MR-Ranil discuss ailing economy, relief for Easter Sunday victims

Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana

• MR says refrained from political discourse

By Sheain Fernandopulle 

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa held talks at Temple Trees on the economic situation of the country following the terror strikes on 
Easter Sunday.  

The duo was accompanied by senior members of their respective parties. They exchanged views on the national economy which was badly hit by the terrorist attacks and the relief packages the government had announced for the affected sectors including tourism and transportation, particularly targeting private bus operators. 
Mr. Rajapaksa was accompanied by MPs Dinesh Gunawardena, Bandula Gunawardena, Udaya Gammanpila and Gamini Lokuge. Along with Mr. Wickremesinghe, Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Economic Reforms and Public Distribution Non-Cabinet Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva, Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy and Finance Ministry Secretary R.H.S. Samaratunge attended the meeting. 

After the meeting, Mr. Rajapaksa told journalists that he did not talk politics with the premier as the discussion was solely based on economic matters. 
“The government is keen on providing relief to those who were affected by the Easter Sunday attacks. Hence, we urged the government to expedite the process of providing relief to the victims,” he said. 

The government is keen on providing relief to those who were affected by the Easter Sunday attacks. Hence, we urged the government to expedite the process of providing relief to the victims