Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, last evening (9), met with the owners of the media organisations in Sri Lanka. During the discussion the Prime Minister’s senior economic advisor, Dr. Samaratunga, briefed the participants on the economic situation in the country.

The Prime Minister informed the media owners that the IMF would be visiting the country on the 20th of June. He explained that he was hopeful that a staff-level agreement would be reached by the end of the month.

He also explained that due to the pending food shortages, he was launching the food security program in the country. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe added that he was hopeful that through the food security program the Government would be able to provide food free of charge to 10% of the population who would be unable to afford 3 meals.

He made an appeal to the media owners to assist the Government in presenting a true picture of the situation. He further stated that the media must hold the Government accountable when necessary, but at the same time requested that responsible reporting is followed.

When questioned on the Government’s initiatives, the Prime Minister explained that due to the damage caused to the economy the country would have to suffer the consequences. However, he added that the Government is making maximum effort to reduce the impact through providing financial and logistical support. A Rs. 200bn financial safety net is being raised for social sector support.

He went on to explain that discussions were underway with Japan to regain their confidence and secure their support. The Prime Minister said that countries were stepping forward with assistance in food and medical supplies, however, no country would step forward with providing fuel free of charge.

The Prime Minister stated that he was reliant on the support of the media organisations to help the country see through these upcoming months.

Prime Minister’s Media Division
9th June 2022

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe speaking to Parliament today (10) called on TNA MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam to withdraw his statement on May 20, calling it to be agaisnt the Parliament tradition.

This was during the special statement the Prime Minister made on extending condolences to the demise of MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala.

The Prime Minister accused MP Rasamanickam’s comments to be ‘justifying’ the unrest occurred on May 09 and urged the TNA MP to apologise on his actions and withdraw the statement by the end of this Parliamentary week. He added that he will request the Speaker to examine it and submit a report to the relevant committee, should Rasamanickam fail to withdraw.

Wickremesinghe also read the TNA MP’s comments on May 20, stating that it would be problematic as to why a member of Parliament makes such a comment.

“Houses were set on fire because things that were unfavourable to the country such as the 20th Amendment was voted in favour. That is, houses were set on fire because there was an objection. Both 2020 and 2021 budgets had wrong economic policies. The houses were set on fire because they raised their hands to both the 20 and 21 budget. MP Kumara Welgama’s house was untouched. Remember that what happened to them was due to the betrayal of the people and the betrayal of the mandate.”

Wickremesinghe added: “I remember when Mr. Lakshman Kadiragamar was assassinated we all stood up and criticised it. We condemned it. There were people outside who criticised him. That is, the LTTE had criticised him. And today, the same is being done inside.”

MIAP

Leader of the 43 Brigade (43 Senankaya) Brigade MP Patali Champika Ranawaka speaking to a briefing yesterday (09) said despite their high hopes for the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) they were not fulfilled.

“We held hopes for the Samagi Jana Balawegaya on the basis that we need a political movement that recognises the local culture of this country, one that suits the educated people of this country and one that suits the new generation of young people. But everyone can see and feel that that these hopes were not fulfilled. So, we have informed in writing that we are not prepared to join the Party called Samagi Jana Balawegaya. We will be looking at the future policies of the Samagi Balawegaya, the policies they are pursuing, the actions of their party and the alliance they are building. Nevertheless, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya is not an enemy force to us, for they are our allies,” he said.

MIAP

No party is willing to provide Sri Lanka fuel for credit now and fuel can only be purchased by cash, said Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara, speaking to Parliament yesterday (09).

“Today we can collect fuel only for cash. We have observed that over US $ 500 million – Rs. 203 billion – is required for the month June. Even some MPs in this Chamber questioned why we do not import fuel from Russia, when it is possible to import them for lower prices. We have informed every institute about the conditions under which we can purchase them, and every suggestion. Accordingly, we hope to enter into agreements with the most suitable suppliers in the future to ensure continued supply,“ he said.

MIAP

A shortage of rice or paddy cannot exist in Sri Lanka in compliance with the existing data and the required amounts of rice and paddy for consumption are available in the country, said the Consumer Affairs Authority.

In a statement, the CAA noted that this is mainly in the event that the country is receiving rice via the Indian credit line and and other forms of assistance, with most of last season’s paddy harvest remaining and the harvest of the Yala season is to be received in a matter of months.

However, an unnecessary shortage of paddy could be created due to the consumers’ conduct of stockpiling paddy for prices greater than the declared prices in the market, leading to the tendency among mill owners of selling rice for higher prices as well, it added.

Should the consumers stockpile rice for any given price at a growing tendency, it may be inevitable that the price of rice could surge in the market, the CAA further emphasised, thereby urging the consumers not to stockpile rice but to purchase them sufficing their daily consumption.

MIAP

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has issued an extraordinary gazette declaring two more ministries.

Accordingly, the following two ministries have been declared.

The Ministry of Technology and Investment Promotion

The Ministry of Women, Children’s Affairs and Social Empowerment

Read the full gazette declaration

MIAP

The holding of an election may not be possible given the current situation of the country, said Chairman of the Election Commission Nimal Punchihewa, speaking to a briefing yesterday (09).

“Money is not the only problem. Should a free and fair election be held, the mental atmosphere for the people to cast their vote should also exist. Are these people who are queuing up for gas and kerosene capable of making a free decision truthful to their conscience? So, to go for an election is to loosen this situation. It may not be possible with this situation. Also, people are very emotion and anxious these times. The situation could reflect in their vote, unpredictable of which direction they may lead to. Having it said, sometimes gangs and groups outside parties may be organised, and the security of the polling stations might be compromised. If so, it could be like the 1982 Referendum, the 1982 District Development Council Polls, or the 1999 Vayamba Provincial Council Polls. We do not need that to happen,” he said.

MIAP