Chairman of the Cricket Transformation Committee, Eran Wickramaratne, has visited Sri Lanka Cricket’s Level 1 Coach Education Program during an inspection tour of the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS), Dambulla. 

According to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the four-day program, conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket’s Coach Education Unit, was in progress when Wickramaratne visited the venue as part of his ground inspection tour. 

During his visit, Wickramaratne interacted with both the participants and the coach educators conducting the program. He also took the opportunity to encourage the participants, emphasizing the importance of high-quality coach education in strengthening the future of Sri Lankan cricket. 

A total of 23 participants, including both men and women, took part in the Level 1 Coach Education Program, which covered key areas such as Productive Session Planning, the Coaches’ Code of Conduct, How to Coach, Strength and Conditioning, Batting, Bowling, Fielding and Wicket keeping, and the nutritional aspects of the game. 

The participants represented the cricketing districts of Matale, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura.  The program was conducted from 1st to 4th July 2026. 

Sri Lanka Cricket’s Coach Education Unit conducts the Introduction to Cricket Coaching Program, as well as Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Coach Education Programs, all of which are designed to develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of cricket coaches across the country. (Newswire)  

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Minister Bimal Rathnayake explained the reasoning behind appointing Eran Wickramaratne as chairman of the Cricket Transformation Committee, responding to questions about why a person outside their political views was chosen for the position.

“Cricket doesn’t have to be left-wing,” he said, adding that Eran Wickramaratne was appointed as chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee considering his background in the sport, his vast administrative experience, and expectations that he will help restore Sri Lanka’s cricketing standards.

Explaining the decision, Minister Rathnayake said cricket could not be treated like managing a political party, and the appointment of Eran Wickramaratne should not be seen as a political decision.

“We needed a suitable and talented administrator. Eran Wickramaratne was selected because he is a former cricketer with knowledge of the game, and there are expectations that he will help develop the sport accordingly,” he said in a televised interview.

Minister Rathnayake stressed that cricket has declined sharply, noting that Sri Lanka has not qualified for a semi-final in any format over the past decade.

“Cricket must be developed. It is a national need, a national strength, and even a political asset for Sri Lanka to move forward globally,” he said.

The minister emphasised that the National People’s Power (NPP) is not confined to JVP or NPP members, and that just as the movement was built through collaboration, cricket’s revival requires working with diverse individuals.

“We are not considering whether it’s SJB, UNP, or LTTE. We are simply focused on a suitable and accomplished individual,” he added.

Minister Rathnayake pointed out that Eran Wickramaratne, also a former politician, will not dominate the administration alone.

“He is joined by cricketing greats Kumar Sangakkara, Sidath Wettimuny, Roshan Mahanama, and others. The whole country is watching them,” Rathnayake said, underscoring the weight of responsibility placed on the transformation committee. (Newswire)

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Former MP Eran Wickramaratne says that he accepted the chairmanship of the Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee following an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Minister of Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.

Issuing a statement, Wickramaratne noted that after lengthy discussions with former cricketers and leaders, he decided to take on the responsibility effective from yesterday (29).

He further stressed that the committee’s “sole and sincere intention” is to restore the pride and skill of Sri Lankan cricket.

“It is an honour for me to lead a committee of nine individuals of integrity and experience,” he said in the statement. 

The nine-member committee includes Roshan Mahanama, Kumar Sangakkara, Thushira Radella, Sidath Wettimuny, Avanthi Colombage, Prakash Schaffter, Upul Kumarapperuma, and Dinal Philips, representing a blend of cricketing excellence, institutional management, and legal expertise.

Wickramaratne further outlined two main pillars of the committee’s reform agenda:

• Establishing sound governance: Complete reform of Sri Lanka Cricket’s governance structure, including implementation of a new constitution aligned with International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, embedding transparency, anti-corruption measures, and professionalism to rebuild public trust.
• Excellence on the field: Strengthening national teams through new structures, world-class facilities, and incentive mechanisms to enable players to consistently perform at international standards and elevate Sri Lanka’s global rankings.

“As someone deeply connected to cricket from school and club level onwards, I consider this a privilege and a weighty responsibility,” Wickramaratne said, pledging to deliver sustainable results with the support and constructive criticism of sports enthusiasts across the country. (Newswire)

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Former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Eran Wickramaratne has been appointed as the Chairman of the new Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Transformation Committee.

Roshan Mahanama, Kumar Sangakkara, Thushira Radella, Sidath Wettimuny, Avanthi Colombage, Prakash Schaffter, Upul Kumarapperuma, and Dinal Philips are the remaining members of the nine-member Committee. 

