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Debt crisis: No direct UK help
The UK has so far not provided direct assistance to Sri Lanka, struggling to cope up with the balance of payment crisis.UK Development Minister Vicky Ford has explained that their support would be directed, through international lending and relief agencies. Minister Ford stated the UK position on Tuesday (06) in response to a query raised by Labour member, Sam Tarry, regarding aid to people affected by the economic crisis Minister Ford said: “The UK is closely monitoring the political, economic and security situation in Sri Lanka, including food security and livelihoods. The UK is providing economic support, through multilateral institutions, like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank (WB) and the United Nations (UN).
The UK has the joint fifth largest shares in the IMF and is a major contributor to the UN and the WB. The UK has a significant voice in international debt fora and we are working with other Paris Club members on solutions to Sri Lanka’s unsustainable debt levels.
“The WB has reprogrammed US $400 million, in financial assistance, to provide economic and health sector support. We are working to support the UN and its agencies in their coordinated response to the Humanitarian Needs and Priorities (HNP) Plan. This called for US $47.2 million to provide life-saving assistance to 1.7 million people who are most at risk and need immediate support. The UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has announced US $5 million for an urgent response to the economic crisis in Sri Lanka. The UK is a longstanding partner to the CERF and is the largest overall donor, contributing more than $1.7 billion to the fund, since its inception 15 years ago. We are exploring additional options to respond to Sri Lanka’s humanitarian needs.”
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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