this is bbc news. the headlines: russia is claiming a rare victory in what's become a war of attrition in ukraine. it says it's captured the eastern salt—mining town of soledar, though ukraine says fighting is continuing. the town had been pummelled for weeks in one of the most intense battles of the war. brazil's supreme court has decided that prosecutors should investigate the role of the former president, jair bolsonaro, in the storming of congress. the violence was carried out by thousands of radical bolsonaro supporters who continue to claim that october's election was rigged. the former president is in florida.

on a trip to washington, japan's prime minister has warned that russia's invasion of ukraine has opened a dangerous new era for the world. fumio kishida said russian aggression could encourage similar acts elsewhere, and china remained the central challenge for both the us and japan. now on bbc news, global questions: sri lanka. welcome global questions: sri lanka. to global questions. from welcome to global questions. from the heart of sri lanka's capital, colombo. iam from the heart of sri lanka's capital, colombo. i am outside the presidential office, and todayis the presidential office, and today is pristine exterior is well guarded. but six months ago, angry and i government protesters firmed —— storm this building as well as the presidential palace, forcing the president to flee the country. they were angry at just how desperate their economic situation had become, and they blamed government corruption and mismanagement for it. sri lanka is saddled

with heavy debt, soaring inflation and impossibly high food and fuel costs. and it has become something of a bellwether for other lower income countries. world leaders are looking to see whether sri lanka can overcome its worst economic crisis for more than 70 years, and whether it experience marks a growing trend of civil unrest. applause welcome to the magnificent national museum here in colombo, which charts the history of this beautiful island. as it marks 75 years of independence from britain, and we have a top panel here from sri lanka who are going to be answering questions from our

local audience. answering questions from our localaudience. let answering questions from our local audience. let me tell you is in the hot seat for this of global questions. sri lanka's foreign minister, until very recently he was minister of finance, and hence played a leading role in international negotiations with the economic bailout. at the end of last year he held high—level talks in washington about the economic and political crisis. we have a member of parliament for the national people's opposition party. she is a former electorate university and is a vocal critic of the government. we have one of sri lanka's leading economists. she was a member of the board of the central bank and is a consultant to various bodies such as the world bank, she is also executive director of the institute of policy studies of sri lanka. that is our panel. welcome to you all. applause and remember, you canjoin the conversation. lots of questions

to get through, so let us go to ourfirst one. to get through, so let us go to our first one.— our first one. how can sri lanka survive _ our first one. how can sri lanka survive in - our first one. how can sri lanka survive in a - our first one. how can sri lanka survive in a globall lanka survive in a global crisis like this? will this not lead to more civil unrest? thank you very much for the question _ thank you very much for the question. a very difficult time for all— question. a very difficult time for all of— question. a very difficult time for all of us. i question. a very difficult time forall of us. i hope question. a very difficult time for all of us. i hope that i had — for all of us. i hope that i had an_ for all of us. i hope that i had an answer for that, you don't — had an answer for that, you don't have it, it is not easy to to — don't have it, it is not easy to to be _ don't have it, it is not easy to to be frank with that, international prices have gone up, international prices have gone up. the — international prices have gone up, the rupee has depreciated, energy. — up, the rupee has depreciated, energy, petroleum, coal, 35% of what _ energy, petroleum, coal, 35% of what we — energy, petroleum, coal, 35% of what we are relying on for our electricity. _ what we are relying on for our electricity, and all those things. _ electricity, and all those things, but what we are trying to do— things, but what we are trying to do is— things, but what we are trying to do is to _ things, but what we are trying to do is to control inflation, curb — to do is to control inflation, curb the _ to do is to control inflation, curb the demand so that inflation is controlled. i have seen — inflation is controlled. i have seen we _ inflation is controlled. i have seen we have some positivity, 95% _ seen we have some positivity, 95% of— seen we have some positivity, 95% of the inflation injune and — 95% of the inflation injune and july— 95% of the inflation injune and july had 95% of the inflation injune and july had come down to 70, 60%. _ and july had come down to 70, 60%, and _ and july had come down to 70, 60%, and the food and general inflation — 60%, and the food and general inflation has also come down from — inflation has also come down from 85% to 50. therefore i

think— from 85% to 50. therefore i think there is no quick fix, but — think there is no quick fix, but the _ think there is no quick fix, but the only way out is to increase _ but the only way out is to increase the expert, reduce the import, — increase the expert, reduce the import, preserve the dollars and — import, preserve the dollars and repurposed it for import of important _ and repurposed it for import of important items which is necessary for day—to—day movement. necessary for day-to-day movement.— necessary for day-to-day movement. , ., movement. the second part of the question — movement. the second part of the question was _ movement. the second part of the question was critically - the question was critically more civil unrest? are we going to see millions of people out on the streets again? hopefully i don't on the streets again? hopefully i don't see _ on the streets again? hopefully i don't see that, _ on the streets again? hopefully i don't see that, but _ on the streets again? hopefully i don't see that, but i _ on the streets again? hopefully i don't see that, but i feel- i don't see that, but i feel there _ idon't see that, but i feel there is— i don't see that, but i feel there is a _ i don't see that, but i feel there is a bit of progress, i think— there is a bit of progress, i think you _ there is a bit of progress, i think you will agree with me compared to as his initial shows, _ compared to as his initial shows, we don't have the queues any longer, — shows, we don't have the queues any longer, that is because we introduced the qr code. as a result— introduced the qr code. as a result of— introduced the qr code. as a result of which, 40% of that amount— result of which, 40% of that amount is— result of which, 40% of that amount is cut off and as a result, _ amount is cut off and as a result, we are serving foreign currency— result, we are serving foreign currency which we have been repurposed in... the currency which we have been repurposed in. . ._ currency which we have been repurposed in... the answer is no, ou repurposed in. .. the answer is no. you will— repurposed in... the answer is no, you will not _ repurposed in... the answer is no, you will not see _ repurposed in... the answer is no, you will not see people - repurposed in... the answer is no, you will not see people on| no, you will not see people on the streets again. i no, you will not see people on the streets again.— the streets again. i am optimistic _ the streets again. i am optimistic that - the streets again. i am optimistic that we - the streets again. i am optimistic that we willl the streets again. i am - optimistic that we will not. let us _ optimistic that we will not. let us see what a member of the opposition thinks. i let us see what a member of the opposition thinks.— opposition thinks. i think there is _ opposition thinks. i think there is a _ opposition thinks. i think there is a lot _ opposition thinks. i think