The appointment comes after SLC President Shammi Silva and the members of the Executive Committee submitted their letters of resignation to the Sports Minister today. 

At the time, issuing an official statement, the Sports Ministry said that Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage has accepted their resignation.

The Ministry further said that, under the powers vested in the Minister by Sections 31 and 34 of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973, the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket will be temporarily brought under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports with immediate effect.

The statement added that a committee will be appointed shortly to identify solutions to the current issues in cricket and to implement structural reforms within the governing body. (Newswire)

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Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP S.M. Marikkar has claimed that the government may be considering changes to the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket in a bid to gain public popularity ahead of May Day.

Speaking to the media, Marikkar said reports suggest the President may remove the current Sri Lanka Cricket administration and appoint a new board as a “popular decision” before May 1.

He alleged that the government was concerned about turnout for May Day rallies, claiming the SJB would stage the largest rally this year.

Marikkar said the SJB would limit its May Day activities to a rally due to the Poya holiday falling on the same day, and would not hold parades or other celebrations.

Responding to questions on reports that former SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne could be given a role in a new interim cricket administration, Marikkar said he had seen the media reports but had no confirmed information.

He added that Wickramaratne had played cricket during his school days, but said he could not verify whether the reports were true or false.

Several local media outlets have recently reported that the government is considering changes to the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket and has held discussions with cricket officials locally and internationally.

In March, Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage publicly stated that discussions were underway with the International Cricket Council regarding the matter. (Newswire)

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Eran Wickramaratne is not the Colombo Mayoral Candidate of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), party member Niroshan Padukka said.

Speaking to the media, Niroshan Padukka said that the names of three prominent members have been nominated and a decision will be made among those suggested names.

Responding to queries of SJB Member Hirunika Premachandra claiming that Eran Wickramaratne was the party’s Colombo Mayoral candidate, Niroshan Padukka said there was no such decision.

“Hirunika may have thought that Eran might contest. But Eran will not contest for this post. He has more important responsibilities tied to the SJB,” he clarified. 

Niroshan Padukka said that the final decision in this regard will be made soon and announced at the right time. (Newswire)

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The National Digitization policy of the future Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) government was unveiled by the Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa this week.

The Digital Policy for Sri Lanka by the future SJB government was launched in Colombo in the presence of Parliamentarians Eran Wickramaratne and Professor  G.L Pieris with the participation of a host of academia in the relevant sphere of Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence.

SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne, who was the pioneering chairman of the ICTA in Sri Lanka, has led the team of experts who prepared this policy document intending to take the country into Artificial Intelligence with a leap forward beyond Information Technology.

Speaking on the occasion, articulating the overview of the importance of digitization to Sri Lanka as a country, its government and the people, MP Eran Wickramaratne said that the importance of information technology to a country today cannot be overstated. “Even though the world is living in an artificial intelligence technology beyond information technology, Sri Lanka is twenty years behind in information technology.

“Therefore, since these technologies are needed, the Samagi Jana Balawega has decided to give priority to popularising this digital technology in the country during its term of office to take a leap and move forward, second only to school education,” he said.

MP Eran Wickramaratne pointed out that, as such the SJB is focusing on the development of human resources as the basic need. “Sri Lanka’s geographical location and human resources are advantageous for this. Earlier, literacy was measured by being able to write and sign one’s name,” he said.  

MP Eran Wickramaratne emphasized that since it is now measured on digital literacy, raising all citizens to that position is the basic priority of the policy of the future Sajith Premadasa Government.

He further said that the digital Sri Lanka policy will have a positive impact on the economic development of the country as the nation has a digital literacy human resource and it can be used to make inputs to global needs which in turn provide the economic and financial benefits to the country and the households and individuals.

“A conducive atmosphere is needed to expedite accruing benefits, with high-speed internet connection covering the whole country. Korea gave high priority to internet connections and IT, so when there was a technological innovation in the world, Korea became one of the first countries to such innovations. Expertise and the requisite investment may come through private sector participation,” he said.

The SJB MP said that the Leader of the Opposition is of the firm view that the contribution of the private sector participation in this field is inevitable to reap the benefits of IT.

He further said that since technology always raises legal issues, Sri Lanka as a country should also prepare the necessary laws for that, adding “Now that Chat GPT has jumped forward under artificial intelligence over information technology, laws should be made for it now.

MP Wickramaratne asserted that as a banker about 20 years ago realizing the needs of IT, he along with Dhusantha Soza went to the USA and had a discussion with  Bill Gates and made arrangements with Microsoft to open up their branch in Sri Lanka. He said “We had a plan to bring multi-national companies to the country by first bringing SAMSUNG into the country. Unfortunately, as we missed the opportunity with the change of Government in 2004, SAMSUNG started their project in Vietnam and that country made it a success in the field of IT.

