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Last Updated : 2024-05-12 11:30:00
7 April 2022 06:53 am - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
- GR appoints high powered advisory team to advise on IMF and debt management
- Bandula Gunawardena's name was proposed for Finance but he hesitates
- Finance Minister, CBSL Governor, Treasury Secretary seats vacant
- SL expected to be at IMF by second week of April
Following the resignation of Ali Sabry as the Finance Minister in less than 24 hours, the position still remains vacant with many MPs hesitant to take it up amidst the economic mess Sri Lanka has been plunged into and the rising public anger against the President and government.
The Daily Mirror learns that Sabry resigned from the portfolio, paving way for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to appoint an independent economic expert who would be brought in through the national list, but nothing concrete had worked out as of last night.
With time running out to appoint a suitable candidate to the portfolio, former Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena's name was proposed yesterday but he was not convinced and showed reluctancy to be the new Finance Minister. With rising public anger against all government MPs and calls for President Rajapaksa to resign from the post, all government MPs are reluctant and seem to be passing the ball from one to another with the President unable to find a suitable candidate to the portfolio.
Time is now running out for the President and government as the Finance Minister and his delegation have to be at the IMF by the second week of April to discuss Sri Lanka's programme and seek economic assistance.
However, with the main financial seats now vacant in the country, it is unsure who will attend if no concrete appointments are made soon.
To shed some relief amidst the severe economic crisis, President Rajapaksa last evening announced the appointment of an impressive high-powered team of senior economic and fiscal experts as Members of a Presidential Advisory Group on Multilateral Engagement and Debt Sustainability, the President's Media Division said.
The Members of the Advisory Group are Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy who is the Former Governor of the Central Bank and a Former Director of the Economic Affairs Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Prof. Shanta Devarajan who is a Professor of the Practice of Development, Georgetown University and Former Chief Economist of the World Bank and Dr Sharmini Coorey who is a Former Director of the Institute of Capacity Development of the IMF Institute, and Former Deputy Director, Africa Department, IMF.
The three members have already had a round of discussions with the President on key matters in going forward with the IMF programme.
Among the responsibilities that the Presidential Advisory Group will undertake are to engage in discussions with relevant Sri Lankan institutions and officials engaging with the IMF, and to provide guidance that will address the present debt crisis and lead towards sustainable and inclusive recovery for Sri Lanka.
The Daily Mirror learns that discussions are also underway with these three members to accompany whoever is appointed as the Finance Minister to the IMF this month. (JAMILA HUSAIN)
Iwazaru Thursday, 07 April 2022 07:08 AM
This is the result of poor management of Nandasena. He let Kabalrala mess the economy by recklessly printing money and artificially hold the value of the US dollar. Now he crook is gone and we have to face the music.
H.K.Seneviratne Thursday, 07 April 2022 07:13 AM
Ina voyage in search of a man of 7 brains !!
Karu Thursday, 07 April 2022 07:13 AM
Jhonny will be the ideal person at this moment to carry the bags of the experts.
Bhatiya Siriwardena Thursday, 07 April 2022 07:27 AM
If no one takes , give it to Ranil. He is the best if Harsha De Silva is not taking. Or get Dr Indrajith on national list and give it to him. For heavens sake appoint someone with a brain for FM post
TMA Thursday, 07 April 2022 07:37 AM
#GotaGoHome before ruining this country any further
Citizen k Thursday, 07 April 2022 07:45 AM
This is what happens when unqualified people are selected only thugs , goons illicit alcohol dealers ect are in the parliament.Hope next round will be better group of people with the love for the country.
Ranjan Thursday, 07 April 2022 07:58 AM
Cmon Got- you can do it.
Jacoob Finish off Thursday, 07 April 2022 08:04 AM
no choice other than re-appointing Basil to finish off (the country) the good work he commenced..
forance Thursday, 07 April 2022 08:07 AM
This is another drama...they will keep it until last min and say on one wants to take it and reappoint kaputa and or some frog .... Even the IMF loan might be targeted for stealing
Sokrates Thursday, 07 April 2022 08:08 AM
In the past, every president in this country has usurped the Finance Ministry. But that would be useless now with a President who will end up in prison or facing a firing squad.
Sathosa Thursday, 07 April 2022 08:51 AM
Johnston is the better experienced man than garlic Bandula. How about Rischard Badiudin for Finance an array of choices.
Citizen Thursday, 07 April 2022 11:42 AM
Dear Dr Harsha de Silva, Pls accept the Finance Ministry. You are the best person to do it. Not for anything but for the future of this nation, for the future of our little ones. You may not be able to do wonders, but at least to direct the country to correct path. This is not about your political views, but its about your knowledge and capabilities. I beleive most of the citizens will be happy with this. Pls do not let the nation to fail because of these goons.
Roshan Ranasinghe Thursday, 07 April 2022 02:06 PM
With this president and prime minister there There is no future for this country. Hence in the interim the countries affairs need to be managed by the parliament. And if the 225 can’t understand this then its quite pathetic.
Lanka putha Thursday, 07 April 2022 02:12 PM
Who is going to take a dead body and make it dance. People are not that fools.
Karalasingam Sivalingam Thursday, 07 April 2022 02:17 PM
Consult accountancy firms, they will recommend a good finance minister . Request a nominated M.P. to resign and fill it with the accountancy firm nominee.
Pantha Kumaran Thursday, 07 April 2022 02:22 PM
Give it to Namal baby. He talks a lot now a days.
Kablara Thursday, 07 April 2022 03:07 PM
No-one wants to take responsibility now! big mouths only
sunil vijaya Friday, 08 April 2022 09:17 AM
7 kaputu brains man bari sil
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