A high-level discussion on the critical preparations for Sri Lanka’s upcoming Mutual Evaluation (ME) by the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) was held on Monday (23) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

The meeting focused on preventing money laundering and countering terrorism financing (AML/CFT) and included participation from cabinet ministers, ministry secretaries, officials from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

The FIU highlighted the urgent implementation of cabinet-approved action plans involving 24 key institutions, including regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies. These plans prioritize legal reforms, capacity building, enhanced inter-agency cooperation, and maintaining comprehensive records to meet the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations effectively.

President Disanayake directed the establishment of dedicated teams to ensure compliance and closely monitor progress. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and accountability in strengthening Sri Lanka’s AML/CFT framework.

He underscored the need for a robust and effective system to secure favourable evaluation outcomes, maintain financial stability, and bolster international confidence in the country’s economy.

Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake also attended at the meeting.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his Christmas message said that “together, with firm resolve, we can create a beautiful nation filled with humanity and freedom”

The full text of the President’s Christmas message:

“Christmas, the day that marks the birth of Jesus Christ, is celebrated with great reverence by Christians worldwide. Jesus Christ, who came into this world to bring salvation to all, saw no divisions among people, be they rich or poor. His birth among humble shepherds, and the divine message delivered to them by angels, underscores the profound truth that Christmas calls us to transcend divisions and act with unity, peace, and humanity.

Today, as a nation, we stand at a pivotal moment, united in our shared commitment to the future. We are witnessing the dawn of a new era for our country, one illuminated by the message of love and unity brought by Jesus Christ. Transforming our nation into a land where peace reigns and divisions are replaced by mutual understanding is a journey we are on together. Jesus Christ’s life, rooted in the pursuit of human freedom and justice, serves as an enduring inspiration for our work today.

Today, Sri Lanka stands at a crossroads, requiring a transformative social revival. This is a call for a collective national renewal, a shift towards a just, compassionate, and equitable society. It is a moment for us to unite, acting with determination, resilience, and courage, to achieve the shared vision of a prosperous nation and fulfilling lives for all.

Although society often compels us towards selfish competition, let us embrace the virtues of humanity this Christmas with empathy, respect for equality, fraternity, and coexistence. By fostering these values, we can work towards a society that thrives on mutual care and collective joy.

This Christmas, let us pledge to build a strong, stable economy, ensure social justice, and uphold a political culture rooted in democracy and integrity. Together, with firm resolve, we can create a beautiful nation filled with humanity and freedom.

May all Christians in Sri Lanka and across the world have a blessed and joyful Christmas!”

Anura Kumara Disanayake
President
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

By Norman Palihawadane and Hemantha Randunu

The CID yesterday launched a probe into the alleged misuse of the Presidential Fund during the previous administration.

Acting under the direction of Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, the investigations were prompted by the findings of an ongoing inquiry conducted by the current government.

Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa recently brought the allegations to light in Parliament.

Acting IGP Weerasuriya confirmed that the CID had initiated the investigation.

Statements are to be recorded from the politicians involved in the alleged misuse of the President’s Fund.

Dr. Jayatisssa presented a list of politicians who had received money from the President’s Fund.

MP Dayasiri Jayasekera has denied that he ever obtained money from the President’s Fund. He has alleged that the beneficiaries included some prominent NPP politicians, and he will reveal their names soon.