“But we were able to bring in IT companies to provide BPO services and HSBC was one such company, but very unfortunately for the last 15 to 20 years, there have been no major advancements in the use of IT in this country.  Enactments are needed to make IT workable efficiently. The piece of  Law on IT by the EU has been made a law now in,” he said.

MP Eran Wickramaratne urged that, however, its duration for compliance should be expedited in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Eran Wickramaratne has questioned the denial of access to Puttalam Ilmenite Limited (PIL) by Sri Lanka Cement Corporation (SLCC) jeopardising its mineral sands project.  

Raising his concerns in writing with the Parliament,  MP Wickramaratne questioned why Puttalam Ilmenite Limited which has spent over USD 20 million on the project over the last 10 years, has been denied entry to Sri Lanka Cement Corporation land hindering the project realisation. 

MP Wickramaratne said the envisaged investment is USD 100 million which is the largest ever mineral sector investment in the country, and a significant contribution to the FDI flow at this critical juncture.

The MP’s question which anticipates written answers this week (Aug 07) from the Minister of Industries inter alia about the manner and methods in which Sri Lanka Cement Corporation(SLCC) entered into an agreement with an entity called Asha Minerals (Pvt) ltd.

MP Wickramaratne points out that the agreement has been made violating the Mines and Mineral Act, and Intellectual Property Act and depriving the investment rights of the PIL which already possessed required licences long before the agreement with Asha.

The following is the Parliamentary query by MP Eran Wickramaratne from the minister of Industries;

1.     Reason for not taking action for the letter dated 23.05.2023 of the Ministry of Industries
2.     Outcome of the appeal of PIL, forwarded to the Ministry of Finance on 19.10.2023
3.     Reasons for not following instructions given to the SLCC by the Ministry of Finance on 30.01.2024 and 11.03.2024 respectively and,
4.     Manner in which the compliance is enforced on SLCC by the line Ministry of Finance now.

Providing details on the Sri Lanka Cement Corp (SLCC), MP Wickramaratne said the entity was under the purview of the State Ministry of Primary Industries which was under the Line Ministry of Industries.  “As there was no progress or remedy in this case later the Cement Corporation was brought under the purview of the Ministry of Finance.

“But despite the instruction by the Treasury, the members of the SLCC Board of Directors have so far not complied with the Treasury instructions, while the SLCC board members appointed by ex-State Minister Chamara Sampath Dassanayake continue to occupy the hot seat.

“It is reported that Asha Minerals is a company with a share capital of Rs 1000 as per its Form 15 Annual Return. On paper, Asha is owned by one individual Tushan Fernando, believed to be the brother-in-law of ex-MP Susantha Punchinilame. The CEO of Asha is Rasika Attapattu who appears to have no mineral sector experience whatsoever but has managed to short-circuit the normal approvals and ignore others. Most importantly, Asha does not have any licence from GSMB (mines Bureau) but is supposedly still engaged in construction work on the site under the facilitation of SLCC,” he said.

MP Eran Wickramaratne further said the Puttalam Ilmenite Limited (PIL) including their reputed joint venture partners such as Dilmah, has already spent around USD 20 million, and their BOI investment proposal with blue chip Australian & Chinese partners on 27th of January 2022 was granted approval.

He added that PIL also possesses licences from the GSMB for many years, and has exclusive rights to the mineral sands, however, PIL is denied site entry by SLCC. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Eran Wickramaratne has condemned State Minister of Plantation Industries Lohan Ratwatte for his recent statement on the candidacy of NPP Leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake in the Presidential Election. 

“Has Anura Dissanayake constructed even a small culvert for the people? We won’t allow him to become President of this country as long as I am around in politics,” State Minister Ratwatte said during a recent rally in Kandy.

Condemning the statement, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Eran Wickramaratne pointed out that such statements have dangerous undertones considering Sri Lanka’s history of election interference and violence.

In a statement on ‘X’, MP Wickramaratne said no politician has the right to “allow” or “not allow” a candidate to be elected. 

“While I disagree with the policies of NPP & believe that Sajith is the election frontrunner, no politician has the right to “allow” or “not allow” a candidate to be elected. Such statements have dangerous undertones considering SL’s history of election interference and violence.” the SJB MP said. (Newswire)

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Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Eran Wickramaratne has resigned from the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) with effect from today (Mar 18).

The opposition MP has served on COPE in previous Parliaments and was reappointed a member of COPE after the recent prorogation of Parliament.  

