The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in a statement yesterday, congratulated the Government on successfully completing the third review under the IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement. The IMF Board’s latest approval and the subsequent disbursement will provide much-needed support for Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic recovery.

The Chamber is particularly pleased to note that two key macroeconomic priorities outlined in its 10-Point Focused Plan of Implementation in the first six months for the new Government (published in September 2024) have been realised:

1. The completion of external debt restructuring.

2. The implementation of credible fiscal policy changes, as reflected in the 2025 National Budget.

As Sri Lanka enters the second half of its four-year IMF programme, it is crucial that the Government accelerates the implementation of structural reforms essential for sustainable growth. Key priorities include:

Trade facilitation reforms, including the National Single Window and the new Customs Act.

Advancing Digital ID and Digital Public Infrastructure.

Enacting critical legislation such as the Economic Transformation Act.

Strengthening governance reforms to enhance the investment and business environment.

Widening the tax net to achieve the fiscal targets through improved revenue administration and digitalisation.

The Ceylon Chamber remains committed to collaborating with policy-makers to drive these progressive reforms, ensuring not only the successful completion of future IMF reviews but also fostering a transformative growth trajectory for Sri Lanka.

The Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Pradeep Nilanga Dela, has announced the special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic will be held at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy from 3.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. on April 18, and 12.00 noon to 5:30 p.m for 10 days thereafter from

The Sri Lanka Navy swiftly responded to bring ashore a critically ill fisherman and transfer him to the General Hospital, Trincomalee for urgent medical attention on 01 Mar 25. The fisherman was aboard a local multiday fishing trawler which was off the coast of Trincomalee.

Reportedly, the multiday fishing trawler ‘Sadaru 03’ departed from the Trincomalee fisheries harbour on 01 Mar with 07 fishermen on board. While at sea approximately 09 nautical miles (16 km) off the coast of Trincomalee, one of the crew members fell critically ill and required urgent medical attention on shore. In response to the situation, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources alerted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo, which operates from the Navy Headquarters, to coordinate assistance.

Acting promptly, the Navy deployed a craft from the Eastern Naval Command to rescue the ailing fisherman. After successfully retrieving him from the fishing trawler, the Navy provided initial medical care and brought him to the Trincomalee harbour. He was then urgently transferred to the General Hospital, Trincomalee on the night of 01 Mar.

[Navy Media]