“The Rajapaksas have their share of responsibility.”

The total allocation for the North and East specifically is 4.25 billion.

"Only 14 percent of Grade 3 students reached all essential learning competencies in literacy."

Although this provision was not formally presented in the budget proposals but has been factored into the estimates

“Fiscal discipline is essential for a country,” he said.

China is also prioritising the extension of a China-Myanmar Economic Corridor to the island nation, according to Yiqin.

“We have the question of whether a government policy can be challenged in court,” said Rajapaksa.

"Citizens can go to court and seek punishment and compensation,” she said.

President Wickremesinghe and Maldivian president Dr Muizzu engaged in bilateral discussions

“The COPE meeting that was to be held at 1pm today, and there will be no further COPE meetings till further notice.”