July 17, 2022
2 mins read

Lanka to implement urgent food, fuel relief programme

The Acting President further said that he will inform the activists about the measures being taken to fight corruption…reports Asian Lite News

Sri Lanka’s Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe has decided to implement an urgent relief programme to provide fuel, gas and essential food items to the public who are struggling due to the economic turmoil.

He has taken this decision following discussions held with Ministers and Members of Parliament on July 16. In addition, it has been decided to use the additional money for this from the relief budget that will be presented in August.

The Acting President advised to speed up the implementation of the food security programme. Special attention was paid to provide fuel and fertilisers regularly and promptly.

Also, during this discussion, plans have been made to prepare the necessary environment for businessmen to run their businesses without any hindrances. Wickremesinghe said during the discussion that the plan handed over by the peaceful protesters has been recognized as a good plan.

The Acting President further said that he will inform the activists about the measures being taken to fight corruption.

Earlier, on Friday, Sri Lanka’s main opposition leader Sajith Premadasa announced that he will contest the Presidential elections.

As the Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has resigned from office, in accordance with the Constitution, the Parliament will meet next week and take steps to elect a new President, read a special statement by acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

This comes as Sri Lanka faces its worst economic crisis since independence with food and fuel shortages.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Supreme Court has issued an interim order that prevented former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa from leaving the country without the court’s permission until July 28.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday was sworn in as the interim President after Parliament Speaker Abeywardena accepted the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa submitted his resignation letter Thursday after arriving in Singapore, officially vacating the post of President.

Nominations on Tuesday

The Sri Lankan Parliament announced that the nominations for the Presidential elections will be held on Tuesday and the new President of Sri Lanka will be elected on July 20.

It is interesting to note that main opposition leader Sajith Premadasa is going to contest the presidential elections. Terming the scenario of him winning the Sri Lanka’s presidential elections an “uphill task”, Premadasa on Friday said that he will contest the elections as he is convinced that the truth will prevail.

Taking to Twitter, Premadasa wrote, “Dates decided for the election of the President as announced in parliament today. Nominations on Tuesday. Elections on Wednesday. 225 voters in parliament will decide the destiny of approx 22 million Sri Lankans. GAME ON!”

Moreover, Premadasa earlier wrote, “I am contesting to be the President. The electorate is confined to 225 MPs with the GR (Gotabaya Rajapaksa) coalition dominating the numbers. Even though it is an uphill struggle, I am convinced that truth will prevail.”

Sri Lanka’s National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake also said that he will contest for the President’s post after parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena accepted Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Ranil Wickremesinghe becomes Lanka’s acting President

Previous Story

US report claims rise in online Hinduphobia

Next Story

Colombo in talks with Moscow for Russian fuel

Latest from -Top News

India-US Trade Deal Likely This Week

The interim trade deal would be an initial step towards a comprehensive bilateral free trade agreement between Indian and the US….reports Asian Lite News India is expected to finalise an interim trade

One Year Later, Hasina’s Son Raises Red Flag

Hasina’s abrupt exit last August after violent student protests was widely seen as a blow to democracy in the Muslim-majority nation of 170 million….reports Asian Lite News Sajeeb Wazed, son of former

Global South Finds Its Campus in India

The question is no longer if India can attract global talent, but whether it can build the conditions to do so at scale—with care and vision. Done right, India could emerge as

Jaishankar Gets Real on India-US Ties

The EAM underlined the structural drivers of the bilateral relationship, saying, “The trend line over the last 25 years has actually been very strong….reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar

Polls Early Next Year, Yunus Tells US

The Chief Advisor invited Rubio to visit Bangladesh ahead of the general election to witness the country’s transition to democracy firsthand…reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh’s interim Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has urged
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Lankan Navy thwarts immigration

During the raid, two three-wheelers, a cab, and a van

Stamps including Nehru to mark Lanka’s 75th National Independence Day

The government has decided to celebrate the 75th National Independence