there is a lot more - opposition thinks. i think there is a lot more that l opposition thinks. i think| there is a lot more that is opposition thinks. i think. there is a lot more that is to happen— there is a lot more that is to happen before _ there is a lot more that is to happen before we _ there is a lot more that is to happen before we can- there is a lot more that is to happen before we can go- there is a lot more that is to happen before we can go to| there is a lot more that is to - happen before we can go to that people _ happen before we can go to that people will— happen before we can go to that people will not _ happen before we can go to that people will not get _ happen before we can go to that people will not get on _ happen before we can go to that people will not get on the - people will not get on the streets _ people will not get on the streets because _ people will not get on the streets because the - people will not get on the streets because the key. streets because the key problems— streets because the key problems that - streets because the key problems that led - streets because the key problems that led to . streets because the keyl problems that led to the streets because the key- problems that led to the crisis have _ problems that led to the crisis have not— problems that led to the crisis have not been— problems that led to the crisis have not been resolved - problems that led to the crisis have not been resolved stop l problems that led to the crisis i have not been resolved stop we talked _ have not been resolved stop we talked about _ have not been resolved stop we talked about the _ have not been resolved stop we talked about the cold _ have not been resolved stop we talked about the cold crisis, - talked about the cold crisis, but what _ talked about the cold crisis, but what we _ talked about the cold crisis, but what we are _ talked about the cold crisis, but what we are seeing - talked about the cold crisis, | but what we are seeing now, talked about the cold crisis, - but what we are seeing now, the lack of— but what we are seeing now, the lack of queues _ but what we are seeing now, the lack of queues is _ but what we are seeing now, the lack of queues is not _ but what we are seeing now, the lack of queues is not because - lack of queues is not because there — lack of queues is not because there is— lack of queues is not because there is a _ lack of queues is not because there is a sufficient _ lack of queues is not because there is a sufficient supply, l there is a sufficient supply, it is— there is a sufficient supply, it is because _ there is a sufficient supply, it is because it— there is a sufficient supply, it is because it is— there is a sufficient supply, | it is because it is restricted. so this— it is because it is restricted. so this cannot _ it is because it is restricted. so this cannot go _ it is because it is restricted. so this cannot go on - it is because it is restricted. so this cannot go on in - so this cannot go on in determinedly, - so this cannot go on in determinedly, there i so this cannot go on in. determinedly, there has so this cannot go on in - determinedly, there has to be some — determinedly, there has to be some resolution _ determinedly, there has to be some resolution for— determinedly, there has to be some resolution for this, - determinedly, there has to be some resolution for this, andl some resolution for this, and also, _ some resolution for this, and also, what _ some resolution for this, and also, what i _ some resolution for this, and also, what i see _ some resolution for this, and also, what i see that - some resolution for this, and also, what i see that this- some resolution for this, and also, what i see that this is. also, what i see that this is not — also, what i see that this is notjust_ also, what i see that this is notjust economic- also, what i see that this is not just economic crisis. i also, what i see that this is. not just economic crisis. this is a _ not just economic crisis. this is a political— not just economic crisis. this is a political crisis _ not just economic crisis. this is a political crisis and - is a political crisis and people _ is a political crisis and people got— is a political crisis and people got on - is a political crisis and people got on the - is a political crisis and . people got on the streets is a political crisis and - people got on the streets last year. — people got on the streets last year. people— people got on the streets last year, people were _ people got on the streets last year, people were demanding people got on the streets last i year, people were demanding a change — year, people were demanding a change in — year, people were demanding a change in the _ year, people were demanding a change in the political- change in the political culture _ change in the political culture. they- change in the political culture. they were . change in the political- culture. they were demanding a change — culture. they were demanding a change in — culture. they were demanding a change in the _ culture. they were demanding a change in the political— culture. they were demanding a change in the political system. i change in the political system. rajapaksa~~ _ change in the political system. rajapaksa... and _ change in the political system. rajapaksa... and resigned - change in the political system. rajapaksa... and resigned by. rajapaksa... and resigned by e—mailfrom there. rajapaksa. .. and resigned by e-mail from there.— rajapaksa. .. and resigned by e-mail from there. that is part one. i e-mail from there. that is part one- i got _ e-mail from there. that is part one- i got rid _ e-mail from there. that is part one. i got rid of— e-mail from there. that is part one. i got rid of someone, - e-mail from there. that is part| one. i got rid of someone, they didn't— one. i got rid of someone, they didn't like _ one. i got rid of someone, they didn't like. having _ one. i got rid of someone, they didn't like. having replaced - didn't like. having replaced the person— didn't like. having replaced the person they _ didn't like. having replaced the person they didn't - didn't like. having replaced the person they didn't likel the person they didn't like with— the person they didn't like with a _ the person they didn't like with a person _ the person they didn't like with a person that - the person they didn't like with a person that we - the person they didn't likel with a person that we have chosen, _ with a person that we have chosen, we _ with a person that we have chosen, we haven't. - with a person that we have chosen, we haven't.- chosen, we haven't. your response _ chosen, we haven't. your response to _ chosen, we haven't. your response to the - chosen, we haven't. your| response to the question? chosen, we haven't. your. response to the question? i think shall anchor, we —— sri

lanka is through the west of the crisis but i think we are certainly not out of the woods yet. if the economic downturn is prolonged and recessionary conditions dragged on, there is a sense that people �*s lives are not improving, their livelihoods and basic sort of living standards are not going to see much improvement over the next two or three years. so it can lead to a sense of frustration, and i think it is quite right that this is not only an economic crisis, it is also a political crisis, lots of faith in governance and a political institutions. so there has to be some sense of momentum, that the problems have been recognised and some changes are coming, otherwise does not otherwise what would happen? a sense of frustration can spill over into a repeat of what we saw.—

what we saw. thank you very much indeed. _ what we saw. thank you very much indeed. let _ what we saw. thank you very much indeed. let us - what we saw. thank you very much indeed. let us go - what we saw. thank you very much indeed. let us go to i what we saw. thank you very much indeed. let us go to a | much indeed. let us go to a second question. your question please. second question. your question lease. ., please. how can corruption, which is _ please. how can corruption, which is the _ please. how can corruption, which is the leading - please. how can corruption, which is the leading reason l please. how can corruption, i which is the leading reason for why the — which is the leading reason for why the country is where it is now. — why the country is where it is now. be _ why the country is where it is now, be curbed to ensure sound policies — now, be curbed to ensure sound policies and governance? policies and governance ? sticking policies and governance? sticking out her head there, isn't she? we know about all the external factors that have gone on, but the question is that the internal factors principally corruption is the culprit. i principally corruption is the cul - rit. ~ principally corruption is the culrit. ,, ., , culprit. i think that is the key issue- _ culprit. i think that is the key issue. if— culprit. i think that is the key issue. if you - culprit. i think that is the key issue. if you look - culprit. i think that is the i key issue. if you look at the protests _ key issue. if you look at the protests last _ key issue. if you look at the protests last year, - key issue. if you look at the protests last year, one - key issue. if you look at the protests last year, one of. key issue. if you look at the i protests last year, one of the key demands— protests last year, one of the key demands of— protests last year, one of the key demands of people - protests last year, one of the key demands of people was i protests last year, one of the i key demands of people was give our stolen — key demands of people was give our stolen money— key demands of people was give our stolen money back, - key demands of people was give our stolen money back, and - key demands of people was give our stolen money back, and all. our stolen money back, and all those — our stolen money back, and all those who— our stolen money back, and all those who were _ our stolen money back, and all those who were responsible i our stolen money back, and all| those who were responsible for corruption _ those who were responsible for corruption accountable. - corruption accountable. addressing _ corruption accountable. addressing that - corruption accountable. addressing that is i corruption accountable. i addressing that is critical, but — addressing that is critical, but that— addressing that is critical, but that requires - addressing that is critical, but that requires a - addressing that is critical, i but that requires a political change. _ but that requires a political change, medical— but that requires a political change, medical reform, . but that requires a political. change, medical reform, and that— change, medical reform, and that is— change, medical reform, and that is the _ change, medical reform, and that is the point _ change, medical reform, and that is the point i— change, medical reform, and that is the point i made i that is the point i made earlier— that is the point i made earlier as _ that is the point i made earlier as well, - that is the point i made earlier as well, if i that is the point i made earlier as well, if we i that is the point i madel earlier as well, if we see that is the point i made i earlier as well, if we see this purely— earlier as well, if we see this purely in _ earlier as well, if we see this purely in terms _ earlier as well, if we see this purely in terms of _ earlier as well, if we see this purely in terms of an - earlier as well, if we see this l purely in terms of an economic crisis. — purely in terms of an economic crisis. that— purely in terms of an economic crisis, that would _ purely in terms of an economic crisis, that would be _ purely in terms of an economic crisis, that would be missing . crisis, that would be missing the lrig — crisis, that would be missing the big picture. _ crisis, that would be missing the big picture. this- crisis, that would be missing the big picture. this is- crisis, that would be missing the big picture. this is a i the big picture. this is a political— the big picture. this is a political crisis _ the big picture. this is a political crisis and i the big picture. this is a political crisis and the l political crisis and the decisions _ political crisis and the decisions and - political crisis and the decisions and choices|

