By Sanath Nanayakkare
The Bank of Ceylon (BOC) is set to end the year on a positive note despite the economic downturn due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent downgrade of the sovereign and banking institutions in Sri Lanka, BoC informed the media yesterday.
“The bank is winding up the year on a healthy note despite the stresses, posting the highest asset base of Rs. 2.9 trillion, highest deposit base of Rs. 2.3 trillion while maintaining its market leadership in Trade Finance, Treasury Operations including its more than 40% market share of Inward Remittances (US$2.5 billion). In addition to those, the Bank has maintained its market leadership in most of the spheres in the banking and finance arena”, BoC said.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has responded to the Attorney General’s recommendation that disciplinary action be taken against Deputy Solicitor General Azard Navavi and State Counsel Malik Azeez, who were entrusted with the file on National Thowheed Jamaat (NTJ) and its leader Zahran Hashim, for lapses in handling the case, the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) investigating Easter Sunday attacks was informed yesterday.
This was revealed when Attorney General (AG) Dappula de Livera’s Coordinating Officer, State Counsel, Nishara Jayaratne appeared before the PCoI.
The commission prevented the counsel disclosing the PSC decision.
A request by Shavindra Fernando, PC, who appeared for Navavi, to declare Jayaratne guilty of contempt of PCoI was rejected by a majority of the Commissioners.
By Saman Indrajith
The Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) yesterday said that the proposed handing over of the Colombo Port’s East Container Terminal to India’s Adani Group contravened the government’s repeated pledge to give priority to Sri Lankan firms.
Chief Opposition Whip and Kandy District SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella said that the Adani Group was facing allegations of serious malpractices and the government should explain to the nation the criteria it had adopted in giving that company the contract to operate the ECT. “The question is whether there is no local investor who can invest USD 500 million. This government came to power promising to promote the local companies and entrepreneurs but it is now handing over the vital terminal to foreign companies. In that case, too, they cannot find companies with clean records.”
By Ifham Nizam
Nalinda Illangakoon, who assumed duties as the Vice Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board, recently, said he would strive to achieve President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s of goal promoting renewable energy and providing electricity at a minimal cost.
Power and Energy Minister Dullas Allhaperuma said that the newly appoint CEB Vice Chairman’s professional experience and leadership skills gained through in various fields would be a great strength to the National Power Development Programme being carried out by the Ministry of Power and Energy.
Illangakoon is an alumnus of St. Mary’s College, Matugama and Bandaranaike College, Gampaha. He also served as Chairman of the National Youth Corps as well as the Skills Development Fund, Director of the Dangerous Drugs Administration and a Senior Manager of the Associated Newspapers. He is currently the Chairman of the Complex Business Group and its owner.