On Friday (July 20), the revered business tycoon Merrill J. Fernando, who founded and formerly served as the CEO of the esteemed Sri Lankan exporter ‘Dilmah Tea,’ passed away at the age of 93.

A murder suspect, sought in connection with a homicide in Homagama, met his demise in a dramatic shootout with the Police Special Task Force (STF).

The confrontation occurred in Minuwangoda during the early hours of this morning (July 20), as reported by the police.

1. Parliament passes the Anti-Corruption Bill without a division, but with amendments.
2. Supreme Court dismisses a Fundamental Rights petition, filed against the Minister of Public Security, members of the Police Commission and Senior Police Officers, which alleged that they did not take necessary action pertaining to the incidents that took place on May 9, 2022.
3. IMF Executive Director for Sri Lanka Professor K Subramanian says Sri Lanka’s forthcoming review of the USD 3 bn IMF package “should go through” given the falling inflation, appreciation of the rupee and build-up of foreign reserves: analysts however point out that Sri Lanka’s economic growth has been hugely negative in all 4 quarters since seeking IMF help, the LKR has depreciated over 10% in the last one & a half months, Cost of living has soared since April 2022, and reserves have been buttressed mainly by highly expensive borrowed “hot-money” and not genuine forex inflows.
4. Central Bank’s T-Bill auction yesterday fails miserably: out of the total of Rs.160 bn offered, only Rs.64 bn accepted, even with higher interest: the huge shortfall of Rs 96 bn likely to warrant further “money-printing” by the CB: CB had to resort to Rs.105 bn in “money-printing” last week to keep interest rates in check: serious crisis looms.
5. Attorney General files a preliminary objection before the Supreme Court, seeking the dismissal of the FR petitions filed by the former Chairman of PUCSL Janaka Ratnayake & others, challenging the electricity tariff hike which took place in February 2023.
6. European Commission to grant a 4-year extension to the current GSP+ scheme until December 31, 2027 so that countries like SL don’t lose preferential access in the interim, as negotiations for new GSP+ arrangement continue: as a result, SL will enjoy the current access to the EU market with the same obligations.
7. Sri Lanka’s Passport ranks 95th in the Henley Passport Index along with Libya: 41 countries grant visa-free travel or visa-on-arrival to holders of Sri Lankan passports: Singapore replaces Japan as the most powerful passport as it allows visa-free access to 192 global destinations.
8. World Bank Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka Faris Hadad-zervos says the Govt’s decision to go for a Domesric Debt Re-structuring and Parliament’s approval of that decision were welcome steps in Sri Lanka’s path towards debt sustainability.
9. President Ranil Wickremasinghe finds fault with Parliament for the developing financial crisis: asserts that one of the major reasons for the crisis was the failure on the part of the Parliament to ensure financial discipline: also blames Parliament for not appropriately exercising its power.
10. Cricket Men’s Asia Cup (50 overs) scheduled to be held from 30 August to 17 September in Lahore & Multan in Pakistan and Pallekele & Colombo in Sri Lanka: Pakistan vs India match to be played on 2 September at Pallekele: Final at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on 17 September.

Today (20) marks the historic election of Ranil Wickremesinghe as the eighth Executive President of the country. Taking over the reins during a time of turmoil with long gas and fuel queues, President Wickremesinghe has successfully transformed the situation, normalizing the country.

In an unusual move, President Wickremesinghe has instructed officers not to organize any event to celebrate the completion of his first year in office. Despite numerous requests from various parties, he firmly objected to using public or private funds for such ceremonies.

Ranil Wickremesinghe’s journey to the presidency began with an official visit to India on the day of his election as the successor President. Elected through the Election of the President (Special Provisions) Act No. 2 of 1981, he secured the position by a majority vote in the Parliament, receiving 134 votes while his opponents, Dallas Alahapperuma and Anura Kumara Dissanayake, obtained 82 and three votes, respectively.

Sworn in on July 21 in the Parliament, Wickremesinghe had previously been appointed to the Ninth Parliament as a National List Member of the United National Party on June 23, 2021. Following the resignation of the then Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa, on May 9, 2022, Wickremesinghe stepped up to accept the Prime Minister position. At the time, the post was vacant, and neither the Opposition Leader, Sajith Premadasa, nor any other individual had come forward to assume the role.

Promising to address the multiple crises faced by the country, Wickremesinghe took on the challenging role of Prime Minister on May 12. Later, on July 14 of the same year (2022), President Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigned from office, and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Acting President on July 15, following constitutional provisions.

In recognition of his efforts to overcome the economic crisis, international organizations and states, including the International Monetary Fund, have extended support to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s work in restoring the country’s stability.

The Anti-Corruption Bill faced a tumultuous journey through Parliament, culminating in its passage on Wednesday (19 July). The Bill, initially presented before the House on 06 July, encountered heated debates and was finally approved without a vote.

During the Committee Stage today, the Bill was presented with several amendments proposed by both the Minister and the opposition. The Second Reading debate, held on 21st June and 6th July, further added to the contention surrounding the proposed legislation.

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) and other concerned parties voiced their objections to the Bill, challenging 37 clauses, including clauses 28(3), 161, and 119, citing concerns about their constitutionality. Among the issues raised were potential infringements on whistleblowing, right to information, freedom of expression, and the principles of transparency and accountability.

The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus (WPC) also submitted their own proposals for amendments to the Bill. Additionally, the Supreme Court ruled that certain clauses of the Bill were inconsistent with the Constitution and required adjustments before implementation.

