The Chief Incumbent of the Lankarama Vihara, Anuradhapura Ven. Ralapanawe Dhammajothi Thero stated that no one could impede the President’s endeavour to redirect the country towards prosperity.
Thero went on to note that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the only leader to stand firm with his principles and policies in a political arena where all others merely criticize each other.
These comments were made by the Nayaka thera during President’s visit to Lankarama Vihara, Anuradhapura today(June 21).
Thero added that there is a lot to learn from President Rajapaksa including how he maintains discipline and respect the Buddha, Dhamma and Sanga.
In addition, Thero noted that during President Rajapaksa’s short period of governance, taking the country in the right direction, he had earned the confidence of both Maha Sanga and the people.
Ven. Dhammajothi thero chanted pirith in order to bless President Rajapaksa and presented a souvenir to symbolize the moment.
The President paid homage to the Lankarama Stupa and engaged in other religious observances as well.
People who were at the temple premises eagerly wished President Rajapaksa a happy birth day.
In addition, the President also worshipped at the historical Isurumuni Rajamaha Vihara in Anuradhapura.
The President visited the Chief Incumbent of the Vihara, Ven. Mathawa Sri Sumangala thero and inquired into the history of the vihara and its future development endeavours.
The President placed a note in the book for special visitors and the Thero presented a number of books containing the history of Vihara to the President.
The President paid homage to the Vihara and visited historical museums and ponds in the temple premises.
President did not forget to engage in pleasantries with the pilgrims at the Isurumuniya Rajamaha Vihara as well.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa participates in religious observances on his birthday today (20). The President lit oil lamps and offered milk rice to Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura today morning while Ven Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera conducted the religious observances. After rituals at Ruwanweli Maha Seya the President fulfilled the ritual of boiling milk at the Ruwanweli Maha Seya Maluwa.
President Rajapaksa also garlanded the statues of the King Dutugemunu and Viharamaha Devi at the Ruwanweli Maha Seya premises. The President also took part in religious observances at the Buddha Mandiraya and Devalaya. Almsgiving for the Ven Maha Sanga was organized under the patronage of the President.
Ruwanweli Mahaseya Chithyadikari Ven Pallegama Hemarathana Thera, Chief Incumbent of Anuradhapura Sambuddha Jayanthi Viharaya Ven Nugathenne Pannananda Thera, Chief Incumbent of Mihinthale Rajamaha Viharaya, Walawahangunawawe Dammarathana Thera, Chief Incumbent of Anuradhapura Lankaramaya Ven Ralapanawe Dhammajothi Thera and Chief Incumbent of the Nellikulama Panchasathika Viharaya Ven Aluthgama Bogamuwe Siddaransi Thera also participated the ceremony while Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister Chamal Rajapaksa, Basil Rajapaksa, Namal Rajapaksa, ministers parliamentarians, family members, relatives and associates participated in these religious ceremonies.
President Rajapaksa worshipped the Abayagiri Poorwaramaya Maha Viharaya on Friday afternoon (19) and the Chief Incumbent and Uthurumeda Palath Sanganayake Ven Pothane Dhammananda Thera invoked blessings by chanting pirith. The Ven Thera appreciated the Prresident Rajapaksa’s yeoman service of protecting the country from the global pandemic COVID 19 and the services rendered earlier to liberate the country from the three decade long terrorism. The Ven Thera also observed that the blessings of the Ven Mahasanga is bestowed on the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for his great service rendered to the nation as a leader born to liberate the nation. The President instructed the officials to renovate the dilapidated building in the temple premises and to take measures to solve the issue of a land that was acquired without making payments four decades ago.
The President worshipped the Kuttam Pokuna Viharaya and received blessings and visited the Chief Incumbent Ven Ihalagama Pavarakiththi Thera and engaged in a brief discussion. The President too engaged in a friendly discussion with the devotees visiting the temple.
Today (18) President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met with the EU ambassadors at the Presidential Secretariat. The discussion centered on rebuilding the economy after passing the COVID-19 crisis.
