Bankrupt Sri Lanka Says Treasury Running Dry, Cuts Spending
1 year, 11 months ago

Bankrupt Sri Lanka Says Treasury Running Dry, Cuts Spending

News 18  

Bankrupt Sri Lanka announced on Tuesday sharp government spending cuts and warned it had barely enough revenue to pay public salaries and pensions despite huge tax hikes. The island nation has defaulted on its $46 billion public debt and is negotiating an International Monetary Fund bailout after an unprecedented economic crisis last year brought widespread misery. President Ranil Wickremesinghe ordered a five percent reduction in state spending this week and his administration warned Tuesday that welfare payments for 1.8 million families below the poverty line could be delayed this month. Sri Lanka’s 22 million people endured months of food and fuel shortages, chronic blackouts and runaway inflation last year, inflaming public anger.

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History of this topic

Sri Lanka To Ink Debt Deals By Year's End: Economic Development Deputy Minister
2 weeks, 5 days ago

Sri Lanka To Ink Debt Deals By Year's End: Economic Development Deputy Minister

Deccan Chronicle  

Colombo: Cash-strapped Sri Lanka vowed Thursday to complete its long-delayed foreign debt restructure within the month before a 2025 budget adhering to strict revenue targets set by the International Monetary Fund. Economic Development Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando said debt restructuring had been delayed by more than two years, costing the country an additional 1.7 billion dollars in accumulated interest. …

Sri Lanka’s Marxist-leaning president appoints his Cabinet after a resounding election win
1 month ago

Sri Lanka’s Marxist-leaning president appoints his Cabinet after a resounding election win

Live Mint  

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka’s new Marxist-leaning president swore in a 21-member Cabinet on Monday after his party secured a two-thirds parliamentary majority in last week’s election. Sri Lanka’s crisis was largely the result of economic mismanagement combined with fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, which along with militant attacks in 2019 devastated the important tourism industry. Sri Lanka’s economic …

Sri Lankan Parliamentary elections begin with issues of welfare, economic reforms at stake | WATCH
1 month, 1 week ago

Sri Lankan Parliamentary elections begin with issues of welfare, economic reforms at stake | WATCH

India TV News  

Colombo: Sri Lankans began voting on Thursday in a snap election to decide if the Indian Ocean island will give its new leftist president greater strength to help the poor as it recovers from a financial meltdown. "I think we are seeing the first signs of a positive political change in Sri Lanka after the president was elected and we …

‘We’ve tried everybody else’: What’s next for Sri Lanka’s turn to the left?
1 month, 1 week ago

‘We’ve tried everybody else’: What’s next for Sri Lanka’s turn to the left?

Al Jazeera  

Can the new leftist president repay debt without forcing austerity on Sri Lankans? Sri Lanka has seen it all: from the 2022 economic collapse, the mass protests that followed and the legacy of a 26-year civil war. As the newly-elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake pledges to steer the island back on track, can he repay the country’s debt to the …

JVP victory and its effect on the Lankan economy
3 months ago

JVP victory and its effect on the Lankan economy

Hindustan Times  

The victory of Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the Marxist-Leninist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, has the potential to destablise Sri Lanka’s fragile economy. Having become the first Asian nation in at least three decades to default on its sovereign debt in April 2022, Sri Lanka’s economy had been painfully restored to stability by outgoing President Ranil Wickremasinghe, while remaining vitally dependent …

Marxist Dissanayake wins Sri Lanka's presidential election as voters reject old guard
3 months ago

Marxist Dissanayake wins Sri Lanka's presidential election as voters reject old guard

NPR  

Marxist Dissanayake wins Sri Lanka's presidential election as voters reject old guard toggle caption Eranga Jayawardena/AP COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Marxist lawmaker Anura Kumara Dissanayake won Sri Lanka’s presidential election, according to data released by the Election Commission Sunday, as voters rejected the old political guard that has been widely accused of pushing the South Asian nation toward economic ruin. …

Sri Lanka’s presidential election a test for current leader, 2 years after its economy hit bottom
3 months ago

Sri Lanka’s presidential election a test for current leader, 2 years after its economy hit bottom

Associated Press  

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Two years ago, food cart worker Fathima Shiyama had to wait in line, sometimes for days, to get cooking gas, fuel and other essentials. Fathima Shiyama, 48, prepares local delicacies at home, to be sold later from her food cart, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. A man sits next to election posters of …

What’s at stake in Sri Lanka’s first presidential vote since its economic meltdown?
3 months, 2 weeks ago

What’s at stake in Sri Lanka’s first presidential vote since its economic meltdown?