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena clarified that the identified inconsistencies could be resolved by incorporating the amendments suggested by the Supreme Court. In response, the Additional Solicitor General assured the court that adjustments to clauses 8(3), 136, 141, 142, and 156 would be made to address the concerns raised by the petitioners.

The determined efforts to iron out the issues led to the printing of the Supreme Court’s decision in the Hansard report of the parliamentary proceedings on 06 June. With the amendments now incorporated, the Anti-Corruption Bill marks a significant step in the fight against corruption in the country.

Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.

Mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere over the Island.

Strong winds about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times in western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-Central and North-Western provinces, and in Monaragala, Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.

In a passionate plea, SJB MP Ajith Mannapperuma called on State Transport Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna in Parliament to reconsider the suspension of driving licence facilitation for certain categories of differently-abled individuals. The State Minister had recently announced that the Motor Transport Department’s circular suspended the issuance of driver’s licences to differently-abled persons.

Expressing his concern, the MP emphasized that in other countries, disabled people are granted driver’s licences without being categorized as special groups. He urged Sri Lanka to adopt this inclusive approach.

Countries like Singapore and Australia already extend driving privileges to disabled individuals, a practice not yet adopted in Sri Lanka. MP Mannapperuma argued that it is unjust to halt this process and neglect the needs of differently-abled citizens. Instead, he asserted that the country should embrace an inclusive policy that supports the mobility and independence of all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

Faris Hadad Zervos, the Country Director of Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka at the World Bank, commended Sri Lanka for its remarkable progress in economic recovery. Speaking at a press club event held at the Blue of the Hilton, Zervos acknowledged the challenges the country faced just 13 months ago, including the demands of the youth for a better society, as well as the subsequent economic and political crisis.

Zervos praised the speed of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, highlighting the significant decrease in inflation from 70% to 12%, with further expected reduction. He also noted the improvement in interest rates and the decline in negative growth rates, emphasizing that these positive indicators are indicative of a rapidly recovering country.

While acknowledging that there is still work to be done, Zervos expressed confidence in Sri Lanka’s trajectory, affirming that the nation is moving in the right direction. He emphasized the need for the people themselves to settle the man-made crisis, with politics playing a crucial role in facilitating the recovery process.

Zervos emphasized the importance of uplifting the poor and vulnerable segments of society, calling on the government to implement solutions that prevent a recurrence of past issues. He praised the efforts to promote good governance and combat corruption, highlighting the introduction of new rules and a praiseworthy banking act.

The World Bank’s positive assessment underscores the significant strides made by Sri Lanka in its economic recovery and reform initiatives, while emphasizing the ongoing need for sustained progress and inclusive development.

Parliament’s Role in Creating Financial Discipline Recognized by President

• President Presents Gold and Silver Awards to 65 High-Performing Government Institutions

During the gold and silver award ceremony held at the Parliament complex, President Ranil Wickremesinghe commended the Committee on Public Accounts (CoPA) for their exceptional efforts in enhancing efficiency within the public sector. He expressed gratitude towards Minister of State Lasantha Alagiyawanna for his dedicated leadership in this endeavour.

The President highlighted the Parliament’s special responsibility in ensuring financial discipline and stressed the importance of utilizing power effectively to prevent financial crises. He acknowledged the achievements of high-performing government institutions, which were honoured at the ceremony.

In his address, the President emphasized the significance of digitalization, innovation, and the need for unified efforts to drive economic progress. He called for effective control of public expenditure, maximizing value, boosting revenues, and strengthening the country’s economy through a robust administrative mechanism.

Furthermore, the President underlined the importance of joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and expanding relations with India as essential steps toward building a strong economy.

Addressing the obstacles faced in agricultural modernization, the President acknowledged the challenges arising from divided institutions. He urged the prioritization of programs aimed at overcoming these obstacles and achieving progress in the agricultural sector.

Each year, the computer network system developed by the Information Systems and Management Department of the Parliament evaluates the public accounting methods, financial control, and performance of state, provincial councils, and local governments. This evaluation process is overseen by the Committee on Public Accounts and investigated by the Auditor General. Based on the assessment, government institutions demonstrating outstanding performance are honoured with awards.

In 2019, a total of 833 government institutions underwent evaluation. Among them, 15 institutions received gold awards, while 30 institutions received silver awards. These accolades were presented across various categories, including Government Ministries, Government Departments, Government Special Expenditure Units, District Secretariats, Provincial Council Funds, Provincial Ministries, Departments, Special Expenditure Units, Provincial Council Statutory Bodies, Municipal Councils, and Regional Councils.

The award ceremony took place virtually via Zoom technology, with participation from over 1000 government institutions, including Ministries, Departments, Provincial Councils, and Divisional Secretariats.

During the ceremony, Mr. Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts, commended all successful government institutions and highlighted that over 98 percent of them had made significant progress since 2015. The State Minister emphasized the importance of responsible financial management and urged everyone to actively contribute to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s vision of transforming the country into a developed nation by 2048.

Addressing the audience, Mr. Saman Ekanayake, the President’s Secretary, acknowledged that the Constitution itself entrusted the Parliament with the responsibility of overseeing public finances. He also expressed appreciation for the leadership role played by Mr. Lasantha Alagiyawanna, the Chairman of CoPA.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse, Chief Organizer of the Opposition Lakshman Kiriella, Prime Minister’s Secretary Anura Dissanayake, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Sirwardena, Auditor General W. P. C. Wickramaratne, Secretary General of the Parliament Kushani Anusha Rohanadeera, Director of Information Systems and Management of the Parliament Mahesh Perera and others attended the event.

President’s Media Division (PMD)