The country was able to quickly deploy the public health system to address the health threat caused by the pandemic, explained President. The Public Health Inspectors with the support of the Police and Security Forces were able to engage in contact tracing accurately. It was not only those who were infected but also the associates of the infected were quarantined. These measures helped Sri Lanka to successfully combat the virus.
The next concern before the country is reviving the economy, noted President. The current growth rate is very low and the national debt is high, he observed.
To control this dire situation certain controls and restrictions on imports were needed. However, this does not mean Sri Lanka will be a closed economy.
At the same time President expressed his interest in developing domestic industries. Most food items, noted President, can be produced locally. Therefore, he stressed the need for Sri Lanka to modernize this sector. He also spoke of the importance of introducing organic fertilizer, better quality seeds and advanced technologies.
Presently, about 40 percent of the agricultural produce gets wasted due to lack of proper storage facilities. Therefore, underscored the President, there is a need to increase facilities in methods such as canning and drying fresh produce.
Given the current situation, said President, Sri Lanka would benefit from a debt moratorium. He also emphasized that taking further loans is not an option. Instead of further debt, Sri Lanka needs new investments.
President directed the EU delegations’ attention to projects such as renewable energy using solar and wind. He also expressed his interest in focusing on an IT based education system so that the youth are more exposed to new technologies. The number of students currently engaged in online learning platforms has increased. The UGC is also amending its act to allow more universities to enter Sri Lanka.
The EU delegation responded positively to President Gotabaya and discussed at length a number of ways their respective countries may be able to engage with Sri Lanka in these areas.
- President Xi sends Birthday wishes to President Gotabaya
- China and Sri Lanka successful in tracking COVID-19 patients because of the dedication of respective Security Forces and Intelligence Arm
- China gifts health supplies to support Sri Lanka’s continuing battle against the virus
- Investments and financial cooperation also discussed
The Acting Ambassador for China Hu Wei met with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat. He brought a letter from President Xi Jinping wishing President Gotabaya for his upcoming birthday on June 20.
The Chinese delegation also conveyed President Xi’s deep appreciation of Sri Lanka’s successful efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chinese government has sent a consignment of medical supplies to help Sri Lanka’s continuous fight with the virus. These supplies are already with the Health Ministry. Acting Ambassador handed over the lists of the supplies to President Rajapaksa.
President Gotabaya thanked President Xi and the people and companies of China for their unstinted support during the past difficult weeks as Sri Lanka battled with the pandemic. The Chinese delegation noted that both Sri Lanka and China followed similar tracking system to identify potentially COVID-19 patients. Both countries were able to successfully tackle the crisis because of the dedicated efforts of their respective Security Forces and Intelligent Officials.
The two countries have shown immense cooperation in supporting each other during the global pandemic. Early February this year, when China was fighting its worst battles, Sri Lanka gifted a consignment of the finest black teas as it is considered to have healing properties. Furthermore, pirith was chanted throughout the Island invoking blessings to those infected with the virus in China. Students from Devi Balika sent drawings of solidarity that really captured the appreciation of First Lady Peng Liyuan.
Appraising the latest situation in Beijing, the delegation noted that though close to 100 had got infected, the situation is under control. Fortunately, the Chinese officials had been able to quickly track the source of origin. Surprisingly, it was not due to a person-to-person transfer, but through a consignment of salmon from Europe. WHO too has attached great importance to this development, noted the delegation.
A range of other topics were also discussed by the two parties. The main focus was on the tea auction and how best to promote Sri Lankan tea, renowned as the world’s best, in China. The talks included the Chinese investments in Sri Lanka and improving financial cooperation between the two countries.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa assured to create the background to hold a free and fair election while giving priority to the health protection of the people.
The Ministry of Health has issued recommendations for the conduct of election amidst COVID – 19 pandemic. This will be recorded as the first election to be held under such circumstances. As such, the Government will extend its fullest cooperation to the Elections Commission to make the election process a success while adhering to health guidelines.
This was stated by the President during a meeting he had with the Chairman and the members of the Elections Commission at the Presidential Secretariat today (17).
The Government took all possible measures to control the spread of COVID – 19 virus. This operation was not aimed at elections but to secure the wellbeing of the people of this country said the President adding that the prevention mechanism will continue for several months.