Associated Press  

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka will hold its presidential election on Sept. 21 in a crucial vote that will decide the future of the South Asian nation still struggling to recover from its economic collapse in 2022, which provoked mass protests and forced the former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country and later resign. Almost 17 million of …

Sri Lanka president defends IMF bailout in campaign launch
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Sri Lanka president defends IMF bailout in campaign launch

Hindustan Times  

Sri Lanka had no option but to agree to an International Monetary Fund bailout that required tough austerity measures, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said Thursday as he launched his re-election campaign. Sri Lanka president defends IMF bailout in campaign launch An unprecedented economic crisis two years ago led to months-long food and fuel shortages, triggering street protests that forced Wickremesinghe's predecessor …

​Back from the brink: The Hindu Editorial on the Sri Lankan elections and the road ahead
4 months ago

​Back from the brink: The Hindu Editorial on the Sri Lankan elections and the road ahead

The Hindu  

Sri Lanka’s ninth presidential election, scheduled for September 21, has attracted a record 39 candidates, signalling a return to “business as usual” despite the severe economic crisis of 2022. At 75, he aims to garner broad support by highlighting the political and economic stability achieved during his two-year tenure, made possible by backing from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, led …

Sri Lanka will hold presidential election on Sept. 21, its first since declaring bankruptcy in 2022
4 months, 4 weeks ago

Sri Lanka will hold presidential election on Sept. 21, its first since declaring bankruptcy in 2022

Associated Press  

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka will hold a presidential election on Sept. 21 that will likely be a test of confidence in President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s efforts to resolve the country’s worst economic crisis. Sri Lanka’s crisis was largely the result of staggering economic mismanagement combined with fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, which along with 2019 terrorism attacks devastated its …

Sri Lanka reaches deal on debt restructuring with bilateral creditors including China and France
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Sri Lanka reaches deal on debt restructuring with bilateral creditors including China and France

Associated Press  

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced a debt restructuring deal with countries including India, France, Japan and China in a televised address to the nation Wednesday. Similarly, we signed another agreement with China’s Exim Bank today in Beijing.. Sri Lanka won,” Wickremesinghe said. Sri Lanka declared bankruptcy in April 2022 and suspended repayments on some $83 …

Economic conditions in debt-stricken Sri Lanka improving, IMF says
9 months ago

Economic conditions in debt-stricken Sri Lanka improving, IMF says

Al Jazeera  

IMF says inflation has dropped from 70 percent, economy expanded in the second half of 2023. The economic situation in debt-stricken Sri Lanka has started to gradually improve following its worst economic crisis two years ago, the International Monetary Fund has said. Sri Lanka’s year-on-year economic expansion in the third quarter of 2023 was 1.6 percent, and in the fourth …

IMF says the economic situation in debt-stricken Sri Lanka is gradually improving
9 months ago

IMF says the economic situation in debt-stricken Sri Lanka is gradually improving

Associated Press  

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — The economic situation in debt-stricken Sri Lanka has started to gradually improve following its worst economic crisis two years ago, the International Monetary Fund said Thursday. Sri Lanka’s year-on-year economic expansion in the third quarter of 2023 was 1.6% and in the fourth quarter 4.5%, the IMF said. The economic crisis in early 2022 left Sri …

Sri Lankan president says he is seeking to defer loan payments until 2028 amid economic crisis
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Sri Lankan president says he is seeking to defer loan payments until 2028 amid economic crisis

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sri Lanka's president said Wednesday …

Sri Lanka’s Financial Crisis Gradually Easing: Ranil Wickremesinghe
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Sri Lanka’s Financial Crisis Gradually Easing: Ranil Wickremesinghe

News 18  

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka is “gradually” emerging from its worst economic crisis after the austerity of an IMF bailout, the president said Sunday in a speech to mark independence day. Sri Lanka saw months of civil unrest at the peak of the economic crisis, culminating in the ouster of then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa when thousands of protesters stormed his home. The International …

Sri Lanka achieved progress in economic recovery as people backed difficult programme: President Wickremesinghe
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Sri Lanka achieved progress in economic recovery as people backed difficult programme: President Wickremesinghe

The Hindu  

President Ranil Wickremesinghe on February 4 said Sri Lanka has achieved progress in its economic recovery process due to the steadfast support of citizens to a comprehensive long-term national rebuilding programme despite facing hardships. Addressing the 75th anniversary of Independence celebrations held in Colombo, Mr. Wickremesinghe said when the country marked Independence Day last year it was labelled bankrupt. He …

