News
Sri Lanka in sorry plight thanks to IMF, says FSP Education Secretary

By Rathindra Kuruwita
In the early 1990s, Sri Lanka had signed an international agreement undertaking to allocate six percent of its GDP for education, at a time when state revenue accounted for around 23 percent of GDP, Education Secretary of the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) Pubudu Jayagoda said.
Jayagoda told The Island that in the 1970s, state revenue made up over 50 percent of the country’s GDP.
“Now, revenue has plummeted to around 12 percent, and a few years ago, it dropped to below 10 percent. The same individuals responsible for this decline are now lamenting the lack of funds for health and education,” Jayagoda remarked.
He attributed the decline in revenue to decisions made by successive governments to refrain from engaging in economic activities.
“In 1998, IMF representatives arrived in Sri Lanka and instructed the Chandrika Bandaranaike government to review taxes on foreign investors. This caused our state revenue to collapse. Ironically, the same IMF is now urging the government to increase state revenue to 15 percent of GDP. It’s absurd—the IMF’s advice reduced revenue to nine percent, and now they’re asking us to boost it,” he said.
Jayagoda added that the IMF had recently held a Zoom meeting on Sri Lanka.
“During the meeting, the IMF representatives insisted that international trade should face no barriers. They also advised against measures to protect domestic small and medium-sized enterprises, while advocating for the liberalisation of education, healthcare, and welfare programmes. Furthermore, they called for reforms to labour laws,” he explained.
The FSP Education Secretary warned that if Sri Lanka complied with these recommendations, its industries would collapse, leading to the loss of millions of jobs. Sri Lanka’s current crisis is a direct result of diligently following IMF recommendations, and that the country’s future looked bleak if it continues to heed IMF advice, Jayagoda added.
News
The term of Acting President of the Court of Appeal Justice Mohammed Thahir Laffar extended

The term of Acting President of the Court of Appeal Justice Mohammed Thahir Laffar has been extended.
Accordingly, Justice Mohammed Thahir Laffar took his oath before President Anura Kumara Disanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on Monday (17). Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake was also present on this occasion.
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Colombo High Court serves indictments against SLPP Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa

The Colombo High Court has served indictments against Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa.over alleged misappropriation of Rs. 70 million provided by Krrish Company for development of rugby in Sri Lanka.
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SLNS Vijayabahu returns after taking part in AMAN – 2025

Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Vijayabahu which took part in the multinational naval exercise AMAN – 2025, hosted for the ninth time by Pakistan Navy, arrived the island on successful completion of the exercise on 17 Feb 25.
Upon her arrival, the Navy welcomed the ship in compliance with naval traditions at the Port of Colombo.
AMAN series of multinational exercises were started in 2007 with a view to promote regional cooperation and stability, greater interoperability and to display a united resolve against piracy, terrorism and crimes in maritime domain.
The multinational naval exercise which encompassed both Harbour and Sea Phases, was held from 10 to 14 Feb, centered around Karachi and the Arabian Sea and the exercise saw participation from 11 countries, involving 22 naval ships, 02 submarines, and aircraft.
Representing the Sri Lanka Navy, SLNS Vijayabahu took part in an assortment of exercises including; maritime security, counter piracy and humanitarian assistance, manoeuvres and formation, firing practices and a wide range of other exercises.
The ninth edition of AMAN 2025 successfully concluded following the International Fleet Review, which marked the end of the Sea Phase.
Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Thushara Karunathunga represented the Sri Lanka Navy at AMAN Dialogue – 2025, held with the attendance of navy chiefs, intellectuals and stakeholders from the maritime fraternity, on the sidelines of the multinational naval exercise.
Moreover, Rear Admiral Thushara Karunathunga had the opportunity to call on Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan Navy, Admiral Naveed Ashraf. Additionally, the Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan Navy took time off to visit SLNS Vijayabahu and the significant occasion was marked with an exchange of mementoes.
In conjunction with this event, a cultural exchange programme was organized, featuring a series of vibrant cultural performances by the Navy’s cultural troupe.
SLNS Vijayabahu also participated in a food gala, showcasing an array of traditional culinary delights.
The Pakistan Navy had organized cross ship visits to witness the operational effectiveness and technical equipment of the participating vessels. During this event, the crew of SLNS Vijayabahu had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge regarding the capabilities of both regional and extra-regional navies, as well as to exchange valuable experiences.
Taking part in this nature of naval exercises would open new avenues to the Sri Lanka Navy to build inter-operability with regional and extra-regional partners, exchange best practices and procedures in maritime operations, identify new challenges in maritime domain and collectively find solutions to overcome those issues.
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