The election can be held without any obstacle if the public is aware of the situation.
Initial preparations have been completed and the contribution of all political parties and officials and the members of the security forces will be essentialfor the process, Chairman of the Elections Commission Mahinda Deshapriya said.
The Chairman pointed out the importance of establishing a legal basis to ensure compulsory participation of public officials in election duties. He was of the view that these regulations should be incorporated in to the Establishment Code. When all the partners act in a responsible manner during election rallies and house –to- house campaign, an effective election can be hold, he said.
The Chairman highlighted the importance of the necessity of declaring future COVID – 19 prevention recommendations through a gazette notification. President agreed to provide required assistance in the event of lack of space facilities while conducting the election adhering to health instructions. Mr. Deshapriya pointed out the need of providing transportation facilities to those who will leave for their home towns from July 31st and return after the election.
The other members of the Election Commission, Prof. Ratnajeevan Hoole and N.J. Abeysekara, Secretary of the Election Commission H. M. T. D. Herath , Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance S.R. Attygalle, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, J.J. Rathnasiri, Secretary to Health Ministry Major General (Retired) Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe participated in this meeting.
Following corporate, individual donations and direct deposits, ‘ITUKAMA’ COVID-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund balance has now surpassed Rs. 1386 million.
The Staff members of the Employees Trust Fund Board have donated Rs. 2,000,000 and young W.M. Ishini Tecla Warnasooriya contributed with Rs 6,300 while H.R. Ariyawansa donated Rs 500 to the fund. The Deputy Mayor of the Anuradhapura Municipality, M.W. Premadasa offered a total of his three month allowances, Rs 88,825 while staff members of the National Housing Development Authority donated a sum of Rs 2,500,000 to the Itukuma fund. Members of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators contributed with Rs 1,000,000 to the fund and all the aforementioned contributions were handed over to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat, today (17).
In addition, former teachers of the Sri Sumangala Girls School, Panadura contributed with Rs 325,000 while Ocean Lanka (Private) Limited donated a sum of Rs 1,000,000 to the fund. D.P.J Renuka offered Rs 2,121 and U P Building Construction offered a sum of Rs 400,000. S.A Dharmasena donated Rs 100,000 while Mahanga Samarasinghe contributed with Rs 200,000. In addition, those arrivals from Japan, who were quarantined at the Rajagiriya Quarantine Center donated a sum of Rs 47,500 to the security fund.
The Fund’s balance has now reached Rs. 1,386,634,166.06.
Local, as well as foreign donors, have made their contributions to the Fund. Deposits can be made through cheques, telegraphic transfers, via www.itukama.lk or by dialling #207#.
For further information contact through 0760700700/ 0112320880/ 0112354340 or 0112424012.
The Central Bank has introduced several new remedial actions to support the government’s efforts in reviving the economy, following the advices given by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to high-ranking official of the Central Bank including its Governor, yesterday (June 16).
Disbursement of Rs. 150 billion under the refinance scheme for the benefit of businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is among some of the facilities to be provided by the Central Bank. Accordingly, the Central Bank will provide funding to Licensed Commercial Banks (LCBs) at the concessionary rate of 1% against the pledge of a broad spectrum of collateral, on the condition that LCBs, in turn, will lend to domestic businesses at the rate of 4%, while ensuring the best possible distribution of this facility.
During yesterday’s meeting held with the Central Bank officials President Rajapaksa has directed them to provide loan facilities to collapsed enterprises under the existing refinance scheme using guarantees issued by the government equivalent to the amount due on account of contracts carried out in the past.
Accordingly, the Monetary Board of the Central Bank, at its meeting held yesterday, decided to provide funds at concessionary rates using the guarantees. In addition it has decided to introduce a new credit scheme exclusively for construction sector enterprises. The objective of this initiative is to provide loan facilities at the concessionary rate using the guarantees issued by the government equivalent to the amount due on account of contracts carried out in the past.
Apart from these measures the Monetary Board of the Central Bank in support of the government’s efforts in reviving the economy, at its meeting held on 16 June 2020, decided to reduce the Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR) applicable on all rupee deposit liabilities of licensed commercial banks (LCBs) by 200 basis points to 2.00 per cent, with effect from the reserve maintenance period that commenced on 16 June 2020.
