News
‘Former CEB Chairman’s claim should be investigated’
By Norman Palihawadana
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP, S.M Marikkarhas called for an investigation on the former CEB Chairman MMC Ferdinando who recently claimed that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had told him that the Indian Prime Minister asked him to grant the contract for an energy project to India’s Adani Group.Marikkar said that Sri Lanka would be in deep trouble if India stopped providing fuel. Ferdinando’s claim had already created a diplomatic issue, the SJB MP said.
“Now, Ferdinando has resigned but he can’t be allowed to get away with it. People must be told what is going on. We really can’t afford to antagonize India at this juncture,” he said.Marikkar said that it was impossible to attract tourists when there are queues for essential items. Everyone in the world is aware that Sri Lanka has crippling fuel shortages and the priority should be to end the queues.
“I urge the Prime Minister to discuss with the Middle Eastern countries and secure fuel for six to 12 months. Get a credit line from them. Then we can use the money we spend on fuel to buy gas and fertiliser. If we can secure fuel, the country will be back to normal in September when the tourist season starts,” he said.
If Sri Lanka can attract the usual number of tourists between September to December, another 250 million dollars will enter domestic circulation, the MP said.
“There is no need to scare people by holding press conferences. We need action. Get rid of the queues, attract tourists, and convince the foreign employees that we have a plan,” he said.
The SJB MP said that while encouraging agriculture is good, they are suspicious about releasing some lands in Colombo for agriculture.
“There are enough lands that can be used for food cultivation. Why are we releasing high value commercial land in Colombo for farming? We think that the government is trying to give valuable state land in Colombo to its business allies,” he said.
Prime Munister Dr Harini Amarasuriya returned to the island this (23rd) morning after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland,
The Sri Lanka Navy successfully conducted a diving operation on 19 Jan 26 to inspect and restore the sluice gate of the Bomburuella Reservoir.
Acting on a request from the Department of Irrigation, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed a specialized diving team from the Western Naval Command, for the urgent requirement.
Through concerted effort, the Navy divers successfully cleared accumulated debris, including a significant quantity of wooden fragments, which had impeded the sluice gate mechanism.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on Wednesday [January 21] on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, engaging with representatives of the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and the global private sector.
The Prime Minister met with Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management. During the meeting, she expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the support extended by the European Union and its member states following Cyclone Ditwa. The Prime Minister also briefed the Commissioner on the key findings of the World Bank’s GRADE report and requested continued EU support for Sri Lanka’s development and recovery efforts.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Alexander De Croo, representing the United Nations Development Programme. She expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the United Nations and acknowledged the UN’s support in flood relief and livelihood assistance. The Prime Minister noted that, following the mandate received at the parliamentary election, the government is focused on meeting public expectations through national rebuilding grounded in public trust and good governance. She further reaffirmed the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
In addition, the Prime Minister met with Robert M. Uggla, Chairman of A.P. Moller Holding. The discussion focused on engagement with the private sector and potential areas of collaboration.
These meetings reflected Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with international partners and global stakeholders to support recovery, development, and long-term economic stability.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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