News
IMF review agreement will help Sri Lanka fast-track debt restructuring: state minister

The staff level agreement on the first review of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme will enable multilateral agencies to disburse remaining installments and help fast-track debt restructuring, State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said.
“This was much needed to strengthen economic stability, and after the IMF’s executive board approves [it], Sri Lanka will receive the second installment of 330 million US dollars [of the Extended Fund Facility],” Semasinghe tweeted on Friday morning after the IMF announced the agreement.
The state minister said the staff level agreement(SLA) will enable the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and other multilateral financial institutions to disburse remaining installments.
“The SLA will enhance confidence in our economy and help fast-track the debt restructuring resolution with international partners,” he said.
The official also noted Sri Lanka is the first country in Asia that has undergone the IMF Governance Diagnostics exercise, the government having published a governance diagnostics report with the assistance of the international lender.
“We are committed to implementing key recommendations of the Governance Diagnostics Report which will help address corruption risks and strengthening accountability essential for rebuilding economic confidence and making growth more robust,” said Semasinghe.
His colleague State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyamabalapitiya also told reporters Friday morning that consequent to the staff level agreement, Sri Lanka will be able to work other creditors such as India, Japan and the Paris Club based on the agreement.
“A report on this will be given to the IMF executive board. After the board has approved it, we can reach an agreement on the release of the second tranche,” said Siyamabalapitiya. “We have overcome the hurdle of securing the Staff Level Agreement (SLA). In simple terms, this process is going well,” he added.
The IMF said it reached the SLA with the Sri Lankan authorities on economic policies to conclude the first review of the 48-month Extended Fund Facility-supported programme. The conclusion of the review would allow Sri Lanka to access a 330 million dollars worth second tranche of the 3 billion dollar deal in financing once the review is approved by IMF management.
In addition to the staff level deal, the completion of the review also requires progress on debt restructuring.
“Macroeconomic policy reforms are starting to bear fruit and the economy is showing tentative signs of stabilisation,” the IMF said in its statement after reaching the Staff Level Agreement.
Life style
Beware ill-fitting menstrual cups, warn doctors

Doctors are advising women to take care using menstrual cups, after one user developed temporary kidney problems because the cup was misaligned.
The patient, in her 30s, had been experiencing intermittent pelvic pain and blood in her urine for months, but had not linked the symptoms to the menstrual cup, which is used to catch monthly blood flow.
Although exceedingly rare, a poorly positioned cup inside the vaginal passage can press on other nearby structures, such as ureters – tubes carrying urine to the bladder, according to Danish doctors quoted in the British Medical Journal.
Selecting the appropriate size cup is important, as well as inserting it properly, doctors have stressed.
The patient made a complete recovery, but doctors have warned: “Correct positioning, along with choosing the correct cup shape and size, is important to prevent negative effects on the upper urinary tract.
“Menstrual cups can be bought and used without clinical advice from a health professional, which emphasises the importance of detailed and clear patient information material.”
How to use a menstrual cup
Reusable and sustainable, menstrual cups are an alternative to sanitary pads and tampons.
They are made from soft, flexible silicone or rubber and, once correctly in place, can hold 20 to 30ml – around two tablespoons – of blood.
They can be removed, emptied, washed and reinserted every four to eight hours, depending on flow.
Different cup models may offer a better fit according to the individual.
There are smaller size options, for girls and younger women who have not given birth to a baby, for example. If you are a virgin, you can still use one.
Menstrual cups can be tricky for first-time users though, particularly when it comes to removal.
A recent survy of 530 young people reported many found it difficult to remove the menstrual cup on their first attempt, with some saying they had to ask for help.
Once inserted into the vagina, menstrual cups create a suction seal to stop any seepage of blood.
When removing, users are warned not to simply pull on the stem. Instead, squeeze the bottom of the cup to break the seal and wiggle it off, says physiotherapist Dr Kate Lough, an expert in pelvic health.
She says it may take women a few menstrual cycles to become accustomed to using one, and stresses wearing a cup should not hurt.
She told BBC News: “Generally, they are a very safe product. “When it’s in correctly, you shouldn’t feel it.”
Menstrual cups vary in shape, size and firmness, so Dr Lough advises shopping around to find one that matches your requirements.
If you have recently had a contraceptive coil put into your womb, there is a very small chance it could become dislodged or even removed by suction.
If the threads cannot be located, or a woman thinks her coil has moved, manufacturers recommend using additional contraception and seeing a healthcare professional for advice.
Menstrual discs are similar to cups but are worn higher in the vaginal canal, just below the cervix.
[BBC]
News
Navy assists stranded trawler adrift at sea

The Sri Lanka Navy assisted to bring a stranded trawler with a foreign tourist couple back to shore safely, on the night of 09 Feb 25. The trawler had been adrift at sea between Delft Island and Kurikadduwan due to an operational failure, without fuel.
The trawler, with a couple of tourists who had visited Delft Island, was en route from Delft to Kurikadduwan Jetty in the evening of 09 Feb, when it came across the failure and began drifting at sea. The distress was noticed by SLNS Wasabha stationed on Delft Island.
Upon further inspection by the Inshore Patrol Craft P 239 belonging to SLNS Wasabha, it was confirmed that the trawler was adrift without fuel. The Navy promptly provided the necessary assistance and safely brought the trawler, along with the tourists, to Kurikadduwan Jetty.
Latest News
Executive Director of the IMF Calls on the Prime Minister

Dr. Krishnamoorthy Subramanian, Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), paid a courtesy visit on the Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The meeting focused on key economic matters, including Sri Lanka’s tax policy, the effective management of tax revenue, and measures to enhance public sector efficiency. The Prime Minister also outlined the government’s future development agenda, emphasizing policy initiatives to ensure economic stability and foster sustainable growth.
Dr. P.K.G. Harischandra, Alternate Executive Director of the IMF, also participated in the discussions.
The Sri Lankan delegation included Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary (Development) to the Prime Minister; Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka; Dr. C. Amarasekara, Assistant Governor of the Central Bank; Dr. Lasitha R.C. Pathberiya, Additional Director of Economic Research; Amila J. Wijayawardhana, Senior Economist and Liaison Officer for the IMF Executive Director; Ms. Lashinka Dammullage, Director (Bilateral), Economic Affairs Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Samantha Bandara, Director General of the Department of External Resources.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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