Pulling Sri Lanka out of the abyss
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Pulling Sri Lanka out of the abyss

The Hindu  

On January 9, 2024, the United National Party proposed incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe as the national presidential candidate for the elections. The first review by the IMF Board in December 2023 rated Sri Lanka’s performance as “satisfactory” meaning total IMF disbursement will be $670 million. A joint venture project between India’s Adani Group and Sri Lanka’s John Keells Holdings seeks to …

Crisis-ridden Sri Lanka’s economic reforms are yielding results, but challenges remain, IMF says
11 months ago

Crisis-ridden Sri Lanka’s economic reforms are yielding results, but challenges remain, IMF says

Associated Press  

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Debt-stricken Sri Lanka’s economic reform program is yielding the first signs of recovery, but the improvements still need to translate into improved living conditions for its people, the International Monetary Fund said Friday. “The economic reform program implemented by the Sri Lankan authorities is yielding the first signs of recovery,” said Pete Breuer, the IMF’s senior …

Sri Lanka says debt restructure finalised by April
11 months, 1 week ago

Sri Lanka says debt restructure finalised by April

The Hindu  

Sri Lanka's bankrupt government said Friday that a foreign debt restructure would be finalised by the beginning of April, after signs the economy was emerging from its worst crisis on record. The IMF released a $337-million second tranche of its four-year loan last month after Colombo secured an "in principle" debt agreement with China, Sri Lanka's biggest bilateral lender. Mr. …

Sri Lanka Slaps Taxes on Fuel, Mobiles on New Year to Raise Revenue ahead of Foreign Debt Deal
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Sri Lanka Slaps Taxes on Fuel, Mobiles on New Year to Raise Revenue ahead of Foreign Debt Deal

News 18  

Sri Lanka slapped a new 18 percent value added tax on fuel, mobile phones and computers from Monday to raise desperately needed revenue ahead of a foreign debt restructuring. An earlier VAT of 15 percent on other consumer goods was also increased to 18 percent as the government sought to shore up its finances while Sri Lanka emerges from its …

Sri Lanka's economy shows positive growth for first time since crisis
1 year ago

Sri Lanka's economy shows positive growth for first time since crisis

Firstpost  

Sri Lanka is currently going through a strict IMF based reform regime. Sri Lanka’s bankrupt economy has recorded a positive growth for the first time since the onset of the economic crisis in the island nation. Sri Lanka had previously experienced a negative growth rate of minus 8 percent when it declared bankruptcy in April 2022, and the economic downturn …

Sri Lanka will get the second tranche of a much-need bailout package from the IMF
1 year ago

Sri Lanka will get the second tranche of a much-need bailout package from the IMF

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe presents budget; says economy not out of crisis yet
1 year, 1 month ago

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe presents budget; says economy not out of crisis yet

The Hindu  

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on November 13 presented his government’s 2024 budget, emphasising the need for tough reforms until the full recovery of the cash-strapped island nation's economy. Mr. Wickremesinghe said the cost of living allowances for 1.3 million state employees and pensioners numbering 7,00,000 would be raised by Rs.10,000 and Rs.3,000 respectively from 2024. In Sri Lanka, a …

Sri Lanka says it has reached an agreement with China’s EXIM Bank on debt, clearing IMF funding snag
1 year, 2 months ago

Sri Lanka says it has reached an agreement with China’s EXIM Bank on debt, clearing IMF funding snag

Associated Press  

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka says it has reached an agreement with the Exim Bank of China on key terms and principles for restructuring its debt, a key step toward unlocking a second instalment of a $2.9 billion package from International Monetary Fund aimed at rescuing the island nation from a dire economic crisis. The finance ministry said in …

IMF says Sri Lanka needs to boost reforms and collect more taxes for its bailout funding package
1 year, 2 months ago

IMF says Sri Lanka needs to boost reforms and collect more taxes for its bailout funding package

Associated Press  

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka has so far failed to make enough progress in boosting tax collection and other economic reforms for the International Monetary Fund to release a second tranche of $330 million in the country’s $2.9 billion bailout from bankruptcy, the IMF said. Sri Lanka plunged into its worst economic crisis last year, suffering severe shortages and …

Over half of Sri Lanka’s population ‘multidimensionally vulnerable’: UNDP study
1 year, 3 months ago

Over half of Sri Lanka’s population ‘multidimensionally vulnerable’: UNDP study

The Hindu  

The crushing economic crisis in Sri Lanka last year has left more than half of the island’s population “multidimensionally vulnerable”, according to a national citizens’ survey led by the United Nations Development Programme. GROUND ZERO | In Sri Lanka, a long and rocky road to economic recovery The findings of UNDP’s study, carried out in partnership with the ‘Citra Social …

