced at 7.00am to elect members to 339 local councils in the island.
Voting is being held at 13,579 polling centers and will end at 4.00 p.m.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong warmly welcomed President Anura Kumara Disanayake during an official ceremony held in Hanoi on Monday (05) morning
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome with full military honours upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace of Vietnam. He also took part in the inspection of the Tri-Forces Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The two leaders then introduced members of their respective delegations before proceeding for bilateral discussions during which both nation assessed their progress, explored avenues for future collaboration and signed Memoranda of Understanding.
Vietnam and Sri Lanka have upheld robust and enduring ties since they established diplomatic relations in 1970. and this visit aims to strengthen political trust and foster effective collaboration across multiple sectors between the two nations.
Sri Lanka and Vietnam engage in annual bilateral trade, primarily in exports, totalling around US$200 million. Both nations aspire to elevate this trade to US$1 billion in the near future.
President Dissanayake’s visit highlights Sri Lanka’s deep commitment to its longstanding friendship with Vietnam and demonstrates a mutual resolve to enhance collaboration in traditional sectors while exploring new opportunities in digital transformation, the digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence and connectivity.
[PMD]
Latest News
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology At 3.30 p.m. 05 May 2025, valid for 06 May 2025
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Voting commences to elect members for 339 local government authorities
President holds talks with Vietnamese President
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
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