“COPE has been established to ensure the observance of financial discipline in Public Corporations and other semi-governmental bodies in which the Government has a financial stake. By appointing a ruling party member as its Chairman, the committee fails to meet its objectives of keeping a check on the executive arm of the government,” he said in a statement.

MP Wickramaratne pointed out that to this end, the 2015-2019 government followed a best practice of appointing the Chairmen for the two key Committees COPE and COPA from the opposition.

“The duty of the Committee is to report to Parliament on accounts examined, budgets and estimates, financial procedures, performance and management of Corporations and other Government Business Undertakings. 45 years since its establishment, COPE has come to be a redundant committee. Mismanagement and corruption have largely gone unchecked due to limitations in Standing Orders. Standing Order should be widened, where irregularities and fraud when in light, should reach the Attorney General directly and Bribery Commission proceeding to act. The government blocks the process by limiting Standing Orders, thereby the effectiveness of COPE is now in question,” he said.    

Stating that appointees to COPE as part of its 31-member team or Chairperson, must not be associated with allegations and/or convictions, the SJB MP said a committee that has an overview of checks and balances must have clearly outlined qualifications and disqualifications for its members. 

MP Eran Wickramaratne said he is of the view that it is high time to revisit the scope of COPE and expand Standing Orders enabling the committee to do impactful work and embrace good governance practices moving forward.  

“It is evident that the present government that lacks legitimacy compounds the fact by appearing to cover up and defend mismanagement and corruption by the more recent appointments,” he added. (NewsWire)

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Opposition MP Eran Wickramaratne has requested the government to immediately withdraw the Online Safety Bill, which he claims gives the executive the power to legislate over the parliament and the courts. 

MP Wickramaratne pointed out that even though the purpose of the Online Safety Bill is said to be to protect women and children who suffer injustices from social media, it is in fact to control the entire media.

MP Eran Wickramaratne made the remarks at a press conference held at the Opposition Leader’s office in Colombo on Wednesday (Oct 11).

Stating that the government has presented this bill with a different purpose, the Opposition MP alleged it is an act used to control not only social media but the entire media and dissents.

“This is impacting freedom of expression and information in online spaces, with a new commission directly appointed by the President allowed to define, regulate, and prosecute the production or publication of ‘false statements’ as perceived by the commission,” he said. 

Therefore, the MP urged the Government to withdraw the bill immediately and conduct an immediate and thorough review in consultation with all stakeholders, inclusive of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on the subject.

“As many of the provisions are inconsistent with the Constitution, it is believed that many of the provisions of the Online Safety Bill will be rejected in court. This Act is against the democratic way of life and would jeopardize the free media in the country. The Online Safety Act is not necessary to punish wrongdoing in social media and there are plenty of rules and regulations in the country to punish such actions,” MP Wickramaratne said.

He further mentioned that through this act, a program to deprive the civil society of expressing their views is being carried out and that the government is trying to control citizen struggles too through this act.

“Sectoral Oversight Committees of Parliament are formed on various subjects to seek the views and suggestions of all Members of Parliament in the formulation of policies and legislation. Acting outside of this system, the executive using his discretion has proposed to appoint his own commission to make rules and regulations to punish the wrongdoers which is ultra-virus. This commission, which does not come under the Legislative Assembly, is a monopolistic and arbitrary act. These programs bring together all the executive, legislative and judicial powers in one person,” MP Eran Wickramaratne further warned. (NewsWire)

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There is no visible growth in the economy under this government and economic contraction in all sectors continue, Opposition MP Eran Wickramaratne said in Parliament.

Speaking during the debate on the mid-year fiscal position report (2023) in Parliament Yesterday (08), MP Wickramaratne stated that the 2023 budget by the President has become a mere list of promises.

He further said that the government revenue in the first five months of 2023 had been reported as R. 1,200 billion, while the expenditure was Rs. 2,130 billion during the same period. “When there is a gap of Rs. 1,000 billion between revenue and expenditure, people of this country will not believe that the economy is taking a turn towards greener pastures.”

The MP also said that there is neither any proof of the claimed progress nor transparency in the government’s affairs to assert the gradual progress that is being claimed. 

“The only visible truth is that the economy had been shrinking continuously since the start of 2019 in all its sectors. The real estate sector has contracted by 12%, financial transactions by 11%, the construction industry by 21% and the manufacturing sector by 13%.

The government continues to talk about improving farming, but the farmers have been neglected thus far. Paddy and rice production have decreased by 13% and tea production has decreased by 16% with the importation of excreta fertiliser, unavailability of fertiliser in a timely manner and slashed subsidies. Most people no longer have access to good quality proteins such as meat, fish, or egg.

