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Dr. Coomaraswamy advises next administration to govern by consensus and consistency

Published

2 years ago

2024/08/21

Sahan Weerasooriya

Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy

… insists on continuation of IMF programme

Former Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy has recently said the next new government’s slogan should be ‘consensus and consistency’ in implementing the economic policy reform framework that has been agreed with the IMF to achieve economic growth targets and stability.

Dr. Coomaraswamy said so at a webinar jointly hosted by the Pathfinder Foundation (PF) and the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) at the National University of Singapore that dealt with domestic politics of South Asia, with a special emphasis on Sri Lanka. The webinar, held at the River Point, Headquarters of the PF, brought together leading experts to explore the socio-economic and political challenges faced by Sri Lanka as the nation approaches the Presidential Election on 21st September.

The webinar featured distinguished speakers, each providing unique insights into the multifaceted political and economic issues that will shape Sri Lanka’s future.

Dr. Rajni Gamage, Research Fellow at ISAS, delved into the current political landscape in Sri Lanka and the indicative policy agenda of leading presidential candidates and political parties that would be employed to address the development challenges the country faces. She emphasized the importance of the election, the first since the severe economic crisis, noting that it is being held under intense public scrutiny. Dr. Gamage highlighted that several prominent political leaders were contesting in an environment where the electorate was more vigilant than ever.

Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy, former Governor of the Central Bank and Distinguished Fellow (PF), speaking on the current socio-economic dynamics in Sri Lanka, concentrated on three crucial areas, namely, recent macro-economic performance and policies, poverty dynamics in the country and the need for addressing corruption vulnerabilities. He highlighted that in terms of macroeconomic management, there has been an impressive turnaround in the economy. These include economic growth turning into positive after six quarters of consecutive negative contraction, dramatic reduction in both inflation and interest rates, healthy performance in government revenue collection and impressive build-up of external foreign reserve, which was precariously low at US$ 20 million at the time of the crisis has now reached US$ 5.6 billion. He further underscored the importance of continued commitment to implementing the IMF reform package under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), of which two reviews have been completed. Finally, he emphasized that the slogan for the next new government should be “consensus and consistency’’ in implementing the economic policy reform framework that has been agreed to achieve economic growth targets and stability.

Addressing the socio-political undercurrents, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Alternatives, provided insights into the rise of populism in Sri Lanka. He highlighted the potential backlash political parties may face if they fail to deliver their promises. Dr. Saravanamuttu emphasized the necessity of strong and decisive leadership to navigate the complexities of the current political environment, warning that the stakes are higher than ever in the upcoming elections.

Dr. Chulanee Attanayake, a Non-Resident Fellow at ISAS, offered a comprehensive analysis of regional geopolitics and its potential impact on Sri Lanka’s elections. She examined the influence of global superpowers, focusing on India, China, and the United States on the next government. Dr. Attanayake highlighted the strategic importance of Sri Lanka within the broader South Asian context and discussed how regional dynamics could shape the country’s political and economic future.

The webinar saw active participation from a diverse audience, including academics, policy analysts, and regional experts. The Q&A sessions were particularly engaging, with participants posing several focused questions on the implications of Sri Lanka’s political dynamics, its foreign policy, the role of political parties in shaping the electoral landscape, and the potential outcome of the Presidential Election.

The Presidential Election is poised to be a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka, marking the first major political event after the country’s economic crisis. As highlighted during the webinar, the next government will face the dual challenges of firm commitment to growth-enhancing economic reforms while ensuring a delicate balance to manage geopolitical pressures.

The entire webinar is available on Pathfinder Foundation’s social media platforms, YouTube and Facebook.

