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‘Sports a common factor that unites Pakistan and Sri Lanka’ — Pakistan High Commissioner

As part of the Government of Pakistan’s Sports Diplomacy with the Government of Sri Lanka, the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Colombo, Maj Gen (R) Muhammad Saad Khattak visited D. S. Senanayake College in Colombo on Friday. He presented sports goods for cricket, rugby and football to the College.
The High Commissioner was warmly welcomed at the College by the Principal, Secretary of the Parents’ Committee, representatives of the Ministries of Sports and Education as well as representatives of the Old Boys’ Association of the College. Eastern Cultural Dancers of the College gave a colorful welcome performance. The High Commissioner while speaking on the occasion thanked the organizers for a warm reception for him and his team.
While highlighting the warm friendly relations between the two countries, the High Commissioner spoke of how sports was a common factor uniting Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He also apprised the students and College administration of the fully funded Allama Iqbal Scholarships being offered by Pakistan to Sri Lankan students from all ethnic and religious backgrounds in diverse fields including Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, Social Sciences, Journalism, Law etc. and encouraged them to apply.
The College Principal, Prasanna Udumuhandiram, while thanking the Government and people of Pakistan for their generous gift of sports goods shed light on the historical ties between the two countries and their support to each other in the most difficult times.
The Secretary of the Parents’ Committee of the school also appreciated the warm gesture of the Pakistan High Commission. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the High Commissioner was given a tour of the kovil, church, temple and mosque of the school. The College had organized a special prayer at the mosque for the progress and prosperity of the Government and people of Pakistan.
The High Commissioner appreciated the College administration for maintaining high educational standards, sports facilities, and for maintaining religious and ethnic harmony.
News
President requests the opposition to support the implementation of the IMF agreement

President Ranil Wickremesinghe urged the Opposition to unite and disregard political differences to assist in carrying out the IMF agreement, which would aid in the development of Sri Lanka’s economy.
The President emphasized that his duty is not to condemn previous administrations but to concentrate on the development of the country. He also declared his dedication to constructing a better future by creating laws and frameworks that prevent the recurrence of past errors.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe delivered this message in a special address to Parliament this morning (22) regarding the receipt of the Extended Credit Facility from the International Monetary Fund.
He stated that despite allegations being leveled against him that his objective was not to rescue the country from an economic crisis but to safeguard the Rajapaksa family, the international community had acknowledged his efforts to carry the country across the economic vine bridge.
The President further said that he had faith in rebuilding the beloved country where he was born, brought up and educated, and said that many past experiences were the reasons for confirming that faith.
News
SJB, JVP move SC against Finance Secy. for contempt of court

The main Opposition, Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB), and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) yesterday (21) moved Supreme Court against Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana over his failure to provide funds required by the Election Commission to conduct the Local Government polls, ignoring an interim order issued by the apex court, on 03 March.
Ranjith Madduma Bandara, MP, is the petitioner for the SJB and Vijitha Herath, MP, moved court on behalf of the JVP, the leading party in the Jathika Jana Balawegaya (JJB).
Two Opposition parties declared action against Siriwardana the day after the Freedom People’s Alliance (FPA) issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Finance Secretary to release the funds.
EC Chairman Nimal Punchihewa is on record as having said that in spite of SC directive he didn’t receive fresh funding.
The petitioners sought the issuance of summons on Siriwardana for contempt of court over failure to carry out its interim orders, given on 03 March.
The petitioners want the Finance Secretary punished in terms of Article 105 (3) of the Constitution.
The SJB stated that Siriwardana had refrained from carrying out the March directives, on the basis of a Cabinet decision, taken on 13 Feb., 2023. The SJB also pointed out that the offensive conduct of the Treasury Secretary, inter alia, causes grave prejudice to the esteemed authority of the Supreme Court and in turn disturb the public confidence in the authority of the highest Court in the country. (SF)
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Minister indicates reduction in fuel prices in April

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara told Parliament yesterday that fuel prices would be reduced considerably according to the fuel price formula at the next fuel price revision, due in April.
The Minister said that the government would be able to procure fuel shipments, at lower prices, during competitive bidding, with the receipt of the IMF bailout.
There had been practical issues, and problems, in opening Letters of Credit, and obtaining credit facilities, in the recent past, as Sri Lanka could not give a guarantee to fuel suppliers, Minister Wijesekara said.
“We could not open LCs and obtain credit facilities when procuring fuel. After the IMF bailout, we will be able to procure fuel at lower prices during competitive biddings. We will be able to obtain a long-term credit facility as well. Fuel prices in the global market seem to have declined and the rupee has also gained strength against the US Dollar. Having considered all these factors, fuel prices will be reduced by a considerable margin which could be felt by the people,” he said.
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