Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Minister Dr. Upali Pannilage has been appointed to the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) probing the release of 323 containers from the Colombo Port without mandatory physical inspection.

Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne announced the appointment in Parliament yesterday (18), stating that it was made in terms of Standing Order 106.

Dr. Pannilage fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka.

The Select Committee, chaired by Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, is tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the clearance of the containers, reporting its findings to Parliament, and recommending measures to prevent a recurrence.

Karunathilaka told the House that he stepped down from the committee, voluntarily, citing a conflict of interest as institutions, under his purview, would be required to appear before it. He noted that he had originally been appointed to the body while serving as Minister of Urban Development.

However, SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahman claimed the resignation followed objections from the Opposition, which argued that the Minister’s continued membership was inappropriate, given his portfolio.

Karunathilaka rejected the assertion, maintaining that his decision was made independently.

By Saman Indrajith

The fact that Sri Lanka has been appreciated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director, Dr. Kristalina Georgieva, for the country’s current economic performance, is an achievement for us as a nation, said Dr. Arosha Fernando, Director of the Millennium Project USA – Sri Lanka Branch office, an expert economic analyst and a foreign direct investment senior advisor to the Government.

Dr. Arosha said that the fact that Sri Lanka has been able to be appreciated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a testament to the success of the continuous and determined economic operations of the current government, especially under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

IMF Managing Director Georgieva, recalled that Sri Lanka’s economic reforms have reached a successful path and the commitment of the people has been appreciated by the Fund.

Despite the severe economic challenges faced by Sri Lanka in the past few years, the resilience shown by the people of the country and the economic reform programme implemented by the government have been appreciated by the IMF.

According to the IMF’s forecasts inflation, which had surged to 70 percent, has now declined to 2 percent, while economic growth has rebounded from negative territory to 5 percent.

The Muslim Left Front has sought registration with the Election Commission of Sri Lanka. Its General Secretary M.R.M. Faizal told The Island that the Muslim Left Front had been established to promote political rights of the Muslim community, social justice, equality, good governance and national unity.

Faizal said that they had sought EC’s recognition following engagement in public welfare activities, rights-based advocacy and social awareness initiatives. “We want to function as a legally recognised political party,” he said.

“This registration is considered a significant milestone in strengthening the voice of the Muslim community. The Front is prepared to operate with clear policy positions in areas such as youth political participation, educational advancement, economic development, women’s empowerment and social equality.

The Muslim Left Front is committed not only to safeguarding the rights of a particular community but also to working together with like-minded people of all ethnicities and religions to uphold democracy and human rights.

The party leadership has stated that its objective is to make a meaningful contribution toward building national unity and a peaceful political culture,” he added.