political crisis and the i decisions and choices that politicians _ decisions and choices that politicians have _ decisions and choices that politicians have made i decisions and choices that| politicians have made lead decisions and choices that i politicians have made lead to this crisis. _ politicians have made lead to this crisis, and _ politicians have made lead to this crisis, and those - this crisis, and those politicians— this crisis, and those politicians have i this crisis, and those politicians have to i this crisis, and those| politicians have to be this crisis, and those i politicians have to be held accountable _ politicians have to be held accountable for— politicians have to be held accountable for the - politicians have to be held i accountable for the decisions they— accountable for the decisions they make _ accountable for the decisions they make and _ accountable for the decisions they make and the _ accountable for the decisions i they make and the consequences and the _ they make and the consequences and the suffering _ they make and the consequences and the suffering that _ they make and the consequences and the suffering that people i and the suffering that people have — and the suffering that people have had _ and the suffering that people have had to _ and the suffering that people have had to undergo - and the suffering that people have had to undergo as i and the suffering that people have had to undergo as a i have had to undergo as a result. _ have had to undergo as a result, unless _ have had to undergo as a result, unless that i result, unless that accountability i result, unless that accountability is. result, unless that - accountability is taken care of, accountability is taken care of. i— accountability is taken care of. i think_ accountability is taken care of, i think we _ accountability is taken care of, i think we will- accountability is taken care of, i think we will never- accountability is taken care of, i think we will never be| of, i think we will never be able — of, i think we will never be able to— of, i think we will never be able to really— of, i think we will never be able to really resolve - of, i think we will never be able to really resolve this. able to really resolve this crisis. _ able to really resolve this crisis, and _ able to really resolve this crisis, and in— able to really resolve this crisis, and in fact, - able to really resolve this . crisis, and in fact, corruption is key~ — crisis, and in fact, corruption is ke . , , is key. everybody here in the audience _ is key. everybody here in the audience in _ is key. everybody here in the audience in sri _ is key. everybody here in the audience in sri lanka - is key. everybody here in the audience in sri lanka is - is key. everybody here in the | audience in sri lanka is aware of what is going on. give a quick couple of lines to people out there when you see stolen money. what do you mean exactly?— money. what do you mean exactl ? , , ., , , exactly? during the protests last year. — exactly? during the protests last year. one _ exactly? during the protests last year, one of _ exactly? during the protests last year, one of the - exactly? during the protests last year, one of the key - last year, one of the key demands— last year, one of the key demands of— last year, one of the key demands of the - last year, one of the key demands of the people, | last year, one of the key . demands of the people, of last year, one of the key - demands of the people, of the protesters _ demands of the people, of the protesters was _ demands of the people, of the protesters was give _ demands of the people, of the protesters was give our - demands of the people, of the protesters was give our stolen| protesters was give our stolen money — protesters was give our stolen money back _ protesters was give our stolen money back. that _ protesters was give our stolen money back. that was - protesters was give our stolen money back. that was one - protesters was give our stolen money back. that was one ofl protesters was give our stolen i money back. that was one of the bil money back. that was one of the big slogans _ money back. that was one of the big slogans. that _ money back. that was one of the big slogans. that was _ money back. that was one of the big slogans. that was from - money back. that was one of the big slogans. that was from the l big slogans. that was from the idea _ big slogans. that was from the idea that — big slogans. that was from the idea that people _ big slogans. that was from the idea that people had _ big slogans. that was from the idea that people had that - big slogans. that was from the idea that people had that the l idea that people had that the economic— idea that people had that the economic crisis— idea that people had that the economic crisis does - idea that people had that the economic crisis does not - idea that people had that the | economic crisis does not what idea that people had that the l economic crisis does not what i mean _ economic crisis does not what i mean are — economic crisis does not what i mean are you _ economic crisis does not what i mean are you talking _ economic crisis does not what i mean are you talking about - mean are you talking about misappropriated _ mean are you talking about misappropriated money, i mean are you talking about - misappropriated money, economic mismanagement _ misappropriated money, economic mismanagement... excessive- mismanagement... excessive villages, _ mismanagement... excessive villages, people _ mismanagement... excessive villages, people in _ mismanagement... excessive villages, people in power- villages, people in power

enjoy, _ villages, people in power enjoy, backroom - villages, people in power enjoy, backroom deals, i enjoy, backroom deals, commissions, - enjoy, backroom deals, commissions, all- enjoy, backroom deals, commissions, all of- enjoy, backroom deals, . commissions, all of these issues _ commissions, all of these issues. �* . commissions, all of these issues. �* , , ., issues. and this has been going on for a very — issues. and this has been going on for a very long _ issues. and this has been going on for a very long time. - issues. and this has been going on for a very long time. this - on for a very long time. this has been — on for a very long time. this has been going _ on for a very long time. this has been going on _ on for a very long time. this has been going on for- on for a very long time. this has been going on for years. it is important _ has been going on for years. it is important to _ has been going on for years. it is important to recognise - has been going on for years. it is important to recognise that| is important to recognise that this is— is important to recognise that this is hot— is important to recognise that this is not about _ is important to recognise that this is not about covid - is important to recognise that this is not about covid or- is important to recognise that this is not about covid or thei this is not about covid or the last— this is not about covid or the last three _ this is not about covid or the last three years. _ this is not about covid or the last three years. it _ this is not about covid or the last three years. it is - last three years. it is something _ last three years. it is something that - last three years. it is something that is - last three years. it is - something that is systemic. corruption _ something that is systemic. corruption is _ something that is systemic. corruption is an _ something that is systemic. corruption is an limited - something that is systemic. j corruption is an limited that we have _ corruption is an limited that we have with the 21st amendment restored _ we have with the 21st amendment restored the independent councils, we are in the process of developing that, and by that, — of developing that, and by that, we _ of developing that, and by that, we have recognised and become — that, we have recognised and become corruption convention, and also — become corruption convention, and also the anticorruption law will conre _ and also the anticorruption law will come into place. but corruption is one of the key denrands— corruption is one of the key demands popular one, but to be honest. — demands popular one, but to be honest, that is not the only thing — honest, that is not the only thing. we have an extra large size _ thing. we have an extra large size public service of 1.6 nriition _ size public service of 1.6 million people which works out extent — million people which works out extent to — million people which works out extent to one, whereas india has 177 — extent to one, whereas india has 177 to _ extent to one, whereas india has 177 to one which we can't account— has 177 to one which we can't account for. 86% of our last year's — account for. 86% of our last year's revenue went only for payment _ year's revenue went only for payment of salaries, you cannot run a _ payment of salaries, you cannot run a country like that. 70% of our entirety of the budget this year— our entirety of the budget this year went for loan payment and