The manufacturing economy of the country is completely destroyed, and the member asked what the government’s solution for this might be,” he said.

Focusing on the 2023 budget promises made by the current President as the Minister of Finance, the MP highlighted that the only promise that had been kept is the one on the production of Cannabis.

“For most of these promises made, there is no Ministry to neither take accountability nor implement,” MP Eran Wickramaratne further said.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP also outlined the following proposals presented by the President;

1. The establishment of an international trade office for all international trade negotiations
2. The introduction of updated labour laws
3. The formation of a national institution to add value to mineral resources
4. The appointment of a Presidential Commission for taxation. At this juncture, the opposition asked for the formation of a permanent commission. Neither has transpired in to existence.
5. It was said that a health insurance scheme will be introduced to the employees of the private sector and proposals were drawn up to give a stipend limited to three months until they find employment.
6. Reformation of state-owned enterprises – it was said that the few key state enterprises including SriLankan, SLT, CEB etc. will be restructured and income generated will be directed to strengthen the rupee.
7. There was also a suggestion to provide free internet facilities to 1,000 secondary schools. The member challenged the government to present the list of schools that had been provided with internet facilities.

Commenting on the proposals, MP Wickramaratne stated that all these will remain only as budget promises and will not reach fruition.

The MP emphasised that it is time for the people of this country to understand that the future will hold even less hope for revival if in the event past mistakes are repeated. (NewsWire)

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The Central Bank Bill in its current form does not have adequate measures on accountability, Opposition MP Eran Wickramaratne pointed out.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP stated that Sri Lanka suffers from a lack of accountability in the legal system demonstrated by laws delays and no significant progress in fighting corruption through the Bribery Commission. 

Addressing Parliament yesterday, he further stated that therefore, the Central Bank Bill must be amended to strengthen accountability

“Sri Lanka’s economic crisis is unprecedented. The Central Bank is largely responsible for giving in to political pressures and letting monetary policy be driven by fiscal policy. There is a necessity for an independent Central Bank to achieve its objectives of price stability, financial systems stability and support economic stability. While the Central Bank should be independent it should also be accountable. While welcoming the features of an independent Central Bank the bill in its current form does not have adequate measures on accountability. Sri Lanka suffers from a lack of accountability in the legal system demonstrated by laws delays and no significant progress in fighting corruption through CIABOC. Therefore, the CBSL bill must be amended to strengthen accountability,” said SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne, speaking on the debate of the CBSL Bill in Parliament on Thursday.

MP Wickramaratne, a former banker elaborating on the Central Bank’s functions said that the monetary policy is technical, data-driven and information price sensitive. Based on this the institution will decide how many treasury bills and bonds, what the tenures, amounts, prices, and yields are.

The expansion of a monetary board increases the space for information leaks which may lead to corruption. The bond scam of 2015 is alleged to have taken place with an information leak, though still not proven. Leakage of sensitive information has occurred for decades and parties have benefitted privately from leaked information.

Therefore, MP Wickramaratne insisted that they do not want to dilute the monetary board but cautioned that the SJB, as a party opposes the expansion of the Monetary board to be subsumed by the governing council of the Central Bank. SJB proposes that the Monetary Board consist of four independent experts, along with the Governor and the two Deputy Governors, restricting it to seven members without letting it be subsumed by the Governing Board. Out of the 4 independent experts up to two from the governing board could be included.  

The monetary board will be responsible for inflation targeting based on the agreement reached between the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank through a monetary policy framework agreement. If the Central Bank does not deliver on the targets they have to disclose to parliament and the public with remedial measures.

MP Wickramaratne proposed amendments to article 19 to include the breach of the monetary policy framework agreement also as a condition for the disqualification and removal of officials from office. He emphasized that the damage during 2019-2022 would then never be repeated and will strengthen the hand of officials to stand up to political interferences. (NewsWire)

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Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne presented a Private Member’s Bill to Parliament today (July 18) to amend the Special Commodity Levy (SCL) Act No. 48 of 2007. 

According to MP Wickramaratne, under the current SCL legislation, the finance minister has complete discretion to change the tax and simply announce it through a gazette notification. The tax change comes into effect immediately on the Minister’s signature and is brought for parliamentary approval only much later. 

But Article 148 of Sri Lanka’s constitution grants control over public finances to the Parliament. The Special Commodity Levy Act, as currently enacted, violates this constitutionally protected mandate of parliament, and instead provides sweeping discretionary powers to the minister to not only change the tax rate, but also to provide tax exemptions. 

