News
MONLAR castigates govt. for not saving the poor from microfinance loan sharks
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The government is doing nothing to help the poor caught in a micro-credit trap, moderator of the Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR), Chinthaka Rajapakshe says.
Rajapakshe said that only the Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and some MPs, from both the government and Opposition, had shown some interest in the matter.
“We commend their interest. By the end of 2018, over 2.2 million Sri Lankans had taken microfinance loans amounting to Rs. 84.2 billion. We obtained this information from Microfinance Practitioners Association. This is a huge figure. Over 10% of Sri Lankans have taken these loans, almost always at very high interest rates. When one person in the family draws a loan, the entire family gets affected. So, we don’t know how many people are actually affected.”
Rajapakshe said MONLAR and a number of other organisations had been raising the issue for nearly half a decade, but successive governments had done little to address the issue.
“When they do, they come up with plans that benefit the lenders,” Rajapakshe said.
“Those affected by microcredit loans commenced a satyagraha at Hingurakgoda and it has dragged on for over a month. The government has taken no interest in it.”
In 2018, United Nations Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights, Juan Pablo Bohoslavsky, visited the country and found that an overwhelming number of individuals who had obtained micro credit loans were women.
Rajapakshe said: “Bohoslavsky reported that women were pressured by collectors to exchange ‘sexual favours’ for instalments and that there are cases of borrowers who tried to sell their kidneys to repay the loans. Some leave their villages, suffer domestic violence as a punishment for the breach of contract or have to work much harder and longer to earn sufficient money to repay the debts. Some of them have committed suicide.”
Bohoslavsky’s report also says that while the universe of borrowers is broad, women in poor and war-affected areas are specially targeted by micro-finance financial institutions, which charge their loans with up to 220 per cent interest and apply compound interest.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake officially opened the Wax Museum established at the historic Ehelepola Walawwa in Kandy.this morning (17)
The Ehelepola Walawwa, which was renovated by the Urban Development Authority, has been handed over to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The museum was then established, ensuring the preservation of its archaeological and cultural significance.
The museum features wax recreations depicting the architecture, customs and arts and crafts of the Kandyan Kingdom, to which the Ehelepola Walawwa belongs. There are also exhibition stalls showcasing traditional industries, as well as a dining area illustrating how ancient royal meals were prepared, complete with their recipes.
Furthermore, 35 lifelike wax figures of significant historical figures have been recreated at the museum. These include Ven. Weliwita Sri Saranankara Sangharaja Thera, Ven. Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thera, King Wimaladharmasūriya I, Queen Kusumāsana Devi, Monarawila Keppetipola Disawe, Devendra Mulachari, Governor Robert Brownrigg, Ehelepola Maha Adikaram, Kumarihami, and their two children.
It’s anticipated that this museum, designed to showcase Sri Lanka’s grandeur and pride, will be a major attraction for both local and international tourists visiting Kandy.
It’s also expected to become a centre where the current generation can accurately study the Kandyan Kingdom and its associated history.
Athula Herath, a resident of Gampola, is the designer of the museum. The project, which falls under the Ehelepola Walawwa Museum Special Project, was implemented at a cost of Rs. 300 million.
Among those present at the opening were Most Venerable Dr Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thera, Anunayake of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siyam Maha Nikaya and Most Venerable Ven. Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma Thera, Anunayake of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya; Most Venerable Wendaruwe Upali Thera and Most Venerable Anamaduwe Dhammadassi Thera, the Anunayake Theras of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya, along with other revered monks from both the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters of the Syamopali Maha Nikaya, including their registrars and executive council members.
Also in attendance were K.D. Lalkantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Pradeep Nilanga Dela, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa and a host of invited dignitaries and scholars from various fields.
It has been reported that three police officers holding the rank of Sub Inspector [SI] attached to the Matara Division Intelligence Unit and the Thihagoda and Mawarala police stations have been interdicted following allegations of misconduct.
The three officers are alleged to have visited a Spa in the Walgama area in Matara and demanded free service..
Based on a complaint received, an internal investigation conducted by the Office of the Superintendent of Police in Matara found the officers guilty of misconduct and corrupt practices.
Further investigations into the incident are being conducted.
It has been reported that indictments have been served on former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella, his wife, three daughters and son-in-law charged for acquiring wealth unlawfully.
President opens Wax Museum at the historic Ehelepola Walawwa in Kandy
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