loan _ year went for loan payment and loan interest repayments, so it is easy— loan interest repayments, so it is easy to — loan interest repayments, so it is easy to say the corruption is easy to say the corruption isjust— is easy to say the corruption isjust one _ is easy to say the corruption isjust one point, there are nrassive _ isjust one point, there are massive refined... it isjust one point, there are massive refined. . .- massive refined... it is a factor- — massive refined... it is a factor. you _ massive refined... it is a factor. you are - massive refined... it is a factor. you are saying, l massive refined... it is a l factor. you are saying, but what tangible actions and mechanisms are being implemented to ensure that you have that accountability of funds? ~ ., ., ., funds? we are looking at an anticorruption _ funds? we are looking at an anticorruption law _ funds? we are looking at an anticorruption law in - funds? we are looking at an anticorruption law in the - funds? we are looking at an i anticorruption law in the style of hong — anticorruption law in the style of hong kong to give further power— of hong kong to give further power to the independent commissions of corruption, so that— commissions of corruption, so that more _ commissions of corruption, so that more persecutions can take place _ that more persecutions can take lace. . ., place. failure to meet -- him, not me! _ place. failure to meet -- him, not me! i— place. failure to meet -- him, not me! i think— place. failure to meet -- him, not me! i think the _ place. failure to meet -- him, not me! i think the issue - place. failure to meet -- him, not me! i think the issue here| not me! i think the issue here is that corruption, _ not me! i think the issue here is that corruption, as - not me! i think the issue here is that corruption, as we - not me! i think the issue here is that corruption, as we have j is that corruption, as we have understood. _ is that corruption, as we have understood, it— is that corruption, as we have understood, it is— is that corruption, as we have understood, it is systemic- understood, it is systemic here, _ understood, it is systemic here, and _ understood, it is systemic here, and it _ understood, it is systemic here, and it is— understood, it is systemic here, and it is not- understood, it is systemic here, and it is notjust- understood, it is systemic here, and it is notjust a l understood, it is systemic. here, and it is notjust a case ofm — here, and it is notjust a case ofm it— here, and it is notjust a case ofm it is— here, and it is notjust a case of... it is about _ here, and it is notjust a case of... it is about holding - of... it is about holding peopie _ of... it is about holding people accountable, i of... it is about holdingl people accountable, this government— people accountable, this government has- people accountable, this government has been. people accountable, this government has been in| people accountable, this - government has been in power for three — government has been in power for three years _ government has been in power for three years already. - government has been in power for three years already. threei for three years already. three years— for three years already. three years now? _ for three years already. three years now? 2.5, _ for three years already. three years now? 2.5, three - for three years already. three years now? 2.5, three years. i years now? 2.5, three years. where — years now? 2.5, three years. where is — years now? 2.5, three years. where is it— years now? 2.5, three years. where is it accountability? .

where is it accountability? what — where is it accountability? what has _ where is it accountability? what has happened - where is it accountability? what has happened wheni where is it accountability? - what has happened when they have _ what has happened when they have treen— what has happened when they have been in— what has happened when they have been in power? - what has happened when they have been in power? what- what has happened when they i have been in power? what about the ongoing _ have been in power? what about the ongoing corruption? - have been in power? what about the ongoing corruption? there i the ongoing corruption? there have _ the ongoing corruption? there have treen— the ongoing corruption? there have been instances— the ongoing corruption? there have been instances right - the ongoing corruption? there| have been instances right now, as we _ have been instances right now, as we speak, _ have been instances right now, as we speak, of— have been instances right now, as we speak, of corruption - as we speak, of corruption going _ as we speak, of corruption going on _ as we speak, of corruption going on he _ as we speak, of corruption going on. he also- as we speak, of corruption going on. he also spoke . as we speak, of corruption - going on. he also spoke about the blow— going on. he also spoke about the blow to _ going on. he also spoke about the blow to the _ going on. he also spoke about the blow to the public - going on. he also spoke about the blow to the public sector. i the blow to the public sector. who — the blow to the public sector. who is — the blow to the public sector. who is responsible _ the blow to the public sector. who is responsible for- the blow to the public sector. who is responsible for that? i who is responsible for that? who— who is responsible for that? who hired _ who is responsible for that? who hired those _ who is responsible for that? who hired those people? i who is responsible for that? | who hired those people? we who is responsible for that? who hired those people? we are auoin to who hired those people? we are going to come — who hired those people? we are going to come to _ who hired those people? we are going to come to that. _ who hired those people? we are| going to come to that. applause i am so sorry, minister, but they like what she is saying and you didn't get any applause for the answer. anyway, let us hear your response to the question about corruption. i question about corruption. i tend to agree with what the minister said to the extent that corruption is one of the sort of manifestations of the broader issue of loss of accountability and weakening of institutions that we have had, and i think we need to, we can have certain structures and places in place, but i think one of the biggest areas or

reforms that people are demanding is actually in the political leadership, because corruption has not sprung on us overnight, and economic crisis did not spring up overnight either. this has been successive governments over the last few decades where we have persistently seen institutions been weakening. so there is no quick fix. mil been weakening. so there is no cuick fix. �* ., quick fix. all right. i am orirn quick fix. all right. i am going to _ quick fix. all right. i am going to take _ quick fix. all right. i am going to take the - quick fix. all right. i am going to take the next | quick fix. all right. i am i going to take the next two questions together because they both ask something that is related. ., ,., ., both ask something that is related. ., ., ., , related. how important does the ranel related. how important does the panel think _ related. how important does the panel think welfare _ related. how important does the panel think welfare reforms - panel think welfare reforms will he _ panel think welfare reforms will be in the coming months to support— will be in the coming months to support those most affected by the cost — support those most affected by the cost of living crisis? thank— the cost of living crisis? thank you, and the next one. a nutritious meal for children in the general— nutritious meal for children in the general population - nutritious meal for children in the general population as - nutritious meal for children in the general population as a l the general population as a whole — the general population as a whole has _ the general population as a whole has been _ the general population as a whole has been absent - the general population as a whole has been absent fori the general population as a i whole has been absent for a long — whole has been absent for a long tinre _ whole has been absent for a long time. what _ whole has been absent for a long time. what are - whole has been absent for a long time. what are the - long time. what are the immediate _ long time. what are the immediate steps- long time. what are the immediate steps that. long time. what are the i immediate steps that have long time. what are the - immediate steps that have been

taken _ immediate steps that have been taken that— immediate steps that have been taken that will— immediate steps that have been taken that will be _ immediate steps that have been taken that will be successful - taken that will be successful even — taken that will be successful even in _ taken that will be successful even in the _ taken that will be successful even in the long _ taken that will be successful even in the long run? - taken that will be successful even in the long run? two. even in the long run? two questions _ even in the long run? two questions there, - even in the long run? two questions there, one - even in the long run? two questions there, one is i even in the long run?- questions there, one is about emergency welfare for people who are in a desperate situation right now. people i thought of choosing about whether they should eat, whether they should eat, whether their children relate, which child should go to school and which shouldn't. it really is a dire situation, and what can be done in the long run? well, i think there has not been a disruption to the sri lankan welfare schemes related to schoolchildren. there is a free midday meal, schooling is accessible to all at no cost. the issue is that we've had significant hyperinflation in this country, running at over 90%. so whatever daily meals were being provided by the government, you are not able to provide that same meal now, because the cost has almost doubled. and unfortunately, given the fact that we are in an economic crisis and the

government needs to cut back on expenditures means there isn't that amount of funding their two pop—up what should have topped up by now. so i think all of these means we are relying on multilateral agencies to provide some funding, but in the long—term, we need to get all of the imf programmes, all of that tightened up so that budgetary support comes to scale these up, otherwise it will continue to be a big problem. the united nations is _ to be a big problem. the united nations is really _ to be a big problem. the united nations is really sounding - to be a big problem. the united nations is really sounding the l nations is really sounding the alarm bells, saying that half of the population in sri lanka could really fall into poverty. so there is a huge problem with targeting, and with effectiveness of existing welfare programmes. the heavy politicisation _ welfare programmes. the heavy politicisation of _ welfare programmes. the heavy politicisation of government - politicisation of government programmes where governments are coming to power tends to provide the welfare based on