This reduction in the SRR injects around Rs. 115 billion of additional liquidity to the domestic money market, enabling the financial system to expedite credit flows to the economy, while reducing the cost of loans by LCBs. The financial sector is expected to pass the benefit of the high level of liquidity and the reduced cost of funds to the economy without delay, by increasing lending to businesses and households at low rates.
During yesterday’s meeting, President Rajapaksa warned the Central Bank officials for being inactive in the face of financial companies collapsing and for being silent regarding malpractices of leasing companies. In response to these issues, the Governor of the Central Bank Prof. W.D. Lakshman has appointed a three-member committee to probe into alleged irregular and unlawful activities at finance and leasing companies.
Director General (Legal) to the President, Attorney at Law Hariguptha Rohanadheera chairs the Committee while the Director of Legal and Compliance Department of the Central Bank K. G.G. Sirikumara and the Director Supervision of Non-Bank Financial Institutions at the Central Bank J. P Gamlath are the other members.
The Committee is entrusted with the task of probing activities carried out by all finance companies especially by finance companies which have not registered under the Central Bank. The report of the Committee is to be submitted within 14 days.
The Central Bank has stated that the production economy is recovering with the relaxation of the rules enforced to control the COVID-19 epidemic. The food and beverage, textile and apparel sector has seen significant growth. The production sub-index reported an index value of 51.1 in May compared to mere 3.5 reported in April.
The management of the Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts hotel chain link has decided to offer a holiday package for “Suwa-Sewa Wiruwo”(employees in the healthcare service) who had been exceptional and committed in treating COVID 19 infected patients.
The Chairperson of the John Keells Holdings, Krishan Balendra handed over the details of the package named “Cinnamon Suwawiru Pranama” to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat today(June 16).
Following the recommendations by Ministry of Health, the package had been offered to 1000 hospital staff members including their families in appreciation of their contribution in treating COVID-19 patients.
They have been offered to spend two fully accommodated nights in one of the any nine hotels in the Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts chain.
The package will be valid from July 1st, 2020 to September 30th. Those who had been selected could spend their holiday in one of the following hotels; Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, Cinnamon Red Colombo, Cinnamon BeyBeruwala, Cinnamon Wild Yala, Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy, Habarana Village by Cinnamon සහ TrincoBlu by Cinnamon.
Minister of Health, Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Secretary of Defense, Retired Major General Kamal Gunaratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe, Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Director General of Health Services, Anil Jasinghe were present to witness the occasion.
“We cannot let the health crisis develop into an economic crisis. What we are facing is a global crisis. The Central Bank and the Treasury are entrusted with the responsibility of formulating right monetary and fiscal policies that are instrumental in economic revival. Many tools have been introduced by the Central Banks in the countries around the world. We have not received such a positive response from our Central Bank. Let me know the measures that need to be taken to confront the crisis without delay”, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa told the top most officials of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
The Government had put forward its proposals for economic revival. The Central Bank has not extended its support towards it thus far. President asked them to explain reasons for their failure.
President made these strictures during a meeting with the officials led by the Governor of the Central Bank held at the Presidential Secretariat today (16).
Central Banks in leading countries such as the United States, Japan and Australia as well as in small countries have put in place required mechanisms to revive economies in their respective countries. Sadly, the Central Bank of ours has not put forward a single proposal to rebuild the economy. The Government owes a large sum of money to various institutes for the services and products they supplied during the past couple of years. The Central Bank had ignored the proposal made by the President to provide Rs. 150 billion to banks by accepting the outstanding due as collateral. The Government will have to take the blame for the economic slowdown due to this serious negligence of duty on the part of the Central Bank.
Officials who worked at the Central Bank during the scandalous bond scam still hold their positions. President expressed his displeasure for not receiving the cooperation of these officials who supported that fraud to rebuild the country. While pointing out the massive mandate he received from the people of this country for the betterment of the nation, the President reiterated that he committed himself to fulfill the aspirations of the people. Many sectors including health, security and intelligence made a great contribution to battle COVID – 19 pandemic. The Central Bank bears the responsibility of rebuilding the country’s economy. Instead of performing its duty, the Central Bank had obstructed the implementation of the proposals made by him, President said. President informed the officials to identify the issues and forward their solutions or grant approval to his set of proposals. It needs to be done today, President stressed.
