Month: February 2023

US$ 36 billion of Sri Lanka’s export money held offshore

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US$ 36 billion of Sri Lanka’s export money held offshore (Daily Mirror  24-02-2023) If Sri Lankan can secure the 36 billion US dollars of export income owed by Sri Lanka it would be able to improve its economy The Sunday Times reported in July (2022) about an investigation carried out by the Global Finance Integrity (GFI); a think tank based in Washington, USA operating with government support. Its task is to keep an eye on the export trade of countries of the world. GFI observes whether money is properly exchanged between…

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13th Amendment should be implemented in three steps: Douglas

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13th Amendment should be implemented in three steps: Douglas Kelum Bandara Mirror on line (23-02-2023) Some powers devolved to the Provincial Councils have been taken through actions by the executive arm or through administrative decisions. I am asking for the transfer of such powers back to the Provincial Councils as the first step The TNA wants the problem unsolved. They work for it. The President openly said he is prepared to settle all the pertaining issues- political issues, land issues etc. We have to support him. But, the TNA is…

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SJB backs full implementation of 13A: Kiriella

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SJB backs full implementation of 13A: Kiriella  Mirudhula Thambiah (The Morning 23-02-2023)    The main Opposition in Parliament, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya yesterday (22) stated that the Party supports the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, noting that National Land and Police Commissions would control related provincial commissions so that no issues would arise. Speaking to The Daily Morning, Chief Opposition Whip and SJB Parliamentarian, Attorney Lakshman Kiriella said: “We are for the 13th Amendment. It was former President and incumbent Government Parliamentarian Mahinda Rajapaksa who said that…

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Prez says SL completed all 15 tasks required for bailout, now up to IMF

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Prez says SL completed all 15 tasks required for bailout, now up to IMF (Daily Mirror 22-02-2023) After months of struggle and challenges, Sri Lanka has been successful in fulfilling the 15 tasks set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and now awaits for the verdict if enough has been done to unlock the bailout, the government said. President Ranil Wickremesinghe confirmed that only last week the final requirement of the Fund was fulfilled and with that Sri Lanka has done its part to obtain the relief package. The fifteenth…

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Local Government Elections indefinitely postponed?

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Local Government Elections indefinitely postponed? (Ceylon Today 18th Feb 2023) The Ministry of Finance has failed to provide the National Election Commission with the funds needed for the Local Government (LG) election, People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi said last Sunday. He said the Minister of Finance and the Secretary to the Finance Ministry are constitutionally obligated to provide the funds and that if this does not happen, legal action will be instituted against the competent authority. Speaking to the media, Hettiarachchi said they…

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Sri Lanka’s local elections are a major threat to the ruling class

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Sri Lanka’s local elections are a major threat to the ruling class (JAYADEVA UYANGODA | Feb 13, 2023) Sri Lankans entered 2023 with an unwelcome gift from the government – a new income tax policy. This was meant to bolster empty public coffers as the government tries to navigate the country’s economic crisis, but for ordinary people already facing difficulty on every front it was one more blow from the same ruling class that created the mess in the first place. Already, triggered by the new tax policy, protests against the government…

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Issues in fully implementing 13A: Land powers

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Issues in fully implementing 13A: Land powers The Island 15–2-2023) By C. A. Chandraprema Many of those who call for the ‘full implementation of the 13th Amendment’ believe that all State land should be completely under the control of the provincial councils. The actual extent of the devolution of land powers would depend on the language used in the text of the 13th Amendment, and the interpretation given to that text by the Supreme Court which has exclusive jurisdiction in respect of Constitutional matters. Provisions with regard to land are to be…

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‘CBSL Chief disregards trade mis-invoicing; collaborates with corporate and political corruption’

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‘CBSL Chief disregards trade mis-invoicing; collaborates with corporate and political corruption’  Commercial and Industrial Workers’ Union and United Federation of Labour make fresh charges Claims CBSL seems to function on the personal ‘belief’ of Governor CBSL continues to bury its head in the sand while the country is robbed by business elites in the export and import sector, saying corporate corruption is ‘their business’ CBSL ignores crucial findings and recommendations of IMF, World Bank, ADB, UNCTAD and OHCHR on illicit financial outflows affecting countries like Sri Lanka Trade unions demand…

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Seized Indian trawlers gifted to northern fishermen

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Seized Indian trawlers gifted to northern fishermen (Sunday Times 12-02-2023) Donation coincides with Indian fisheries minister’s visit to Jaffna High-powered Indian vessels to be used in sea patrols by fishermen By S. Rubatheesan Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda donated fishing boats seized from Tamil Nadu fishermen who were illegally fishing in Sri Lankan waters to Sri Lankan fishermen moments after welcoming an Indian Union State Minister who arrived in Jaffna on Thursday for the opening of the Rs. 1.3 billion Cultural Centre, a gift by the Government of India. Five massive…

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NEWSConcerns raised over Adani Group’s engagement in wind power project

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NEWS Concerns raised over Adani Group’s engagement in wind power project (The Island 10-02-2023) By Ifham Nizam Environmental scientists and social activists are expressing concern about the engagement of Adani Green Energy in developing wind power in Sri Lanka. In answer to a question raised by The Island at a recent symposium, ‘Discussion on Setting the Policy Direction for South Asia in Energy Sustainability’ Environmental Scientist Hemantha Withanage said that the Mannar wind power project also known as Thambapawani wind project was the most-cost effective energy power plant in Sri Lanka though it adhered…

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