political affiliation rather than actual needs of the does become a major burden on the welfare programmes in general. your response?— your response? one of the conditions _ your response? one of the conditions of _ your response? one of the conditions of the _ your response? one of the conditions of the imf - your response? one of the - conditions of the imf programme is also _ conditions of the imf programme is also to— conditions of the imf programme is also to roll over the social protection net to see the most vulnerable there and of course, the midday meal programme is going _ the midday meal programme is going on— the midday meal programme is going on but generally, more than — going on but generally, more than 3 — going on but generally, more than 3 million families have been — than 3 million families have been covered. but i do agree that— been covered. but i do agree that some verifications need to be done — that some verifications need to be done. there are some people who have — be done. there are some people who have already been evaluated from _ who have already been evaluated from the — who have already been evaluated from the programme but still getting — from the programme but still getting it and some have been left out — getting it and some have been left out that need to come and the new— left out that need to come and the new programme going on along — the new programme going on along with the world bank in order— along with the world bank in order to _ along with the world bank in order to identify that and upgrade that. but order to identify that and upgrade that.— order to identify that and upgrade that. but time is cominr upgrade that. but time is coming out _ upgrade that. but time is coming out before - upgrade that. but time is| coming out before running upgrade that. but time is - coming out before running out, isn't it? willa very hungry right now and the government is, it seems, virtually on the verge of bankruptcy and even the president said a few months ago that finding $1 million was ago that finding $1 million was a bit of a challenge. {iii a bit of a challenge. of course. _ a bit of a challenge. of course, but _ a bit of a challenge. of course, but if - a bit of a challenge. of course, but if you look at it

from — course, but if you look at it from a _ course, but if you look at it from a 700 million worth of us dollars— from a 700 million worth of us dollars funding came in from the agencies and larger part of it, the agencies and larger part of it. 350 — the agencies and larger part of it, 350 million us dollars were direct— it, 350 million us dollars were direct towards social security net and _ direct towards social security net and that is how we have been — net and that is how we have been met— net and that is how we have been met and, of course, we all tend _ been met and, of course, we all tend to — been met and, of course, we all tend to agree not a word about it, tend to agree not a word about it. we're — tend to agree not a word about it, we're not out of the woods and _ it, we're not out of the woods and people are suffering but if you look— and people are suffering but if you look at from march and may the people were told they were starting — the people were told they were starting in septemberand starting in september and starting in septemberand starting in septemberand starting in october but it has not happened because a lot of funding — not happened because a lot of funding was put in to fertilise that~ — funding was put in to fertilise that. �* . , funding was put in to fertilise that. . ., ,, funding was put in to fertilise that. ~ ., ,, that. and it may happen, it may ha ren, that. and it may happen, it may happen. right? _ that. and it may happen, it may happen. right? it— that. and it may happen, it may happen, right? it has _ that. and it may happen, it may| happen, right? it has happened, there are people _ happen, right? it has happened, there are people going - happen, right? it has happened, there are people going hungry i there are people going hungry as we speak it is not as if we're out of the woods. {iii we're out of the woods. of course we _ we're out of the woods. of course we are not out of the woods _ course we are not out of the woods. ., ,. , , ., woods. from schools, people are faintinr woods. from schools, people are fainting during — woods. from schools, people are fainting during school— woods. from schools, people are fainting during school assembly l fainting during school assembly because they go to school hungry. it's notjust about filling your stomach but about nutrition and that's the real issues, whether they are getting nutritious meals and having access to nutritious foods so there really needs to be emergency response there and that needs to happen. crosstalk._ that needs to happen. crosstalk. ., ., ., .,

crosstalk. not enough, not on the scale that _ crosstalk. not enough, not on the scale that is _ crosstalk. not enough, not on the scale that is required. - the scale that is required. thank you for that, your next question. thank you for that, your next question-— thank you for that, your next question. thank you for that, your next ruestion. ,, ., , ., ., question. shlemenko has one of the largest _ question. shlemenko has one of the largest public— question. shlemenko has one of the largest public sectors - question. shlemenko has one of the largest public sectors in - the largest public sectors in the largest public sectors in the world. _ the largest public sectors in the world, around - the largest public sectors in the world, around 1.6- the largest public sectors in. the world, around 1.6 million peopie — the world, around 1.6 million peopie for— the world, around 1.6 million peopie for a _ the world, around 1.6 million people for a population - the world, around 1.6 million people for a population of. the world, around 1.6 million people for a population of 22i people for a population of 22 million — people for a population of 22 million -- _ people for a population of 22 million —— sri _ people for a population of 22 million —— sri lanka. - people for a population of 22 million —— sri lanka. 86% . people for a population of 22 million —— sri lanka. 86% of| million —— sri lanka. 86% of government— million —— sri lanka. 86% of government revenue - million —— sri lanka. 86% of- government revenue apparently goes — government revenue apparently goes to_ government revenue apparently goes to paying _ government revenue apparently goes to paying salaries - government revenue apparently goes to paying salaries and - goes to paying salaries and pensions _ goes to paying salaries and pensions and _ goes to paying salaries and pensions and so _ goes to paying salaries and pensions and so this - goes to paying salaries and pensions and so this is - pensions and so this is definitely— pensions and so this isi definitely unsustainable pensions and so this is - definitely unsustainable so how can we — definitely unsustainable so how can we reduce _ definitely unsustainable so how can we reduce this? _ definitely unsustainable so how can we reduce this? if- definitely unsustainable so how can we reduce this?— can we reduce this? if you include the _ can we reduce this? if you include the defence - can we reduce this? if you | include the defence forces, can we reduce this? if you - include the defence forces, the army in sri lanka is huge, ali sabry, and you know, is the question has been said, we've seen various figures between 70 and 80% of national spending goes into paying salaries. it’s goes into paying salaries. it's insupportable, isn't it? lastly 86%— insupportable, isn't it? lastly 86% but _ insupportable, isn't it? lastly 86% but right now it has come down — 86% but right now it has come down to— 86% but right now it has come down to 65 because revenue has gone _ down to 65 because revenue has gone up — down to 65 because revenue has gone up because of... crosstalk. still very high. we all a . ree. crosstalk. still very high. we allagree. but crosstalk. still very high. we all agree. but the problem crosstalk. still very high. we allagree. but the problem is some — allagree. but the problem is some of— allagree. but the problem is some of my friends in the party io some of my friends in the party go to— some of my friends in the party go to the — some of my friends in the party go to the university, drag the people — go to the university, drag the people onto the street and once they come back they are not

employable and then they are not employable and you force them — not employable and you force them to — not employable and you force them to give the government job. — them to give the government job, the — them to give the government job, the organise themselves, they— job, the organise themselves, they organise themselves from unemployed graduate union, they want to— unemployed graduate union, they want to fix the public sector, public— want to fix the public sector, public sector is bloated so these _ public sector is bloated so these are challenges but this is not — these are challenges but this is not a — these are challenges but this is not a time to point fingers at each _ is not a time to point fingers at each other. all of us have to be — at each other. all of us have to be blamed on this. because 907i, — to be blamed on this. because 9071, the _ to be blamed on this. because 9071, the price in 1988 with the uprising, all have contributed to this. no money is free, — contributed to this. no money is free, they are trying to say that— is free, they are trying to say that paragon is a virtue but it isn't — that paragon is a virtue but it isn't the _ that paragon is a virtue but it isn't the case, they are responsible and my party is responsible and my party is responsible and my party is responsible and all the parties are responsible for what we have, — are responsible for what we have, 75_ are responsible for what we have, 75 years, it is the moment— have, 75 years, it is the moment of truth and we all must be honest— moment of truth and we all must be honest to admit that and deel— be honest to admit that and deal with it.— dealwith it. it's a really callous _ dealwith it. it's a really callous response - dealwith it. it's a really callous response to - dealwith it. it's a really callous response to the | callous response to the situation _ callous response to the situation but _ callous response to the situation but we - callous response to the situation but we are - callous response to the situation but we are in| callous response to the - situation but we are in right now — situation but we are in right now people _ situation but we are in right now. people are _ situation but we are in right now. people are not - situation but we are in right| now. people are not getting situation but we are in right. now. people are not getting on the streets _ now. people are not getting on the streets because _ now. people are not getting on the streets because they- now. people are not getting on| the streets because they choose to get _ the streets because they choose to get on — the streets because they choose to get on the _ the streets because they choose to get on the streets. _ the streets because they choose to get on the streets. they- the streets because they choose to get on the streets. they are i to get on the streets. they are getting — to get on the streets. they are getting on— to get on the streets. they are getting on the _ to get on the streets. they are getting on the streets - to get on the streets. they are getting on the streets becausei getting on the streets because there — getting on the streets because there were _ getting on the streets because there were actual— getting on the streets because there were actual problems. . getting on the streets because there were actual problems. ii there were actual problems. i think— there were actual problems. i think is— there were actual problems. i think is a _ there were actual problems. i think is a glib _ there were actual problems. i think is a glib answer- there were actual problems. i think is a glib answer to -