Even if an action taken by the Minister under this act later fails to gain the approval of Parliament, the implementation of those actions prior to it coming to parliament cannot be reversed, but only discontinued. This leaves an extraordinary amount of power in the minister’s hands and leaves room for the tax system to be abused in favour of vested interests and for huge losses to be caused to government revenue – which must then be made up through other taxes.   

The amendment presented by MP Wickramaratne today seeks to establish parliamentary control over any changes to the SCL and prevent the Minister from abusing statutory powers, including by granting benefits to a chosen few, he explained. 

“I am presenting a private member’s bill to amend the Special Commodity Levy Act No. 48 of 2007 as the people of Sri Lanka are calling for more accountability and transparency with regard to public finances in the country. This amendment is to promote fiscal accountability and ensure that decisions on taxation are transparent and are discussed in the public domain,” Wickramaratne said in Parliament today. 

The MP pointed out that the notorious ‘sugar scam’ of 2020 also originated from these discretionary powers of the minister. Prior to October 2020, sugar was taxed at LKR 50 per kilogram, but then was drastically reduced to 25 cents per kg. An analysis published on PublicFinance.lk shows that the benefit of the tax reduction went mostly to the importer and not the consumer.  

According to the National Audit Office of Sri Lanka, between October 2020 and February 2021, the government lost LKR 16 billion in potential tax revenue. If that analysis is extended to December 2022, the government has lost about LKR 59 billion in revenue due to the reduction of SCL on sugar imports.

The government in 2022 attempted to introduce a new tax through the Special Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, which gave the minister similar powers to that which presently exists in the VAT and SCL framework.  However, the Supreme Court, in very strong terms, held the Bill to be unconstitutional and that it violated the sovereignty of the People.  

The Court held: “Thus, by empowering the Minister in the manner provided in clauses 2 and 3, the Parliament distinctively and manifestly loses control over public finance and unconstitutionally alienates such power to the Minister. In the circumstances, this Court holds that clauses 2, 3 and 4 individually and collectively amount to an infringement of Article 148 of the Constitution read with Article 76, and by virtue of such infringement violates Article 4 read with Article 3 of the Constitution.”  

The amendment proposed by MP Eran Wickramaratne will bring the relevant portion of the SCL laws in conformity with the constitutional framework, as recognised by the Supreme Court in the Special GST Bill Determination. (NewsWire)

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The Main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) opposes the sale or privatization of strategically important State-owned Enterprises (SOE), such as the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne said.

MP Wickramaratne told the media that however, the SJB insists that the monopoly now enjoyed by such State-owned Enterprises be brought to an end with private sector participation in a competitive market system.

The SJB Parliamentarian further assured that the SJB was ready with plans and strategies to implement projects for the well-being of the people no sooner it comes to office after elections due shortly. 

People of this country are eagerly awaiting to oust this government which has no mandate or even proper plan to implement for the country, he added. 

Full statement:

SJB Parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne assured that the main opposition was ready with a plan and strategies to implement projects for the well-being of the people no sooner it comes to office after elections due shortly. People of this country are eagerly awaiting to oust this government which has no mandate or even proper plan to implement for the country.

Speaking at a media conference held at the office of the Leader of Opposition Sunday he said that SJB opposes the sale or privatization of the strategically important SOEs such as CEB and Petroleum Corporation but insists that the monopoly now enjoyed by such SoEs be brought to an end with private sector participation on a competitive market system. The reason for it is, so far attention was paid to making sure of the employees’ interests but no government paid attention to consumer interests.

People do complain that even if there is a surplus of employees in government institutions, they cannot get a service done without paying bribes. We cannot simply reject these allegations as there is no smoke without fire. Most of the SoEs are inefficient and loss-making. Now the government has been talking about restructuring them.

“SJB is for restructuring of SoE. But what is the philosophy for it? If a State organization is involved in manufacturing goods and services priority should be given to providing quality goods with an efficient and competitive atmosphere to the consumers. The second priority is to protect the rights of employees. Restructuring  should be made under a transparent process.” Revealed Wikramaratne articulating the SJP policy on SOE restructuring.

He also mentioned that amongst several Expressways that were constructed in the country except one all other projects have been awarded without following the proper procurement process of a competitive bidding process to known persons or companies. Under this context, the people of this country have suspicions of the actions of this government as it has handled major development projects not for the country but for kickbacks.

In the recent past, the present government has had a discussion with a US firm to bring in investment in the energy sector. But it appeared to be a mysterious deal as no transparency was seen in the transaction.