Secretary to the President P. B. Jayasundera, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the Treasury S. R. Attygalle, Governor of the Central Bank Prof. W. D. Lakshman and officials of the Central Bank present during the discussion.
Views expressed by the President during the meeting:
We cannot let the health crisis lead to an economic crisis. Not only have Central Banks in big countries but also in small countries have taken many crucial steps. The Federal Reserve in the US has formulated a USD 600 billion programme. Today, the Central Banks in Australia and Japan too have joined. Similarly, Central Banks in small neighbouring countries of ours have commenced planned programmes.
Look at this headline. “The AFED (Arab Forum for Environment and Development) commits to use a full range of tools to help the economy through unprecedented time”. What is the tool we have used? We have used nothing. Our Central Bank has not done anything towards this. Monetary and Fiscal Policy has been formulated by the Central Bank. That should be done in accordance with the economic policy of the President of the country.
You have several tools that can be used. Those tools have to be utilized. However, our Central Bank does not use a single tool. It just stays idle. We asked to release Rs. 150 billion to banks. This is not a fault of the business. The Government owes a huge sum of money to companies due to mismanagement in the past. Let this money be kept as a security for banks to release loans to them. Then they can run the economy. This is a money circulation process. This is a very simple tactic and this is a basic economic principle. But, what are you doing? The Governments have to take the blame for your conduct. You do not monitor. Look at the status of finance companies.
It is your responsibility to regularize and monitor these companies. However, you have failed in your task. Leasing companies too evade their responsibilities. The ETI is not in a position to repay the people. The Finance has been closed down without informing. How are we going to pay for that? There is no management there. All at the Central Bank are economic specialists drawing very high salaries. You have a responsibility. I have presented you a mechanism. If you are unable to follow it, present me your version of the mechanism by tomorrow morning.
Look at what governments of other countries have implemented to save their small scale and medium scale businesses. Do we see the same efforts over here? It looks as if you are here to hinder the government effort and are trying to impede my duties. I do not have to assume this tone if you stood by your duties. It has been 8 months since my appointment to the office, and I have been requesting you to revive this collapsed economy ever since.
I do not want to talk about mistakes of the previous government. As all of you know, you were there when the Central Bank bonds scam was executed. If you supported them to commit this crime, there is no reason for all of you to not to join hands with me to deliver justice. Public must be made aware of the issue of how we move forward with this kind of officials. The people of this country have bestowed a great power on me to build this country. I request all of you to allow me to build this country.
The Coronavirus has spread throughout the world. Now it has become a global economic crisis. Due to the firm commitment of our works in the health sector, Army, Intelligence and the Police we were able to return to normalcy before many other countries in the world. The restructuring of the country’s economy before it further collapses lies in your hands. Lend your support to me to achieve success in this enedvour. Either accept my suggestions in this regard or reveal your strategies.
In this context, a place like the Central Bank where the top economic experts are rendering their service, isn’t it your responsibility to present a proposal to conquer this situation. What have you submitted in this regard. What is the guidance you have given me? There is nothing and you have not come forward to support me.
If you are not on the same page with my suggestions please give me your strategies to revive our economy by tomorrow morning. Give me your suggestions on how to strengthen the economy, how to assist banks under these dire circumstances, how to categorically assist small scale and medium scale businesses. If what I say is wrong, do not hesitate to let me know.
85 technicians from Iran have arrived in Sri Lanka to complete the Uma Oya Multi-Purpose Development Project.
The group arrived in the country yesterday evening. 95% of the Uma Oya project has already been completed and the remaining work is to be completed before December this year.
The project will add 120 MW of electricity to the national grid.
After undergoing the mandatory PCR test at the airport, they were directed to the quarantine centres by the Army.
At the end of the quarantine period, the group must undergo second round of PCR tests and later they will be taken to the project site.