there were actual problems. i think is a glib answer to say. think is a glib answer to say is the — think is a glib answer to say is the education _ think is a glib answer to say is the education sector- think is a glib answer to say is the education sector that| think is a glib answer to say. is the education sector that is to blame _ is the education sector that is to blame for— is the education sector that is to blame for the _ is the education sector that is to blame for the poor- is the education sector that is l to blame for the poor economy. the economy— to blame for the poor economy. the economy is— to blame for the poor economy. the economy is the _ to blame for the poor economy. the economy is the response i the economy is the response that— the economy is the response that the _ the economy is the response that the economy _ the economy is the response that the economy needs - the economy is the response that the economy needs to l that the economy needs to produce _ that the economy needs to produce enough— that the economy needs to produce enoughjobs, - that the economy needs to produce enoughjobs, the| produce enough jobs, the economy— produce enoughjobs, the economy needs _ produce enoughjobs, the economy needs to - produce enoughjobs, the economy needs to be - produce enoughjobs, the - economy needs to be resilient enough — economy needs to be resilient enough to— economy needs to be resilient enough to absorb _ economy needs to be resilient enough to absorb those - economy needs to be resilient enough to absorb those who l economy needs to be resilient l enough to absorb those who are coming — enough to absorb those who are coming out _ enough to absorb those who are coming out of— enough to absorb those who are coming out of the _ enough to absorb those who are coming out of the university - coming out of the university system _ coming out of the university system we _ coming out of the university system. we do— coming out of the university system. we do not- coming out of the university system. we do not have - coming out of the university i system. we do not have that. people — system. we do not have that. people are _ system. we do not have that. people are getting _ system. we do not have that. people are getting on - system. we do not have that. people are getting on the - people are getting on the streets _ people are getting on the streets and _ people are getting on the streets and this _ people are getting on the streets and this will- people are getting on the streets and this will be i streets and this will be government, - streets and this will be government, includingi streets and this will be i government, including mr president _ government, including mr president rex _ government, including mr president rex tom - government, including mr president rex tom singer government, including mr- president rex tom singer was happy— president rex tom singer was happy to— president rex tom singer was happy to see _ president rex tom singer was happy to see students - president rex tom singer was happy to see students on - president rex tom singer was happy to see students on the i happy to see students on the streets — happy to see students on the streets before _ happy to see students on the streets before he _ happy to see students on the streets before he became - streets before he became president— streets before he became president of— streets before he became president of the - streets before he became president of the country. streets before he became . president of the country and now— president of the country and now students— president of the country and now students are _ president of the country and now students are becoming | president of the country and - now students are becoming enemy number— now students are becoming enemy number one — now students are becoming enemy number one which— now students are becoming enemy number one which is— now students are becoming enemy number one which is not— now students are becoming enemy number one which is not fair. - number one which is not fair. it's number one which is not fair. it's not — number one which is not fair. it's not fair _ number one which is not fair. it's not fair. he _ number one which is not fair. it's not fair. he has _ number one which is not fair. it's not fair. he has to - it's not fair. he has to remember— it's not fair. he has to remember how- it's not fair. he has to remember how he - it's not fair. he has toi remember how he got it's not fair. he has to i remember how he got to it's not fair. he has to - remember how he got to the position— remember how he got to the position he's— remember how he got to the position he's in. _ remember how he got to the position he's in. he - remember how he got to the position he's in. he is- remember how he got to the position he's in. he is an - position he's in. he is an unelected _ position he's in. he is an unelected president- position he's in. he is an unelected president and| position he's in. he is an . unelected president and he position he's in. he is an - unelected president and he got to the — unelected president and he got to the position _ unelected president and he got to the position because - unelected president and he got to the position because of- unelected president and he got to the position because of the. to the position because of the protests— to the position because of the protests on— to the position because of the protests on the _ to the position because of the protests on the street. - to the position because of the i protests on the street. another blame — protests on the street. another blame students _ protests on the street. another blame students for— protests on the street. another blame students for what - protests on the street. another blame students for what is - blame students for what is happening _ blame students for what is happening is _ blame students for what is happening is really- blame students for what is happening is really not - blame students for what is i happening is really not taking responsibility. _ happening is really not taking responsibility. 0k, _ happening is really not taking responsibility. 0k. the - responsibility. 0k. the conditions _ responsibility. 0k. the conditions i _ responsibility. 0k. the conditions i created - responsibility.“ the conditions i created a i conditions i created a situation _ conditions i created a situation that- conditions i created a situation that led - conditions i created a i situation that led people conditions i created a - situation that led people to the streets. _ situation that led people to the streets. [— situation that led people to the streets.— situation that led people to the streets. i will remind you the streets. i will remind you the prime — the streets. i will remind you the prime minister _ the streets. i will remind you the prime minister at - the streets. i will remind you the prime minister at the - the streets. i will remind you | the prime minister at the time when gotabaya rajapaksa left office and he then became president and a lot of people in telenka believe he does not have a mandate to be the