When we take SriLankan Airlines its losses run to more than 400 billion rupees. People of this country maintain this loss-making airline with their direct and indirect tax money. SriLankan Airlines has under its wing two other sectors that are making a profit. Now plans are afoot to privatize those two profit-making organizations namely ground handling and Srilankan catering services leaving behind the airline to make a further loss.

In 2019 a report was prepared as to how SriLankan Airlines should be restructured. President’s expert committee on restructuring SriLankan Airlines headed by Eran Wickramaratne, which included Dr. Harsha de Silva and the present CBSL Governor Dr. Nadalal Weerasinghe and a few others, recommended that the two other entities that are making profits be made joint corporate bodies of the SriLankan Airlines in order to minimize the losses incurred by the Airline. But, the MP said that SJB opposes any effort on the part of this government to split the organization into three and sell off the two profit-making institutions separately, making the SriLankan airlines incur further losses.

Referring to a recent speech of the President in Parliament, he said that the President implied that if the stock market is to be closed, it could be liquidated. The Country’s Head of State should not make such a statement even for humour. After the statement of the President, Nestlé decided to withdraw from the stock market after 40 years of investment.

At a time when the investments of other foreign companies should be attracted to the stock market and FDI, if foreign companies withdraw because of such statements, Eran Wickramaratne asked whether this government does not need any foreign investments in this country or is it a ploy to bring in foreign selected investment that would benefit individuals with commissions. (NewsWire)

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Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Eran Wikramaratne has alleged that there is a bizarre situation in the implementation of the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the tax burden on the poor and working people was imposed even before the implementation of the IMF conditions.  

According to the report, the taxation of capitalists has been delayed until January 2025. The report states that the implementation of property, wealth and wealth transfer tax will be implemented from January 2025, he pointed out in a statement.

The main point of this agreement is to increase state revenue. It should be decided from whom the income would be taken. This government takes the increased revenue from the poor and working people by crushing them. The tax-free threshold has been reduced to the limit of Rs 100,000. It is not a big salary. The government should understand that today there are strikes in the country because the poor and working people are being taxed beyond their limit, he further said.

MP Wickramaratne made the remarks addressing the press at the office of the opposition leader in Colombo on Wednesday (22) on the report submitted by the President to the Parliament regarding the IMF loan.

The SJB MP said that when looking at the conditions followed by the International Monetary Fund in lending to Sri Lanka, questions arise not only about the government of Sri Lanka but also about the integrity and transparent policies of the IMF. 

The first page of the report, which provides extended financial credit facilities to Sri Lanka, states that “The IMF’s transparency policy allows for the deletion of market-sensitive information and premature disclosure of the authorities’ policy intentions in published staff reports and other documents.” I can understand as a former banker, that nobody should reveal market information. But I do not agree with this clause which says they must not disclose the authorities’ policy intention. I think the IMF needs to look at its own Transparency policy. Some of these global institutions talk to countries like Sri Lanka about transparency why not your policy intention what was the secrecy about your policy intention, he questioned

MP Eran Wickramaratne further emphasized that the SJB does not agree with the non-transparent method of not disclosing the policies that should be promised to and followed by the IMF, adding that there should be policy disclosure. 

What has really happened through this agreement is that Sri Lanka, which is burdened with debt and bankrupt without the ability to repay them, has just taken another loan. The rulers and disciples reached the level of celebrating by lighting crackers when they took a loan for survival. It was shown in the media that crackers were being lit at the United National Party headquarters. Some people are also eating milk rice. If the government does not properly understand the reality that the government which was unable to solve the country’s problems, and has taken this loan just to prolong the problem, the situation may worsen further. According to these conditions, we are pressurized to somehow reduce our expenses, he revealed.

The MP pointed out that an economics Professor analyzed this as follows, “A member of a family is an alcoholic. He continues to drink alcohol without curtailing the habit or the cost. However, as the cost has to be reduced, the family’s three meals are reduced to two while allowing him to drink unabated. Such is a work that has happened in the country today.”

Pointing out that the statistics shown by the government on the rationalization of expenditure also show such a thing, MP Wickramaratne warned that the poor and low-income earners will be affected the most by the agreement with the IMF. Therefore, the government should be careful in implementing this loan proposal, he said.

The MP said that the same people who created economic and political instability in the country are coming forward ostensibly to solve this problem. Therefore, people should be careful about this. This is like asking the thief’s mother for soothsaying. 

