PM expects CJ to take relevant measures regarding controversial telephone recordings

Colombo (News 1st): Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa says that he hopes the Chief Justice would take appropriate measures with regards to certain matters concerning the judiciary, revealed in the controversial telephone conversations. The Prime Minister believes measures would be taken to prevent any conflict from arising between the Legislature and the Judiciary based on these controversial telephone conversations. The remarks were made when Mahinda Rajapaksa met with the Heads of Electronic Media Institutions this morning at Temple Trees. Responding to questions, the Prime Minister said concessions provided by the Government would gradually bring down the cost of the living. The Prime Minister and Minister Bandula Gunawardena, both elaborating on the relief provided to Small and Medium Enterprises said, Banks and Financial Institutions were informed to suspend the process of taking legal action on assets of SMEs which failed to settle their debt, until December this year. Banks and Financial Institutions were also instructed to provide concessionary loans up to Rs. 300 Million at a concessionary interest rate of 10% in order to revive the SMEs. Minister Bandula Gunawardena added global oil prices are on the rise following the tensions in the Middle East, especially between Iran and the United States. He said if the taxes imposed on fuel are removed at a time when many tax reliefs were given to the public, serious issued would arise with respect to the income of the Government. The Minister said if global oil prices subject to change, decisions will have to be reached on oil prices in Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa went on to note, the Former Cabinet had approved the MCC agreement and even entered into certain agreements verbally. He added the incumbent Government would take a decision on the matter after the committee let by Lalithasiri Gunarunwan conducts a complete study on the matter.