IMF tells Sri Lanka to work “expeditiously” to gain debt relief from creditors

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday said Sri Lanka should move forward “expeditiously” to secure debt relief from its creditors to ensure debt sustainability as disbursement of any IMF financing is contingent upon that and the reforms carried out by the authorities to restore macroeconomic stability.

GR to return to SL on Saturday

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will return back to the country on Saturday, a source close to him said.

SL secures IMF staff-level pact for US $ 2.9bn EFF facility

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Sri Lankan authorities have reached a staff-level agreement to support Sri Lanka’s economic policies with 48-month arrangement under Extended Fund Facility (EFF) of about US$2.9 billion, the IMF said.

Crisis-hit Sri Lanka strikes staff-level pact with IMF on loan

Sri Lanka and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached a preliminary agreement on an emergency loan to the crisis-hit country and a formal announcement will be made on Thursday, four sources with direct knowledge of the matter said.

Tokyo will coordinate with other Sri Lanka creditors on debt: Japan Finance Minister

Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said on Tuesday it was important for all creditor nations of Sri Lanka to gather to discuss Colombo’s debt issue, adding that Tokyo would coordinate with other creditors on the matter.

Govt. to present interim budget today

The government of President Ranil Wickremesinghe is scheduled to present an interim budget to Parliament today for the remainder of 2022, as the crisis-hit nation tries to stay afloat.

Govt. agrees to submit documents in Parliament over Ranjan’s release

The government today agreed to submit in Parliament the documents pertaining to the presidential pardon to former MP Ranjan Ramanayake.

Chinese company refuses to budge

A Chinese fertilizer company involved in a dispute with Sri Lanka, has refused to budge and had demanded that Sri Lanka respect the spirit of the agreement reached between both parties.

India responds to Chinese Ambassador’s remarks on SL

Responding to recent remarks of Chinese Ambassador on Sri Lanka, Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said Sri Lanka needs support, not unwanted pressure or unnecessary controversies to serve another country’s agenda.

China says Ball is in Sri Lanka’s court

Responding to Sri Lanka’s request for China to change its tune on debt relief, a spokesman for the Chinese embassy said the ball is in Sri Lanka’s court, not China’s.

Ranjan leaves prison

Former Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake, who was serving a four-year sentence on charges of contempt of court, left the prison a short while ago after being granted presidential pardon.

India urges its citizens to examine relevant factors before undertaking visit to Sri Lanka

India on Thursday urged its nationals planning to visit Sri Lanka to exercise caution and especially called on them to consider factors like currency convertibility and the fuel situation in that country before undertaking any essential travel.

2100+ businesses installed their own fuel storage tanks, many without permission: Minister

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that the Ministry has observed that 2100 plus businesses have installed their own fuel storage tanks as consumer points, many without approval.

Ranjan to be released during the weekend

Former MP Ranjan Ramanayake is expected to be released from prison during the weekend, Minister Harin Fernando said today.

President urges China to change tune on debt

Sri Lanka is urging China to dramatically change its stance on debt relief, President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Nikkei Asia in an exclusive interview, conceding that reaching a deal will be no simple task.

Probe reveals ‘Green Eco Lodge’ owned by MR’s son

Four suspects have been arrested by the Kolonna police over setting ablaze a luxury hotel owned by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s youngest son Rohitha Rajapaksa on May 10.

Govt. slaps import ban on wide range of goods

The Govt. yesterday issued new regulations via an extraordinary gazette suspending the import of a plethora of items, with effect from August 23, 2022, until further notice.

SL ranks 5th among 10 countries with highest food price inflation: World Bank

Sri Lanka ranked 5th among the 10 countries with the highest food price inflation in the latest World Bank assessment.

Defence Ministry signs detention orders to detain IUSF convenor and two others for 90 days

The Defence Ministry has issued Detention Orders on IUSF convenor Wasantha Mudalige and two others to be detained for 90 days and questioned, Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said.

President contacts Gotabaya about his return

President Ranil Wickremesinghe is reported to have contacted former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to discuss arrangements for his return to the country, Daily Mirror learns.

204 Lankan flights stopped for refuelling at Thiruvananthapuram airport

Four more international flights from Sri Lanka had a stopover at Thiruvananthapuram airport for refuelling on Friday. Of them, three flights, operated by SriLankan Airlines, then proceeded to Melbourne, Sydney and Paris, while the fourth, an AirArabia flight, left for Sharjah.

Gotabaya should be tried for allegations of misusing funds: SJB

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has the right to return to the nation but he should be tried for allegations of misuse of funds as he no longer enjoys legal immunity, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said today.

CB optimistic of wrapping up IMF staff-level deal towards end of this month

The Central Bank (CB) is optimistic of wrapping up the much-anticipated staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout package during the upcoming staff team visit scheduled for end of this month.

Power consumption reduced by more than 20% during past two months: PUCSL

The country’s electricity consumption has dropped sharply by more than 20% in the last two months, according to Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) Chairman Janaka Ratnayaka.

GR applies for US Green Card, looks to settle back in US

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who fled the country last month amidst public protests calling for his resignation, is awaiting to obtain a US Green Card to return back to the United States and settle there with his wife and son, the Daily Mirror learns.

Gotabaya set to return on August 24: Udayanga hints

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is set to return to the country on August 24, Former Sri Lankan ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga hinted today.

Chinese vessel ’Yuan Wang 5’ arrives

The chinese scientific research vessel ’Yuan Wang 5’ arrived at the Hambantota port this morning amid concerns raied by India.

Sri Lanka imposes ban on three new entities and 55 individuals

While de-listing six Tamil international organizations including the Global Tamil Forum (GTF) and 317 individuals, the government has added 55 new individuals and three more organizations to the banned list as part of this year’s review, informed sources said.

Arms, drug seizure from Lankan boat: Accused raised funds to revive LTTE, says NIA

In a major revelation in a case pertaining to the seizure of a huge quantity of narcotic drugs along with five AK-47 rifles and 9mm ammunition numbering 1,000 from Sri Lankan fishing boats, the NIA has stated that an accused had been involved in activities of proscribed terrorist organisation LTTE within India and abroad.

SL grants permission for entry of Chinese tracking vessel

The Sri Lanka Government yesterday (August 12) granted permission for the Chinese tracking vessel Yuang Wang 5 to dock at the Hambantota Port after the Indian and US Governments failed to give ’’concrete reasons’’ for why they opposed its arrival, said the Sunday Times.