Quoting clauses from the IMF report to cite the reasons as to how the country was devastated after 2019, the MP pointed out that  “Despite progress made under the 2016-19 EFF program, Sri Lanka’s vulnerabilities were aggravated by substantial shocks during the period, including the 2017 drought, the 2018 political crisis, and the 2019 terrorist attacks. income tax and value-added tax (VAT) were drastically cut in late 2019, with estimated revenue losses exceeding 2 percent of GDP. The automatic fuel pricing mechanism was discontinued, and legislative reforms to enhance central bank autonomy and fiscal rules were suspended. The EFF-supported arrangement expired in June 2020 after the 6th program review was completed in November 2019”

“We are happy about those in the government who want to change in a positive direction. but those who have stolen and engaged in the corruption of public resources must be apprehended and punished. When the President spoke in Parliament today, he said to forget the past and look to the future. Then, when I intervened and brought to his attention the anti-corruption laws, the President responded positively to bring laws in such a way as to deal with past activities as well.”

“The government, which is quick to tax the common people and the working people, is not yet ready to provide social safety networks to the poor. But the government has given an assurance to IMF saying that taxing the capitalist class was delayed by two years,” he said.

Parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne stated that it is easy to understand that the priority of this government is to protect the wealthy and their properties who protect the government. (NewsWire)

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Unveiling the foreign policy of a future Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) government, SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne has highlighted the importance of maintaining a good relationship with China, India and all key nations that use the Indian Ocean to ensure strategic harmony in the region by promoting security and stability of Sri Lanka.

Speaking in Parliament, MP Wickramaratne said that Sri Lanka is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean which is covered by very big powers in Asia as well as Global superpowers. 

“Our foreign policy in that sense is the defence of the State. Therefore it is very important that we get our foreign policy correct. Our economy is dependent on the global markets because it raises the standard of living of Sri Lankans. We have to sell our goods and services to the global market. That is the only way we can raise our living standards because our markets are too small for us to raise our living standards.” 

“But we strongly defend our independence. We have to be an independent country and therefore foreign policy is absolutely critical for our defence. When I think back even as Madam Sirimavo Bandaranaike elucidated Sri Lankan foreign policy as non-Aligned foreign policy and following it she became the leader of the Non-Aligned Movement. Under the current context the phrase Non- Aligned is out of fashion as the concept does not exist now,” he said.

MP Eran Wickremaratne pointed out that, however, as a country, Sri Lanka’s interests must be prioritised, such as Sri Lanka’s defence, independence and living standards of its people. 

“We have to engage with the world not as non- Aligned but as a Multi –Aligned Country which could protect our independence. The country should never provide military bases to any military power. No entry into Treaty-based military alliances. It doesn’t matter which government is in power as we need to be realistic what about our position is. But it should not prevent Sri Lanka from practising a Multi – Aligned foreign policy in line with our national interest of promoting economic and social development and democracy. Joined military exercises especially Naval exercises with all friendly and interoperable nations in the region and beyond must be welcomed as it helps enhance the capacities of our own security forces especially the Navy with the ability to safeguard the country’s security both on land and sea.”

“In addition, Sri Lanka must work with the UN closely to enhance our contribution to the UN peacekeeping operations for the benefit of our own security forces and to enhance the profile of Sri Lanka internationally. At the moment, Sri Lanka’s share of UN peacekeepers is far below our regional peers and it is on the decline after the defeat of the Yahapalana government following the constitutional coup.  We focused on this during that period and increased our participation in UN peacekeeping forces but has declined since then. Unless Sri Lanka seriously addresses reconciliation issues and accountability in terms of human rights it is highly unlikely that the situation will change,” he warned.

MP Eran Wickramaratne further said, “The pre-requisite to promote major investment is accountability and transparency is not to be seen under this government. Sri Lanka must return to the ongoing forum of vibrant democracies of the world which are in-fact thriving economies with a view to benefitting with the resultant of social and economic links that will enable raising the standards and well beings of all Sri Lankans.”

“As an Island nation at the centre of the orient Sri Lanka must be close to major powers for mutual benefits but relations each cannot be a zero-sum in relation to another. The US like the EU is our major market and relations with those countries and the UK must be further nurtured taking into account common values and interests like democracy. Respect for human rights and rule of law, and we have to examine why the US and EU major co-operations have no major investments in Sri Lanka. Relations with China as one of the most important commercial partners must be deepened with a view to creating more balance bilateral trade,” he added.

Stating that India is the closest partner nation in all aspects especially economy and security, the SJB MP said that maintaining a steady and deep relationship with India is a sine-quo-non for Sri Lanka’s progress in all its aspects. 

“We must work with China, India and all key nations that use the Indian Ocean to ensure strategic harmony in this region promoting security and stability, much needed to ensure sustained economic progress for all nations in the Indian Ocean,” he added. (NewsWire)

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