News
Govt. bites the bullet, seeks IMF assistance
In addition to USD 780 mn SDR facility
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The cash-strapped government has sought the IMF intervention to address the financial crisis caused by the country’s vital foreign exchange sources dwindling by a big margin in the wake of the raging Covid-19 pandemic.
When The Island asked an authoritative source whether he had facilitated government efforts to secure IMF intervention to address the rapidly deteriorating economic situation, he said that he hoped the Finance Minister would consider all options.
Responding to another query, the official said; “Our country needs a lot of support and good fortune at this juncture.”
The Island raised the issue at hand in the wake of the government making written submissions in this regard.
State Minister Ajith Nivard Cabraal recently announced that Sri Lanka would receive approximately USD 780 mn through IMF’s SDR (Special Drawing Rights) facility. The total allocation made by the IMF for members’ states was about USD 650 bn, the minister told The Island.
Well informed sources told The Island that the SLPP government was seeking IMF assistance besides the SDR facility as the country lacked the wherewithal to counter the unprecedented crisis.
Sources said that representations had been made to the relevant parties in Washington. The move had been facilitated a Washington-based influential person.
Top Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) spokesperson Dr. Harsha de Silva has repeatedly urged the government to seek immediate IMF assistance.
As a result of Covid-19, the country has been deprived of much revenue from tourism, garment exports and remittances from expatriate workers.
Emeritus Professor of Anthropology Gananath Obeyesekere has passed away at the age of 95.
Latest News
Acceptance of nominations for Punakiri, Mannar and Dehiattakandiya local authorities ends at 12 noon on Thursday (27th March 2025)
The Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Rathnayake issuing a media release states that the acceptance of nominations for the Punakiri Pradeshiya Sabha in the Kilinochchi district, Mannar Pradeshiya Sabha in the Mannar district and Dehiattakandiya Pradeshiya Sabha in the Ampara district which commenced on 24th March will end at 12noon on 27th March 2025.
The poll notice for the three above named local authorities was published on 10th March 2025 and the acceptance of deposits for the same will end at 12noon on 26th March 2025.
The annual festival of St. Anthony’s Church on the Palaitivu Island, Jaffna was successfully held on 21 and 22 Mar 25.
Demonstrating its commitment to community and social responsibility, the Sri Lanka Navy enabled facilities for the conduct of the event and
convenience of devotees.
In accordance with the directives of the Commander of the Navy and under the supervision of the Commander Northern Naval Area, the Navy provided sea transportation for the event. Additionally, they ensured the safety and convenience of devotees by providing sanitary and medical facilities, drinking water, essential infrastructure, and deploying lifesaving teams.
The main mass of the church festival was conducted by the Vicar General of the Jaffna Diocese Very Rev. Fr. P Josephdas Jebarathnam.
This year’s event saw the participation of a gathering of priests and nuns from various regions, alongside a significant number of devotees.
The festival also highlighted the Navy’s ongoing dedication to fostering social welfare and promoting religious and cultural harmony.
(Navy Media)
Prof. Gananath Obeyesekere passes away aged 95
Acceptance of nominations for Punakiri, Mannar and Dehiattakandiya local authorities ends at 12 noon on Thursday (27th March 2025)
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