president but how does this relate to the question that was asked about how you can reduce the bloated size of the public sector? it the bloated size of the public sector? ., , the bloated size of the public sector? . , ., , the bloated size of the public sector? ., , , ., sector? it has to be, sorry, go ahead. sector? it has to be, sorry, go ahead- you — sector? it has to be, sorry, go ahead. you are _ sector? it has to be, sorry, go ahead. you are being - sector? it has to be, sorry, go ahead. you are being very - ahead. you are being very olite ahead. you are being very polite now. _ ahead. you are being very polite now. she _ ahead. you are being very polite now. she is- ahead. you are being very polite now. she is my - polite now. she is my colleague. _ polite now. she is my colleague. the - polite now. she is my colleague. the public| polite now. she is my - colleague. the public sector certainly... _ colleague. the public sector certainly... our— colleague. the public sector certainly... our position - colleague. the public sector certainly... our position as| certainly... 0ur position as the — certainly... 0ur position as the public— certainly... 0ur position as the public sector— certainly... 0ur position as the public sector needs - certainly... 0ur position as the public sector needs toi certainly... 0ur position as l the public sector needs to be strengthened, _ the public sector needs to be strengthened, strengthened| the public sector needs to be - strengthened, strengthened does not mean — strengthened, strengthened does not mean expansion _ strengthened, strengthened does not mean expansion or— strengthened, strengthened does not mean expansion or bloating, i not mean expansion or bloating, and if— not mean expansion or bloating, and if you — not mean expansion or bloating, and if you look— not mean expansion or bloating, and if you look at _ not mean expansion or bloating, and if you look at why _ not mean expansion or bloating, and if you look at why the - and if you look at why the public _ and if you look at why the public sector— and if you look at why the public sector has - and if you look at why the public sector has been - and if you look at why the - public sector has been bloated and if— public sector has been bloated and if you _ public sector has been bloated and if you look— public sector has been bloated and if you look at _ public sector has been bloated and if you look at in _ public sector has been bloated and if you look at in which - and if you look at in which sectors _ and if you look at in which sectors it— and if you look at in which sectors it has— and if you look at in which sectors it has been- and if you look at in which . sectors it has been bloated, it's in— sectors it has been bloated, it's in areas— sectors it has been bloated, it's in areas in— sectors it has been bloated, it's in areas in resources- it's in areas in resources where _ it's in areas in resources where it— it's in areas in resources where it is— it's in areas in resources where it is people - it's in areas in resources where it is people who. it's in areas in resources where it is people who i| it's in areas in resources- where it is people who i really am product _ where it is people who i really am product if, _ where it is people who i really am product if, being - where it is people who i really am product if, being shoved l am product if, being shoved into— am product if, being shoved into the _ am product if, being shoved into the public— am product if, being shoved into the public sector - am product if, being shoved into the public sector and i into the public sector and there _ into the public sector and there are _ into the public sector and there are lots _ into the public sector and there are lots of - into the public sector and i there are lots of vacancies in areas — there are lots of vacancies in areas that— there are lots of vacancies in areas that actually— there are lots of vacancies in areas that actually need - there are lots of vacancies in areas that actually need to l there are lots of vacancies in| areas that actually need to be filled — areas that actually need to be filled. ., . ., , .~ , filled. you have to break up this bilateral _ filled. you have to break up this bilateral thing - filled. you have to break up this bilateralthing here. . filled. you have to break up l this bilateralthing here. your this bilateral thing here. your response? i this bilateralthing here. your resume?— this bilateralthing here. your resonse? ,, ,, . response? i think sri lanka has a ublic response? i think sri lanka has a public sector _ response? i think sri lanka has a public sector that _ response? i think sri lanka has a public sector that is - response? i think sri lanka has a public sector that is far - response? i think sri lanka has a public sector that is far too i a public sector that is far too large. there is no dispute about that. the reason why it is grown in size is also political because each government that comes in, they come under pressure to absorb

more and more people into the public sector and some of it is unemployed graduates but a large chunk of it is also politicians providing employment to their supporters through the institutions that they control.— through the institutions that the control. . . . they control. thank you. we are runnint they control. thank you. we are running out _ they control. thank you. we are running out of _ they control. thank you. we are running out of time _ they control. thank you. we are running out of time so - they control. thank you. we are running out of time so let's - they control. thank you. we are running out of time so let's go l running out of time so let's go to the next question. mr; to the next question. my question _ to the next question. my question to _ to the next question. my question to you - to the next question. my question to you is what are your— question to you is what are your thoughts _ question to you is what are your thoughts on— question to you is what are your thoughts on which - your thoughts on which countries _ your thoughts on which countries sri _ your thoughts on which countries sri lanka - your thoughts on which i countries sri lanka should your thoughts on which - countries sri lanka should look at aligning _ countries sri lanka should look at aligning themselves - at aligning themselves economically- at aligning themselves economically in - at aligning themselves economically in order. at aligning themselves. economically in order to at aligning themselves - economically in order to stem the cost — economically in order to stem the cost of— economically in order to stem the cost of living _ economically in order to stem the cost of living crisis, - the cost of living crisis, given— the cost of living crisis, given sri _ the cost of living crisis, given sri lanka's- the cost of living crisis, i given sri lanka's current precarious _ given sri lanka's current precarious financial- precarious financial predicament - precarious financial predicament as - precarious financiali predicament as well precarious financial- predicament as well as for future _ predicament as well as for future growth _ predicament as well as for future growth and - future growth and sustainability. - future growth and sustainability. future growth and sustainabili . ., ., sustainability. you kick-off on that one- _ sustainability. you kick-off on that one- i — sustainability. you kick-off on that one. i think _ sustainability. you kick-off on that one. i think if _ sustainability. you kick-off on that one. i think if you - sustainability. you kick-off on that one. i think if you look i that one. i think if you look at long-term _ that one. i think if you look at long-term economic - at long—term economic interests, my sense as an economist is that we are better aligned to the asian region because asia has been identified as a centre of growth for the next 2—3

decades. most of our investment is coming from asia, most of the technology transfer is coming from there, and imports from there, but exports are of course headed to the west. but we need to diversify our export base, find new markets and i think for us, finding new markets, it would also mostly be in the asian region. idliii be in the asian region. all ritht. be in the asian region. all right. short _ be in the asian region. all right. short answer. - be in the asian region. all| right. short answer. china, india, right. short answer. china, lndia. japan. _ right. short answer. china, india, japan, big _ right. short answer. china, india, japan, big countries| india, japan, big countries that give a lot of money to sri lanka. i that give a lot of money to sri lanka. ., that give a lot of money to sri lanka. . , .. , lanka. i agree because we need to work with _ lanka. i agree because we need to work with them _ lanka. i agree because we need to work with them but - lanka. i agree because we need to work with them but asia, - to work with them but asia, this— to work with them but asia, this is— to work with them but asia, this is the _ to work with them but asia, this is the century of asia for at least _ this is the century of asia for at least the next two or three decades— at least the next two or three decades we have to work with them — decades we have to work with them. india is growing and we have _ them. india is growing and we have to — them. india is growing and we have to integrate and partner with — have to integrate and partner with them and have the opportunity to use it so as far as china _ opportunity to use it so as far as china is _ opportunity to use it so as far as china is concerned, we need to look— as china is concerned, we need to look at— as china is concerned, we need to look at it _ as china is concerned, we need to look at it and export more than — to look at it and export more than we _ to look at it and export more than we are importing. so that's our— than we are importing. if that's our case. than we are importing. 5r that's our case. very quickly on china, maybe you could address this, many people unhappy about the fact china builds these infrastructure

