Teachers and principals of government schools will engage in a strike action today (April 25) demanding an immediate solution to the political and economic crisis in the country.

Kaushalya Madushani, who is a Sri Lankan athlete and the national women’s 400m hurdles champion has died at the age of 25.

Thousands of students from the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) had marched towards the Presidential Secretariat initially, however due to the roads leading towards the secretariat building being barricaded and closed off by the police, they had proceeded towards the Prime Minister’s residence at Wijerama Road.

Eighteen Sri Lankans fled the economic crisis in their country, reached the Indian shores in the early hours of Friday on three fibre boats and sought asylum, the Hindu reported.

The Health Ministry has sought assistance from medical associations and professionals within the health sector to help manage the country’s essential medicines and medical equipment shortage over the next “critical” 90-day period until fresh stocks arrive.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa says the formation of any interim government requires his consent.

The International Monetary Fund said on Saturday that its staff held “fruitful technical discussions” with Sri Lankan authorities on the crisis-wracked country’s request for an IMF-supported loan program this week.

Sri Lanka’s finance minister said on Friday that its neighbour India and the World Bank are considering extending about $2 billion in bridge finance so it can continue essential imports.

Former Minister Dullas Alahapperuma has requested the President to pave the way for the formation of a new all-party government, by calling for the resignation of the Prime Minister and the entire cabinet of Ministers.

Litro Gas has decided to suspend its decision to increase prices of domestic gas cylinders, as per a government directive, the company announced today (April 22).

Litro Gas Lanka Limited increased the price of a 12.5kg liquefied petroleum gas cylinder today (April 22).

Crisis-hit Sri Lanka’s inflation hit a record high for the sixth consecutive month, official data showed on Friday as the government asked the IMF for an urgent bailout.

The body of a man suspected to have been shot and killed was found in the Diviyagala area in Kosgoda, police said.

Monaragala District MP Vijitha Berugoda has been appointed as the State Minister of Highways.

A 60-member delegation led by Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith including persons affected by the Easter Attacks left for the Vatican today (April 22) following an invitation by Pope Francis.