News

CB Chief takes swipe at politicos, urges public to be mindful of whom they elect

Published

1 year ago

2023/09/26

Sahan Weerasooriya

Divaina Financial Editor Ganewatte presents a copy of ‘Arthika Ghathanaya’ to Dr. Weerasinghe (Pic by Saman Ranaweera)

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe yesterday (25) questioned the conduct of some MPs who sought to direct public anger at officials over the economic crisis. Alleging that such an attempt had been made last year in the wake of attacks on politicians’ properties, Dr. Weerasinghe said that problems couldn’t be resolved through violence.

Dr. Weerasinghe pointed out that recently some people’s representatives had urged the public to target his and the Treasury Secretary’s residences in case of a fresh crisis.

Dr. Weerasinghe urged the electorate to be cautious in electing their representatives.

Dr. Weerasinghe said so at the launch of Divaina Financial Editor Shyam Nuwan Ganewatte’s ‘Arthika Ghathanaya’ , which deals with the collapse of the national economy, leading to the declaration of the country’s bankruptcy in April last year.

State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank Dr. W. A. Wijewardena were among the invitees at the launch held at the Colombo International book fair.

The CB Governor said that he appreciated Ganewatte’s effort against the backdrop of diverse views pertaining to the role of the Central Bank and the Finance Ministry at the time of the developing crisis. Referring to the declaration of bankruptcy on 12 April last year, Dr. Weerasinghe said that the Finance Ministry and Central Bank were being accused of violating the Constitution. If that was the case, action could be initiated against those who violated the supreme law of the land, Dr. Weerasinghe said, offering his support for such an initiative.

Dr. Weerasinghe said that whatever the issues, they should be settled in court. He said the dismissal of an FR application filed by Ven. Matara Ananda Sagara Thera and health sector trade union activist Ravi Kumudesh in December last year was a positive development. They moved SC against the suspension of the payment of the country’s external debt. The petition was filed against the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the Secretary to the Treasury, the Monetary Board of Sri Lanka, and former Finance Minister Ali Sabry.

Dr. Weerasinghe explained how contentious issues at hand including the new Central Bank law and domestic debt restructuring, were dealt with in terms of the law. Under any circumstances, no one should resort to violence to achieve their objectives, Dr. Weerasinghe said, referring to a spate of incidents during a public protest campaign last year.

The CB Chief said that he was prepared to listen to the views of all.

All News Advertisement

Related Topics:Shyam Nuwan Ganewatta Book Launched

Up Next

No need for intl. investigation if crdible domestic probe is conducted: Cardinal

Don't Miss

Sri Lanka stands to benefit from President’s visit to the United States- Ruwan Wijewardene

Sahan Weerasooriya

Click to comment

Latest News

Our government has reaffirmed its commitment to breaking barriers that limit women’s full participation in the economy, recognizing their vital role in national development. – Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Published

3 hours ago

2025/03/15

Priyan

“Women play a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s economic and social development. Yet, despite their immense contribution, structural barriers continue to limit their full participation in the economy. Our government is committed to breaking these barriers by fostering an inclusive economic environment where women can thrive as business leaders, entrepreneurs, and exporters.” Said Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

The Prime Minister made this statement while addressing the launching the She Trades Sri Lanka Hub funded by the UK’s She Trades Commonwealth+ Program held at Galle face Hotel in Colombo on March 14 organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the International Trade Centre (ITC).

While addressing the audience, the Prime minister stated, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to breaking barriers that limit women’s full participation in the economy, recognizing their vital role in national development. Emphasizing gender-inclusive policies, financial inclusion, and access to global markets, authorities are prioritizing support for women-led businesses in key sectors such as ICT, agribusiness, and engineering.

A new initiative will establish 200 women-led cooperatives, fostering supportive environments for female entrepreneurs. Additionally, efforts to strengthen childcare, elderly care, and disability services aim to reduce the burdens that limit women’s economic participation.

A dedicated platform has been launched to provide women entrepreneurs with knowledge, networking, and international trade opportunities. Strengthening public-private partnerships and expanding global market access are key strategies to create an inclusive and sustainable trade ecosystem.

By equipping women with the necessary skills, financial resources, and digital trade access, the government aims to ensure that women entrepreneurs become key drivers of economic growth, aligning with broader policies for inclusive and sustainable development.

The event was attended by Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Center, His Excellency Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Officials from the International Trade Center and the British High Commission in Sri Lanka, Chairman of the Export Development Board Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe and Officials from Export Development Board and International Trade Centre and woman Entrepreneurs.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

Batalanda Commission report tabled … finally

Published

8 hours ago

2025/03/15

Thilina Walpola

by Saman Indrajith

TheBatalanda Presidential Co-mission report was tabled in Parliament yesterday (14) by the Leader of the House and Transport Minister, Bimal Ratnayake.

Minister Ratnayake announced that the government has decided to forward the report to the Attorney General for legal advice. Additionally, a Presidential Committee will be appointed to provide guidance and recommendations on how to proceed with the findings of the report.

Ratnayake said that the Cabinet-of-Ministers, along with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has made a policy decision to take necessary action in response to the report. He reassured the public that steps are being taken to ensure that such a dark chapter in the country’s history is never repeated.

Minister Ratnayake said that a two-day debate on the Batalanda Commission report will be scheduled in Parliament at an appropriate time, allowing for a detailed discussion on the report’s findings and recommendations.

The report, which will be printed in all three official languages—Sinhala, Tamil, and English—will be made available to the public in the near future. Ratnayake confirmed that printed copies would be provided to Members of Parliament, as well as the general public, for review.

The Leader of the House revealed that there are 28 evidence volumes associated with the Commission’s work, which will be submitted to Parliament at a later date for further scrutiny.

Ratnayake said that as the entire country is concerned about the findings of the Batalanda Commission, the government’s commitment to addressing the issues raised, and preventing future atrocities, stands clear. The next steps, including legal action and policy recommendations, will be shaped by expert advice and informed parliamentary discussions, he said.

News

COPE finds fake documents submitted for emergency procurement of drugs

Published

8 hours ago

2025/03/15

Thilina Walpola

The Parliamentary watchdog Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has found that there were fake documents regarding the importing of medicines under the emergency procurement system in 2022 and 2023.

This was revealed during a COPE meeting held at Parliament probing the transactions of the National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA).

NMRA CEO Saveen Semage told the Committee that several fake documents have been found due to the lack of registration of medicines.

Stating that six such fake documents were found last year alone, Saveen Semage said he had recorded statements regarding each of the documents with the Financial Crimes Investigation Division.

He revealed that, however, no investigations have been conducted yet into the incidents.

“We have documents with confessions from a woman accepting that fake documents had been made. However, a statement has not even been recorded from that woman yet,” he said.

Meanwhile, COPE member MP Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana also revealed that the highest number of waive-off registrations (WOR) for medicines had been obtained in 2022 and 2023.

He said 656 waive-off registrations (WOR) had been obtained in 2022 and 261 in 2023, adding that this proves that discrepancies have taken place during the emergency procurement of medicines during these periods.

Furthermore, Deputy Director General of the Medical Supplies Division of the Health Ministry, Dr. G. Wijesuriya, said discussions are underway on allowing the State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) to directly import essential medicines.He pointed out that it was essential to take a policy decision in this regard as a solution to mitigate such discrepancies.