projects but they are hugely inflated costs and there is the debt built up and they buy the familyjewels. like the port. i think it is part of the earlier you we spoke about of corruption. yeah.- you we spoke about of corruption. yeah. the biggest -roblem corruption. yeah. the biggest problem with _ corruption. yeah. the biggest problem with indebtedness i corruption. yeah. the biggest problem with indebtedness is| problem with indebtedness is not really— problem with indebtedness is not really china, _ problem with indebtedness is not really china, is _ problem with indebtedness is not really china, is the - not really china, is the international— not really china, is the| international sovereign not really china, is the - international sovereign bonds which — international sovereign bonds which we _ international sovereign bonds which we borrowed _ international sovereign bonds which we borrowed on - international sovereign bondsl which we borrowed on private, privately~ _ which we borrowed on private, privately. so _ which we borrowed on private, privately. so that's _ which we borrowed on private, privately. so that's the - which we borrowed on private, privately. so that's the real. privately. so that's the real problem. _ privately. so that's the real problem. not— privately. so that's the real problem, not so _ privately. so that's the real problem, not so much - privately. so that's the real problem, not so much the i problem, not so much the irilateral— problem, not so much the bilateral loans _ problem, not so much the bilateral loans that- problem, not so much the bilateral loans that we've i bilateral loans that we've taken _ bilateral loans that we've taken. ., ., bilateral loans that we've taken. i, ~' bilateral loans that we've taken. . «i , ., . taken. thank you. final question- _ taken. thank you. final question. thank - taken. thank you. final question. thank you. i taken. thank you. final question. thank you. a| taken. thank you. final. question. thank you. a lot taken. thank you. final- question. thank you. a lot of sri lankans _ question. thank you. a lot of sri lankans are _ question. thank you. a lot of sri lankans are migrating - question. thank you. a lot of sri lankans are migrating on | sri lankans are migrating on the verge _ sri lankans are migrating on the verge of— sri lankans are migrating on the verge of migrating. - sri lankans are migrating on the verge of migrating. as i sri lankans are migrating on - the verge of migrating. as much as it _ the verge of migrating. as much as it helps — the verge of migrating. as much as it helps generate _ the verge of migrating. as much as it helps generate foreign- as it helps generate foreign exchange. _ as it helps generate foreign exchange. to _ as it helps generate foreign exchange, to the _ as it helps generate foreign exchange, to the country, i as it helps generate foreignl exchange, to the country, in the long _ exchange, to the country, in the long run— exchange, to the country, in the long run we _ exchange, to the country, in the long run we are - exchange, to the country, in the long run we are losing i exchange, to the country, in. the long run we are losing top talented — the long run we are losing top talented prospective - talented prospective entrepreneurs. - talented prospective entrepreneurs. also | talented prospective - entrepreneurs. also start—ups and many— entrepreneurs. also start—ups and many of— entrepreneurs. also start—ups and many of the _ entrepreneurs. also start—ups and many of the various - entrepreneurs. also start—ups and many of the various skills| and many of the various skills that— and many of the various skills that could _ and many of the various skills that could lift _ and many of the various skills that could lift the _ and many of the various skills that could lift the country - and many of the various skills that could lift the country to l that could lift the country to a iretter— that could lift the country to a better state _ that could lift the country to a better state imaginable. l that could lift the country to - a better state imaginable. what reforms — a better state imaginable. what reforms and _ a better state imaginable. what reforms and policies _ a better state imaginable. what reforms and policies can - a better state imaginable. what reforms and policies can we - reforms and policies can we adapt — reforms and policies can we adapt to— reforms and policies can we adapt to identify _ reforms and policies can we adapt to identify and - reforms and policies can we adapt to identify and retain| adapt to identify and retain young _ adapt to identify and retain young talent? _ adapt to identify and retain young talent?— adapt to identify and retain young talent? very important tuestion

young talent? very important question but _ young talent? very important question but i'm _ young talent? very important question but i'm afraid - young talent? very important question but i'm afraid we - question but i'm afraid we cannot really go into reforms and policies but it is a sad state of affairs, more than 300,000 people left the country last year, the highest figure ever. very quickly. iterate last year, the highest figure ever. very quickly.- ever. very quickly. we are losint ever. very quickly. we are losing talent _ ever. very quickly. we are losing talent that - ever. very quickly. we are losing talent that we - ever. very quickly. we are| losing talent that we really can't afford to because sri lanka is rapidly ageing demographics, we need our young people and the only way that we can keep them back is to give them a sense of some material systemic change that is going to come to the country on the political front as well as on the economic front. if we don't have the confidence, they will keep leaving. have the confidence, they will keep leaving-— keep leaving. people are leavint keep leaving. people are leaving because - keep leaving. people are leaving because they - keep leaving. people are l leaving because they have keep leaving. people are - leaving because they have lost hope _ leaving because they have lost hope and — leaving because they have lost hope and they— leaving because they have lost hope and they don't _ leaving because they have lost hope and they don't think - leaving because they have lost hope and they don't think that| hope and they don't think that they— hope and they don't think that they can — hope and they don't think that they can build _ hope and they don't think that they can build a _ hope and they don't think that they can build a future - hope and they don't think that they can build a future in - hope and they don't think that they can build a future in the i they can build a future in the country— they can build a future in the country and _ they can build a future in the country and that _ they can build a future in the country and that needs - they can build a future in the country and that needs to . country and that needs to change _ country and that needs to change and _ country and that needs to change and people - country and that needs to change and people need. country and that needs to. change and people need to country and that needs to - change and people need to have hope _ change and people need to have hope and — change and people need to have hope and confidence _ change and people need to have hope and confidence that - change and people need to have hope and confidence that they i hope and confidence that they can carve _ hope and confidence that they can carve a _ hope and confidence that they can carve a light _ hope and confidence that they can carve a light up _ hope and confidence that they can carve a light up for- can carve a light up for themselves— can carve a light up for themselves in- can carve a light up for themselves in this - can carve a light up for- themselves in this country and for that, — themselves in this country and for that, there _ themselves in this country and for that, there needs- themselves in this country and for that, there needs to - themselves in this country and for that, there needs to be - for that, there needs to be political— for that, there needs to be political change. _ for that, there needs to be political change.— political change. minister ali sab ?i political change. minister ali sabry? i feel _ political change. minister ali sabry? i feel there - political change. minister ali sabry? ifeelthere has- political change. minister ali sabry? i feel there has to i political change. minister ali j sabry? i feelthere has to be deep economic _ sabry? i feelthere has to be deep economic reform, - deep economic reform, structural and political

reforms, because although we say that— reforms, because although we say that a _ reforms, because although we say that a lot of people are gone, _ say that a lot of people are gone, 312,000 but even in 2014 304.000 — gone, 312,000 but even in 2014 304,000 people left, and they will go — 304,000 people left, and they will go for a better standard so what _ will go for a better standard so what the alternative is is to provide an opportunity here in sri — to provide an opportunity here in sri lanka so we can retain them— in sri lanka so we can retain them and— in sri lanka so we can retain them and there is opportunity for them _ them and there is opportunity for them but even in india, people _ for them but even in india, people started to go there in the early 80s and they have come — the early 80s and they have come back and starting to come irack— come back and starting to come back and — come back and starting to come back and i'm hopeful if we all work— back and i'm hopeful if we all work together without bipartisan approach —— with a bipartisan _ bipartisan approach —— with a bipartisan approach, you can make — bipartisan approach, you can make things better.- bipartisan approach, you can make things better. thank you all very much _ make things better. thank you all very much indeed. - make things better. thank you all very much indeed. that's i all very much indeed. that's all very much indeed. that's all from this edition of global questions and whether q3 all from this edition of global questions and whether 03 is managing to put a lid on the political discontent which was by the economic crisis and i hope we have also discussed some of the lessons learned for other countries but by similar problems. remember, we other programmes that brings you the trendlines behind the headlines. me, they never talakai from here in colombo, thank you to you whatever

you're watching or listening to this programme, for me and the team goodbye. —— zeinab badawi. hello there. we hold on to a number of flood warnings up and down the country, particularly towards the south and the west of the uk because it's been so wet since the ist of january. if you have any concerns where you live, head online to check out all the latest flood warnings there. now, the good news is through this weekend, the rain will ease away, things will turn a bit dry and brighter but it's set to be much colder from sunday onwards. now, this area of low pressure is what's responsible for bringing the wet and windy weather, certainly for the first half of saturday. some atrocious road conditions around through saturday morning. localised flooding, too. but eventually, it will clear away, and it brightens up with quite a bit of sunshine around. plenty of showers, though, across the northern half of the country, and these will be wintry over the high ground of scotland. it'll be turning colder. staying quite windy

in the north and the west, the last of the milder air across the south—east. but by sunday, it's colder for all. there will be quite a bit of sunshine around. this weather front will bring a line of cloud and showers in northern ireland through north west england. snow showers will be affecting northern coastal parts of scotland, where it'll be cold, but a cold day to come for all areas.

welcome to bbc news. i'm vishala sri—pathma. our top stories: russia claims a strategic victory in ukraine, saying its troops have captured the eastern town of soledar. brazil's supreme court says prosecutors should investigate the role of former president, jair bolsonaro, in the storming of congress. in a meeting with president biden, japan's prime minister warns russia's invasion of ukraine could encourage similar acts elsewhere. and sportswear giant adidas loses a court case to stop a fashion designerfrom using a four—stripe design.