Home Blog Page 2054

PM calls on agriculture officials to look into the food shortage

0

The Prime Minister met with representatives of the agriculture sector today (27) to discuss the food shortage in the country.

During the discussion, the Prime Minister stated that US $ 600 million is required to ensure an adequate supply of fertilizer. The officials then informed that if the banks issue dollars, the fertilizer companies will be able to supply the required amount of fertilizer.

The Prime Minister also explained that a new bill called the Essential Agriculture Supply Act will be introduced in Parliament to ensure the continuous supply and distribution of agricultural commodities.

He stated that the world is facing a shortage of wheat and fertilizer due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

He explained that as the deficit increased, Sri Lanka’s food supply would deteriorate if immediate remedial action was not taken.

The Prime Minister instructed the officials to identify cultivable utility lands in urban areas. He said the country was in a dangerous situation and a concerted effort was needed to recover.

Shashi Weerawansa sentenced to two years in prison

0

Wimal Weerawansa’s wife Shashi Weerawansa has been sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labor.

The verdict in the case filed against Weerawansa for obtaining a diplomatic passport by giving false information was announced today. Colombo Chief Magistrate Buddhika Sri Ragala pronounced the verdict.

In addition to the imprisonment, she was also fined Rs. 100,000 and if she does not pay the fine, the sentence will be extended to two and a half years.

Basil obstructing the 21st Amendment

0

The ousted Finance minister Basil Rajapakse has mounted a massive campaign to prevent the 21 st amendment seeing the light of day. His mouth piece Sagara Kariyawasam who blindly supports the disposed former minister, who is largely responsible for destroying his once popular brother Mahinda Rajapakse and their family name, does all the speaking on behalf of Basil Rajapakse .  

Basil must know that the IMF managing director kristalina has gone on record,  something top global Diplomats won’t do by clearly pinning the economic crisis on mismanagement of the Rajapakses. What more?Basil Rajapakse was the finance minister. Until he was forced out few weeks ago. Basil must know the next time people get on to the streets neither he or his family members will be able to stay in Sri Lanka.

They will be driven away from Sri Lanka. He must count his lucky stars that he did not have to run away like Mahinda Rajapakse and hide. Basil according to sources has launched a protests campaign against PM Ranil Wickramasinghe who is fully committed to usher in the changes to the executive presidency and abolish the 20 th amendment. If Basil has an iota of intelligence he will go to the USA whilst the environment has got better for him to come out in public .

Without further risking the ire of the public. His attempt to undermine the government will destroy the economy that has already been destroyed by the likes of him and PB Jayasundara. Basil Rajapakse may think that the Sri Lankan public is stupid for him to continue to play his game.

He is certainly risking what ever little that is left of the Rajapakses and the country. He will never be forgiven if he destroys the last ounce of the economy in the name power and greed. He will not be able to even hide in the USA.

Adolf

PM has not made a decision to increase the salaries of public sector employees – Prime Minister’s Media Division

0

Prime Minister’s Media Division says that contrary to media reports, the Prime Minister has not made a decision to increase the salaries of public sector employees.

According to their statement upcoming interim budget will provide relief, while reducing allocations to all Ministries except for Health and Education.

Pakistan can declare bankruptcy any moment now

0

A country’s economy is directly proportional to the politics of a state. The growth of businesses & industries needs political stability and a conducive environment for investment. But when a state itself institutionalizes corruption, violence, terrorism, and Jihad then not only does investment sentiment decrease but the domestic business opportunities also get killed. This further gives rise to inflation, unemployment, stagnation, and debt ultimately leading to bankruptcy.

Pakistan is on the verge of bankruptcy

According to a news report published in the Pakistani news portal The News, Pakistan’s default risk surges as foreign exchange reserves are rapidly depleting and due to the floating rate of interest, the bond yield is skyrocketing.

Reports suggest that on December 5 2017, the government of Pakistan issued an Islamic bond worth $1 billion at a yield rate of 5.625 per cent for 5 years. The bonds are going to mature on 5 December 2022 at a whopping 27 per cent. Further, the State Bank of Pakistan has stated that before end-June 2022, Pakistan owes $4.889 billion to the market.

Moreover, the liquid foreign exchange reserves of the country are down to $10.1 billion. With a budgetary deficit approaching Rs 5 trillion and a current account deficit reaching $20 billion is on the verge of declaring sovereign default.

Politics Induced Bankruptcy

A sovereign default means a country cannot repay the borrowings on time. Pakistan’s state of the financial situation is suggesting that the country is in a dire condition of financial difficulties. Leave the repayments of earlier borrowings aside, it does not even have sufficient reserves to import basic amenities like food or fuel in coming times.

Although the Sri Lankan financial crisis was induced by the agricultural policies and pandemic difficulties. But Pakistan has dug its own grave by dictating its policies in terms of religion. Influencing every policy through the lens of religion and selling their soul in the Indian hate has resulted in the bankruptcy of the state.

In their hatred towards India, they continued to export terrorism which resulted in the instability in their own country, further ruining the country’s business growth despite its strategic geographical location on the globe. Further, in an arms race with India, they developed weapons of mass destruction but could establish the mass feeding industries.

Sold souls to foreigners

Blinded by foreign aid, Pakistan aided the world’s two most powerful countries in their conquest in South Asia. The country focused on military development but completely ignored its business infrastructure. The instability during the Cold War era & continued fighting in Afghanistan further sank the development boat of Pakistan and the Islamic country missed the bus of the third industrial revolution.

