Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka not finalizes domestic debt optimization strategy: official

COLOMBO, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe on Sunday cautioned against premature speculation regarding domestic debt optimization, emphasizing that a strategy for optimization has not yet been finalized.

Speaking to media in Colombo, Semasinghe stressed the government's commitment to ensuring the stability of the banking and financial sector.

He urged responsible and diligent discussions on the matter, as premature speculations could potentially undermine market confidence.

Over 700 Killed In Road Accidents In Sri Lanka In First Four Months

COLOMBO, Jun 13 (NNN-XINHUA) – Over 700 people were killed in road accidents in Sri Lanka, during the first four months of this year, the police said today.

Police spokesman, Nihal Thalduwa, told the media that, a total of 8,202 accidents occurred during the given period; out of these incidents, 2,799 involved motorbikes, while another 1,399 involved three-wheelers.

Thalduwa said that, 220 motorcyclists, 102 passengers and 179 pedestrians were among the fatalities, advising drivers to be careful to avoid accidents.

IMF says Sri Lanka’s economic recovery shows signs of improvement but challenges remain

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Debt-stricken Sri Lanka, which declared bankruptcy last year, is showing signs of economic improvement but its recovery still faces challenges, the International Monetary Fund said Friday.

The Indian Ocean island nation declared bankruptcy in April 2022 and said it was suspending repayment of its foreign debt. It reached an agreement with the IMF in March on a nearly $3 billion bailout program over four years.

Sri Lanka To Increase Weekly Fuel Quota From Tomorrow Night

COLOMBO, May 29 (NNN-XINHUA) – Sri Lanka’s Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekara, yesterday said, the increased new fuel quota will be available from midnight, May 30 (tomorrow).

Under the new scheme, three-wheelers can purchase up to 22 litres of fuel (up from 15 litres) per week, while motorcycles can purchase up to 14 litres (up from seven liters), said Wijesekara.

Buses can purchase up to 125 litres (up from 60 litres), cars up to 40 litres (up from 30 litres), and other land vehicles can purchase up to 45 litres (up from 25 litres).

Sri Lanka’s National Carrier Launches Loyalty Programme For Foreign Employment Agencies

COLOMBO, May 25 (NNN-XINHUA) – SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, said that, it has launched a loyalty programme, with a host of benefits for foreign employment agencies.

SriLankan Airlines has been the choice airline for many foreign employment agencies, booking passengers to the Middle East, given the airline’s extensive coverage of the region, and the airline now hopes to give back to loyal agencies through the programme, said the airline, in a statement.

Mcroeconomic situation in Sri Lanka shows tentative signs of improvement: IMF

COLOMBO, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The macroeconomic situation in Sri Lanka is showing tentative signs of improvement, with inflation moderating, the exchange rate stabilizing, and the central bank rebuilding reserves buffers, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission said on Tuesday.

In a press release, the IMF mission said that despite the above positive factors, the overall macroeconomic and policy environment remains challenging in the South Asian country.

Sri Lanka To Investigate Death Of Migrant Worker In Singapore

COLOMBO, May 21 (NNN-XINHUA) – The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), has initiated an investigation into the death of a migrant worker in Singapore, Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, Manusha Nanayakkara, told media yesterday.

The minister said that, a worker from Sri Lanka took her own life on May 19, by jumping from the 8th floor of the apartment complex, where she was employed.

Heavy showers expected to continue over SW Sri Lanka

COLOMBO, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Department of Meteorology said on Sunday that showery is expected to continue over the southwestern part of the island country.

Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in the southwestern part of the country, said the department, urging the public to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporarily localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Sri Lanka issues red warning over strong winds, rough seas

COLOMBO, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Department of Meteorology on Tuesday issued a red warning for fishing boats over strong winds and rough seas in the southeast Bay of Bengal and south Andaman Sea.

The rough seas are caused by the depression in the southeast Bay of Bengal and will gradually develop into a cyclonic storm on Wednesday, the Department of Meteorology said.

Due to this, the wind speeds in the above-mentioned sea areas will be between 50 and 60 kmph, the department said.

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