Category: Local News

Sri Lanka will seek World Bank assistance to stave off a severe economic crisis in addition to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) rescue plan to be discussed next month, two sources said.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) today (March 24) assured that the country’s banking system is stable, and that the operations of State Banks are being carried out smoothly.

A father, daughter and son-in-law died in a fire that erupted inside a house in the area of Menikkumburawatta, Katugastota today morning (March 24).

An expedited economic stabilization programme is needed to face the challenges before the country, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Spokesman MP M. A. Sumanthiran said.

A massive protest organised by the Jathika Jana Balawegaya (JJB) took place yesterday (March 23), in Nugegoda. The protest was against the Government that had severely burdened the public.

Sri Lanka and the United States convened the fourth Sri Lanka-US Partnership Dialogue today (March 23), in Colombo, renewing their shared commitment to economic prosperity, sustainable development, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

The All Party Conference called by Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resolve the prevailing economic crisis got underway at the Temple Trees in Colombo this morning (March 23).

The Attorney General informs Court that steps are being taken to settle the overdue salary payments of Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen of the Kurunegala Hospital during the time he was sent on compulsory leave after being suspended.

The All Party Conference convened by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa began at the President’s House a short while with the participation of representatives of respective parties.

Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa says he will reach severe decisions in future considering the prevailing situation in the country.

The use of US $ 1 billion Indian credit line for the release of around 1500 containers of essential food commodities already imported from India and stuck at the port has been hampered since some of the shippers are not ready to accept payment in Indian rupees, a spokesman said.

Sri Lanka would seek the services of an international law firm, on a long term basis, to assist it in its dealings with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Cabinet spokesman, Minister Ramesh Pathirana said on Tuesday (March 22) at the post-Cabinet press conference.

The Supreme Court has informed the Speaker that the Surcharge Tax Bill can be passed with a simple majority in Parliament as it is in accordance with the Constitution, Deputy Speaker Ranjith Siyambalapitiya told the House yesterday (March 22).

Sri Lankan lawmakers on Tuesday approved reforms to a harsh anti-terror law that rights groups have long criticized, as the country looks to shore up its trade relations with the European Union amid its worst economic crisis in memory.

Minister Namal Rajapaksa says necessary action must be taken to seek solutions instead of forcing the public to wait in fuel queues any longer.

Sri Lanka’s inflation has increased to a record 17.5 percent in the month of February.