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Ranil invites SJB, NPP to IMF talks

23 Jun 2022

  • Urges Opposition to participate, not protest
  • Asks if they are against IMF
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has urged the main Parliamentary Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), and the National People’s Power (NPP), also of the Opposition, to cease their protests, support the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, and participate in the discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). During a special statement made in Parliament yesterday (22), Wickremesinghe said that international assistance will only be received if the country shows a commitment to come out of the crisis, and urged the parties to carefully consider and be vigilant of their actions at all times, as committing various acts of sabotage could indicate a sense of indifference and disinterest.  “The SJB had previously stated that Sri Lanka must work together with the IMF. Has their stance since changed? Does the NPP agree or not with the discussions being held with the IMF?” he questioned. He also stated that he had made a request to the IMF to hold discussions with all political parties, and called on the SJB and the NPP to attend these discussions.  He also said that at a time when an agreement on the proposals for the 21st Amendment to the Constitution should be reached and a final Bill should be presented to Parliament, the SJB and the NPP had instead decided to boycott Parliamentary proceedings.  “It is unfortunate that the process will be delayed due to the boycott of Parliament by the SJB and the NPP. Do these two parties have no need for the 21st Amendment to the Constitution? Do they not need independent commissions? Are they for or against facilitating the ability of both Government and Opposition MPs to participate in governance through the Parliamentary Committee system? This is the opportunity for the SJB and the NPP to present their views,” he said.  “Solutions are far more important than criticisms at this critical juncture. Therefore, if you possess better solutions, I urge you to present them to us.”  The Premier, however, also acknowledged and extended his gratitude to the two parties for their efforts in reviving the country’s agriculture sector while setting aside all party divisions.  “The SJB and the NPP have pledged to take the lead in establishing agricultural farms in the country. I thank them for their efforts in setting up these farms without having requested the Government for any support in the process. As mentioned by NPP Leader and MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently, his party has already chosen the areas in which to commence these programmes,” he noted.


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