After the US, they held the hand of the Chinese. But the booming market of China did not help Pakistan to grow its industrial base. The country was used by China to advance its presence in the Arabian Sea and made Pakistan a satellite state for their personal gain. Although they made a strong nexus of the military against India, Pakistan remained a serf of China. The paper dragon did not let the Islamic republic stand on its own. Now, once again the Islamic State is on the verge of missing the bus of the fourth industrial revolution.

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan throughout history (since 1947) remained a satellite state and every policy of Pakistan was decided in the bedroom of America & China. Which never let the country realize to stand on their own and learn the basic policy of a modern state to live for their own people, not kill others. And, now the state has reached the situation of bankruptcy where they can’t feed their own people despite being the ‘closest friend’ of the world’s second-largest economy, China.

TFI POST

A special discussion to be held today on the proposed 21

0

A special discussion will be held today on the 21st Amendment to the Constitution presented to the Cabinet. The event was presided over by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

All parties represented in Parliament are invited to attend. Wijedasa Rajapaksa, Minister of Constitutional Reforms says that he hopes to get the views and suggestions of party leaders regarding the draft amendment during this discussion.

The Minister said that the proposals would be presented to the Cabinet next week and further discussions would be held and if positive proposals are made, they would be included in the draft.

The 21st Amendment includes proposals to limit the powers of the executive president, deprive dual citizens of parliamentary elections, and strengthen independent commissions.

Foreign Affairs Minister Peiris meets with the World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative to Sri Lanka

0

Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris met with Dr. Alaka Singh, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative to Sri Lanka on 25 May 2022, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to discuss the current challenges Sri Lanka is facing, particularly with regard to pharmaceutical products.

During the discussion, the Foreign Minister outlined the multiple challenges currently encountered by the country and thanked the WHO Representative for the proactive steps undertaken by her Office to support the Government at this difficult juncture. Dr. Singh assured the Minister of the WHO’s full support for Sri Lanka to overcome the current health-related challenges.

Minister Peiris informed that efforts are underway to establish a central mechanism that would streamline requests for assistance emanating from different State agencies and allowing for the identification of the urgent requirements of the country. This would assist multilateral donor agencies, development partners and foreign countries in providing focused and targeted assistance to Sri Lanka. He also welcomed her expertise on steps that could be taken to address the medical challenges and ensuring that the maximum benefit of efforts undertaken by the Government and the WHO reach the people.

Dr. Singh informed that the critical period is till the end of July 2022 and that from August 2022 to July 2023 there will be sufficient medical supplies in the country. Currently there are several offers of assistance received from many countries. In this context, they are coordinating with the UNDP in Sri Lanka in setting up a platform for donations, particularly private donations.

Minister Peiris conveyed the sincere appreciation of the Government of Sri Lanka for the strong, consistent and continuous support received from WHO, in particular the Country Office in Sri Lanka, as well as the support of many foreign countries in assisting the Government address the current health related challenges.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

26 May, 2022

Foreign Affairs Minister Peiris meets with the UN FAO Representative and the Country Director of the WFP to SL

0

Foreign Affairs Minister Peiris meets with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative and the Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) to Sri Lanka

Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris met with Vimlendra Sharan, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative and Abdur Rahim Siddiqui, the Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) to Sri Lanka on 25 May 2022, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to discuss further collaboration between the FAO, WFP and Sri Lanka to address the current challenges faced by Sri Lanka in relation to food security.

Minister Peiris conveyed the sincere appreciation of the Government of Sri Lanka for the valuable support of the FAO and the WFP, in particular the Country Office in Sri Lanka, for the assistance provided towards the development of agriculture, fisheries and livestock, in the country. While outlining the multiple challenges currently faced by the country, the Foreign Minister thanked the FAO and WFP Representatives for the crucial role played by them in providing guidance and support to the Government at this difficult juncture.

Both Representatives assured the Minister that the FAO and the WFP would extend full support for Sri Lanka to overcome the current challenges related to food security and briefed the Minister on their current activities to mitigate any potential food security challenges.

Minister Peiris stated that Sri Lanka and the United Nations enjoy close, longstanding and cordial relations with the UN and that the UN has supported Sri Lanka in times of difficulty. In this context, the Minister referred to the request made by the Prime Minister to the UN Secretary-General and the Director General of FAO for technical support and assistance to augment food production in the country, enabling Sri Lanka to tide over this critical situation.  

Ministry of Foreign Affair

Colombo

26 May, 2022

Economic Situation in SL: PM to make special statement in Parliament

0

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to deliver a special statement in Parliament revealing the actual economic situation in the country. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Wickremesinghe will be delivering this statement on June 07.

The Prime Minister is expected to explain the economic situation of Sri Lanka as well as the measures to be taken by the government to address the crisis befallen the people.

The sole UNP Parliamentarian become the Island Nation’s Premier overnight Wickremesinghe is also expected to table an Interim Budget for this year instead of the Budget tabled by former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa. Matters related to this Budget will also be briefed in Parliament, sources learn.

Wickremesinghe’s Interim Budget is believed to have allocated funds to increase the salaries of public servants, probably paving the way for the Private Sector to expect the same, according to sources.

MIAP

LITRO urges public not to queue up for gas tomorrow

0

There will be no distribution of domestic lp gas cylinders tomorrow (27) said the LITRO Gas company.

Accordingly, the state-run lp gas company urged the public not to queue up for gas tomorrow.

Same as yesterday and the day before, no gas was distributed today.

MIAP