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Advisory for Heavy Rain issued for the Central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and North-central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts

Published

3 hours ago

2026/02/22

Priyan

Advisory for Heavy Rain Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 08.30 a.m. on 22 February 2026 valid for the period until 08.30 a.m. 23 February 2026

Due to the influence of the low level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in Central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and North-central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

Therefore, general public is advised to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by heavy rain, strong winds and lightning during thundershowers

News

Matara Festival for the Arts’ inaugurated by the Prime Minister

Published

9 hours ago

2026/02/22

Priyan

The inaugural ceremony of the Matara Festival for the Arts, featuring a wide range of creations by local and international artists, was held on February 19 at the Old High Court premises of the Matara Fort, under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The festival, centred around the Old High Court premises in Matara and the auditorium of the Matara District Secretariat, will be open to the public from 20 to 23 of February. The festival will be featured by visual art exhibitions, short film screenings, Kala Pola, and a series of workshops conducted by experts.

The inaugural event was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Ms. Saroja Paulraj, along with artists, guests, and a large number of schoolchildren.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

Only single MP refuses salary as Parliament details pays and allowances

Published

13 hours ago

2026/02/22

Thilina Walpola

SJB Badulla District MP Nayana Wasalathilake is the only MP to forego salary and allowances, with all payments suspended following his written notification on August 20, 2025.

Only one Member of Parliament has chosen not to receive the salaries and allowances entitled to MPs, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya revealed in Parliament last Thursday, shedding light on the financial perks enjoyed by members of the Tenth Parliament.

Speaking on Thursday (Feb. 19) in response to a question from SJB Badulla District MP Chaminda Wijesiri, the Prime Minister outlined the full range of pay and allowances provided to parliamentarians.

According to Dr. Amarasuriya, MPs receive a monthly allowance of Rs. 54,285, an entertainment allowance of Rs. 1,000, and a driver’s allowance of Rs. 3,500—though MPs provided with a driver through the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs are not eligible for the driver’s allowance.

Additional benefits include a telephone allowance of Rs. 50,000, a transport allowance of Rs. 15,000, and an office allowance of Rs. 100,000. MPs are also paid a daily sitting allowance of Rs. 2,500 for attending parliamentary sessions, with an additional Rs. 2,500 per day for participation in parliamentary sittings and Rs. 2,500 per day as a committee allowance.

Committee meetings held on non-parliament sitting days also attract Rs. 2,500 per day.

Fuel allowances are provided based on the distance between an MP’s electoral district and Parliament. National List MPs are entitled to a monthly allocation equivalent to 419.76 litres of diesel at the market price on the first day of each month.

Despite the comprehensive benefits, only SJB Badulla District MP Nayana Wasalathilaka has opted not to draw a salary or allowances. Dr. Amarasuriya said that in accordance with a written notification submitted by MP Wasalathilaka on August 20, 2025, payments have been suspended since that date.

The Prime Minister also confirmed that she, along with the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, committee chairs, ministers, deputy ministers, the Opposition Leader, and senior opposition whips, have all informed the Secretary-General of Parliament in writing that they will not claim the fuel allowance.

Challenging the ruling party’s voluntary pledge to forgo salaries, MP Wijesiri pointed out that all MPs except Wasalathilaka continue to receive their salaries and allowances. “On one hand you speak about the people’s mandate, which is good. But the mandate also included people who said they would voluntarily serve in this Parliament without salaries. Today we have been able to prove, Hon. Speaker, that except for one SJB MP, the other 224 Members are drawing parliamentary salaries,” he said.

The Prime Minister responded by defending the political culture and practice of allocating portions of MPs’ salaries to party funds. Referring to previous practices by the JVP and NPP, she said: “It is no secret to the country that the JVP has for a long time not personally taken MPs’ salaries or any allowances. I think the entire country knows that these go to a party fund. That is not new, nor is it something special to mention. The NPP operates in the same way. That too is not new; it is the culture of our political movement.”

When MP Wijesiri posed a supplementary question asking whether diverting salaries to party funds was an indirect method of taking care of MPs, Dr. Amarasuriya said: “There is no issue there. No question was raised; the Member made a statement. What we have seen throughout this week is an inability to understand our political culture and practice, and a clash with decisions taken by political movements that misused public funds. What is coming out is a certain mindset. That is why there is such an effort to find fault with the 159. None of these facts are new to people. He did not ask a question, so I have nothing to answer.”

The disclosures come days after the Government moved to abolish the parliamentary pension, a measure that has sparked renewed debate over MP compensation and the transparency of funds allocation.