Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken steps to convene all party leaders to discuss the steps to be taken in the face of the adverse situation that faces Sri Lanka following Cyclone “Ditwa”.

Issuing a statement, the United National Party Chairman Vajira Abeywardena said all party leaders are scheduled to meet at the former President’s Political Office on Flower Road on Wednesday (3).

According to Vajira Abeywardena, the steps to be taken in the future will be decided at the party leaders’ meeting, following discussions based on the experience gained in successfully facing previous natural disasters under Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership.

He said that Ranil Wickremesinghe is expected to brief party leaders at this meeting on the steps taken during the floods of 2003 and 2016 and the post-flood period.

Vajira Abeywardena added that this is the first time that all political party leaders in and outside Parliament are being convened in one place after this natural disaster. (Newswire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe has convened a pivotal meeting with leaders of accepted political parties to discuss the proposals put forth by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with its high-level delegation on Sri Lanka’s economic assistance.

In a proactive move, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, leader of the National People’s Power (NPP) Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader S. Sridharan have been invited to participate in these deliberations. 

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the meeting is slated to be held at the Presidential Secretariat on Monday (Mar 11), with an open invitation extended to interested individuals to join alongside the invited leaders.

The initiative stems from a recent request made by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Harsha de Silva in Parliament, prompting the President to extend a warm invitation to all recognized opposition parties to collaborate with the government in navigating the challenges posed by the IMF program.

President Wickremesinghe underscores the critical importance of successfully advancing the IMF program for the country’s reconstruction. To this end, he emphasizes the necessity of collective accountability from all parties involved.

Key figures set to participate in the discussions include Ministers of State for Finance Shehan Semasinghe and Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Secretary to the Treasury and Finance Ministry K. M. Mahinda Siriwardena and Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr. R. H. S. Samaratunga. (NewsWire)

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A decision has been taken to summon officials of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) before the Party Leaders next week.

According to a Parliament statement, the CBSL officials are to be summoned before the Party Leaders on Tuesday, March 05, 2024.

The CBSL officials are to be summoned to inquire about the recent salary hikes provided to Central Bank employees.

The matter came to light after some Members of Parliament at recent Parliament proceedings questioned the latest revision of remuneration of CBSL employees that was approved by the bank’s Governing Board.

Following the queries in Parliament, the CBSL Executive Officers’ Union issued a clarification, stating that the salary increment was provided under the triennial Collective Agreement entered into with the Trade Unions covering the period 2024- 2026. 

Clarifying the matter further, the Union highlighted that the collective agreement for 2024-2026 was a result of negotiation between the management and the unions.

Stating that it is no secret that the central bank’s salaries are higher than other services, the Union said they require a competitive salary to do their jobs without pressure. (NewsWire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe has extended an invitation to all political parties to join hands to embrace a shared vision and common purpose for Sri Lanka.

Addressing the fifth session of the ninth Parliament today, the President revealed that in the interest of the nation’s welfare and the prosperity of its youth, the majority of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) have set aside past animosities and reached a consensus.

“I urge each of you, why can’t we adopt such a perspective? Despite our diverse ideas, ethnic backgrounds, languages, provincial residences, faiths, beliefs, and political affiliations, why can’t we unite in a shared vision for the country’s well-being and the future? Why can’t we reach a collective understanding for the benefit of our nation’s youth? Why can’t we join hands to reach great heights?

“In the interest of the nation’s welfare and the prosperity of our youth, most of the Podujana Peramuna have set aside past animosities and reached a consensus. Likewise, longstanding political allies have aligned with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, including those whom I personally, introduced to the political arena. If the Podujana Peramuna can unite for the greater good, why can’t the Samagi Jana Balawegaya follow suit?” he said. 

The President further pointed out that during the period of the ‘Good Governance’, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) cooperated closely with the then government. 

“MP Anura Dissanayake notably spearheaded the anti-corruption efforts, proposing Mr. Ananda Wijepala to lead the Anti-Corruption Office, a position for which he maintains pertinent records to this day. So, why can’t the JVP join forces for the betterment of our nation?” he questioned.

Stating that although the political parties may compete in elections separately, President Ranil Wickremesinghe urged the parties to collaborate in nation-building endeavours.

“I extend my invitation once more to embrace a shared vision and common purpose for our country. Let us initiate change within ourselves, fostering unity and enlightenment. Together, let us create a new political ethos, dedicated not to personal ambitions but to the collective aspirations of our nation.

“Our commitment lies in enriching the lives of our youth and future generations. Let us uphold this noble responsibility entrusted to us. Failure to prioritize this duty over personal agendas would be a betrayal of history’s judgment. Let us embark on this new journey together, forging a brighter tomorrow and a renewed nation. Join me in building a new era for our beloved country,” he added. (NewsWire)

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Party Leaders have decided that a motion must be presented to remove MP Ali Sabry Raheem from his Parliamentary seat. 

According to Opposition MP Mano Ganesan, the decision was taken by the Committee on Parliamentary Business which met today (26).

MP Mano Ganesan said irrespective of Government and Opposition benches, party leaders decided to request the Speaker to suspend MP Ali Sabry Raheem from Parliament. 

During the meeting, former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa pointed out that the Speaker has the authority to take such an action. 

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and MPs Mano Ganesan, M.A. Sumanthiran, and Lakshman Kiriella informed that the opposition MPs have already handed over a petition to the Speaker in this regard.

MP Mano Ganesan further stated that as MP Ali Sabry Raheem belongs to the government benches, the government needs to initiate action by agreeing to suspend him from Parliament.

The request has been put forward to the Speaker after Puttalam District MP Ali Sabry Raheem was detained by Sri Lanka Customs officials upon his arrival at the Katunayake Airport from Dubai on Tuesday (May 22).

MP Ali Sabry Raheem was found to be in possession of undeclared gold, weighing over 3 kilograms, which was valued at Rs. 74 million and 91 smartphones, which were in his luggage, valued at more than Rs. 4.2 million.

The MP was fined Rs. 7.5 million and released on payment of same while the undeclared gold and mobile phones were confiscated. (NewsWire)

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