Debt restructuring talks with india and china a success

• There is an outstanding pharmaceutical bill of Rs 50 bn

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament yesterday that the debt restructuring talks with India and China have been a success.  “Currently we are working to get our economy on to the right track. We have to get consent of India and China for debt restructuring. I am happy to announce to the House that these talks have been successful,” the President said.   

“An allegation is being made that no funds have been allocated for the purchase of medicines. However we have allocated Rs.10 billion to purchase medicines. Sri Lanka is facing a daunting task of settling an outstanding bill of Rs. 50 billion for pharmaceuticals this year. We are making an effort to settle at least Rs.30 to Rs. 40 billion within this year,” he said   
 “Some are telling us that we should not celebrate our 75th independence anniversary this year. However we have planned more activities other than the usual celebration. Accordingly, we have decided to set up an Institute of History, Institute of Economics, Institute of Women and Gender, University of Government and Public Policy, regional university of climate change and a sports university. We also intend introducing new laws such as the Gender Equality Act, Women’s Empowerment Act, Climate Change Act and Living Entity Act. All these will be done to see that there is a new nation by the time Sri Lanka celebrates its centenary of independence. I also request the opposition to support us to change the political system of our country,” he added.   

“The country would become one with the best laws in the region with the passage of the laws. In addition to those programmes, allocations should be made for establishing 75 urban forests this year and the National Youth Platform project programmes. We will also take measures to implement 1,996 housing project for low-income earners in the Colombo District. Despite the existing economic crisis in the country, we are working hard to provide relief to the people. On this 75th independence anniversary, I propose to the opposition to change the existing political system. Let’s work together to provide relief to the people. If we could achieve such progress with these limited resources, I urge everyone to work together for the future of the nation,” he also said.