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SL getting USD 2 billion from UK, US: PM

24 June 2019 11:29 pm - 14     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka is to receive a sum of US 2 billion from UK and USA, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said today.

Mr. Wickremesinghe said this at the opening of the new lubricant blending plant in Muthurajawala which is a joint venture between Hyrax Oil Malaysia and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).

"By 2014 Sri Lanka was not in a position to borrow any more. No one liked to lend us funds. This government had a difficult time. Now the economy is being developed. We can receive money now and have the capacity to pay back. Last month we wanted $ 2 billion. today we asked for that amount from London and New York. Some told us not to go there as Sri Lanka will not be able to borrow after the Easter Sunday bombings. Many will be stunned to find out as to how much trust counties have placed on Sri Lanka after the bombings of April 21. We thank all these countries who have come forward to help us. We have been able to get this as we managed to rebuild the economy,” the Prime Minister said.

“Everyone suffered. However, we put in funds to develop schools and for other social empowerment programmes. We gave free insurance to school children, for housing and to construct the highways in Hambantota and Kandy. Youth and others in this country do not expect to live on traditional agriculture and fisheries industry but are waiting to go for modernization of agriculture. It is the right of the industrialists. It is essential for a speedy programme to modernize the economy. We need technology based industries. We need investors to do it. We need foreign investors. They were scared to come to Sri Lanka. I met a group of investors. They said the April 21 bombing is not an issue. For them, the main issue was the Revival of Underperforming Enterprises or Underutilized Assets (Repeal) Bill. They questioned as to why they should invest when there are laws in Sri Lanka where the government could acquire their businesses. This is why the revival of Underperforming Enterprises or Underutilized Assets (Repeal) Bill. Investors are coming now. We will undertake a speedy industrial process,” he added.

“There is no use in engaging in politics and criticizing anyone but one must pull the country though. There is no issue in getting criticized after doing the right thing,” he added

Welcoming the Managing Director Hyrax Oil Sdn Dato Hezimah Zaidiner to Sri Lanka he said her grandfather was from Galle. “He went and invested in Malaysia. Now the granddaughter has returned to invest here in Sri Lanka. I told her that main Muslims in Galle had a house in Galle Fort. She can put a claim for one of those. You might end up owning a luxury boutique hotel. It was a pleasant surprise to find out she was from Sri Lanka. Thank you for this venture for the faith you have on us.,” the Prime Minister said. (Yohan Perera)


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  Comments - 14

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  • Nalaka Tuesday, 25 June 2019 12:13 AM

    Yes, Prime Minister, you are always encouraging foreigners to buy up Sri Lanka! That will be your legacy!!

    Manu Tuesday, 25 June 2019 01:04 AM

    The bribe

    Punchi Banda Tuesday, 25 June 2019 02:01 AM

    I can’t understand why this beggar primitive uncivilised arsehole Buddhist country doesn’t ask Buddha for money and needs to get it from Christian London and New York. And then the money is not used to benefit the people but dissipated in corruption and wages for barbarous beggars in parliament

    miko Tuesday, 25 June 2019 02:03 AM

    you attack Muslims and destroy their businesses and bring a Muslim lady to invest in this hell hole. She probably not aware her investment will soon be gone in thin air if another riot break out. Poor Malaysian lady trusting the modayas to gamble her money in this cursed place.

    Vaddi amma concept Tuesday, 25 June 2019 02:21 AM

    So barrow and PAY. How????

    Jude Tuesday, 25 June 2019 04:17 AM

    "SL to Receive MONEY" Whoa, whoa, whoa huh ! PM RW sounding as if we're going to get FREE money that we DON'T have to PAYBACK !!?? Huh!! It's MORE borrowings !! Yeah, obtaining MORE LOANS, LOANS, LOANS !!!

    Arachchi Tuesday, 25 June 2019 06:15 AM

    "Last month we wanted $ 2 billion. today we asked for that amount from London and New York." Two cities giving money? Twisting words to deceive poor hardcore UNPers!!. Live your dream at home..People know enough about what you say and what are capable of.

    Borat Tuesday, 25 June 2019 07:08 AM

    Good news so now use it to divide nation and dance to MR baila

    Sambo Tuesday, 25 June 2019 07:40 AM

    This time what have sold or promised to get this money. We are like running pigs where the owner shows the pig and takes the money and the person who buys it has to catch.

    Ajja Tuesday, 25 June 2019 01:34 PM

    If we need to develop as a nation we have to get rid off racial feelings from our dirty minds.I am disgusted see lot of racist comments given.

    Nimal Tuesday, 25 June 2019 01:49 PM

    Its like the wife telling the husband that they will be getting financial assistance the polee mudalali next door.

    mnsmart Tuesday, 25 June 2019 04:10 PM

    This country is trapped with sky rocketing debts, but the people behave like they own the entire world.

    dulan de Silva Tuesday, 25 June 2019 06:09 PM

    MR went to elections two years ahead as his govt was unable to face the huge debt payments due

    Janaki Tuesday, 25 June 2019 07:16 PM

    The boast is that SriLanka is getting US$ 2 billion. He does not say that SriLanka is indebted to an additional burden of US$ 2billion plus interest.


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