G20’s response to debt distress: The case of Sri Lanka
1 year, 5 months ago

G20’s response to debt distress: The case of Sri Lanka

Hindustan Times  

With new challenges and changes in the world order, countries across the globe are embracing new partnerships and risky engagements to fuel their economic growth. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka illustrates this challenge of debt sustainability and management among middle-income countries. This brief uses the economic crisis in Sri Lanka as a case in point to highlight the following …

ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVES | Sri Lankan debt crisis to get worse if IMF prescription is heeded
1 year, 5 months ago

ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVES | Sri Lankan debt crisis to get worse if IMF prescription is heeded

The Hindu  

Published : Jul 13, 2023 11:00 IST - 6 MINS READ On July 1, Sri Lanka’s parliament approved, through a majority 122-62 vote, a plan to restructure the government’s domestic debt, which totalled 15.4 trillion Sri Lankan rupees at the end of March 2023. At that point in time, of the government’s total debt of $86.5 billion, $46.9 billion was …

Sri Lankan Central Bank moots recast of pension funds, haircut on sovereign bonds
1 year, 5 months ago

Sri Lankan Central Bank moots recast of pension funds, haircut on sovereign bonds

The Hindu  

Sri Lanka’s Central Bank has proposed restructuring the beleaguered nation’s debt by recasting the outgo on the country’s pension funds and offering international sovereign bondholders a repayment plan that entails a 30% haircut. Addressing a media briefing in Colombo Thursday morning, Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe unveiled the Ranil Wickremesinghe government’s domestic debt restructuring plan that seeks to protect local …

India Continues To Help Sri Lanka Stand Economically, But Colombo’s Love For Beijing Keeps Soaring
1 year, 5 months ago

India Continues To Help Sri Lanka Stand Economically, But Colombo’s Love For Beijing Keeps Soaring

ABP News  

The day was July 9, 2022 when the world witnessed unprecedented developments taking place in Indian Ocean island nation of Sri Lanka even as a large number of protestors stormed the President’s palace in Colombo that eventually led to an unceremonious escape of then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to Maldives and then to Singapore. During a two-day visit to China, Sri …

Sri Lanka has no money to hold presidential polls in 2023: Cabinet spokesman
1 year, 6 months ago

Sri Lanka has no money to hold presidential polls in 2023: Cabinet spokesman

Firstpost  

Sri Lanka Cabinet Spokesman Bandula Gunawardena said that no elections would be possible this year as the state finances have not improved Economic crisis hit Sri Lanka will not be holding a snap presidential election this year as the government wants to focus on debt restructuring, said Cabinet Spokesman Bandula Gunawardena. Denying speculations that the government might opt to hold …

IMF says Sri Lanka’s economic recovery shows signs of improvement but challenges remain
1 year, 6 months ago

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

Associated Press  

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — 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. But the economic recovery remains challenging,” said IMF deputy managing director Kenji Okamura after concluding a visit to Sri Lanka, where he met with the country’s top leaders and officials. …

Sri Lanka cuts policy rates to reduce inflation and boost economic recovery
1 year, 6 months ago

Sri Lanka cuts policy rates to reduce inflation and boost economic recovery

The Hindu  

On June 1, Sri Lanka’s Central Bank slashed the policy interest rates by 250 basis points, the first since the “historic contraction” of the island nation’s economy in 2022, saying it will reduce high inflation and provide an impetus for growth. The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka decided to cut the policy rate by 250 basis …

Timely debt restructuring crucial for Sri Lanka, says IMF
1 year, 7 months ago

Timely debt restructuring crucial for Sri Lanka, says IMF

The Hindu  

Sri Lanka is showing “tentative signs of improvement”, the International Monetary Fund has said, while urging the island nation to reach timely restructuring agreements with its creditors, before the Fund’s first scheduled review in September this year. An IMF mission conducted a staff visit to Sri Lanka From May 11 to 23, to review the implementation of the Fund’s programme …

IMF: Sri Lanka’s crisis-hit economy likely to resume growth in 2024 after contracting 3% this year
1 year, 7 months ago

IMF: Sri Lanka’s crisis-hit economy likely to resume growth in 2024 after contracting 3% this year

Associated Press  

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka’s crisis-hit economy is expected to resume growing in 2024 after contracting 3% this year, an International Monetary Fund official said Monday. Krishna Srinivasan, the IMF’s director for Asia and Pacific, said expected economic growth of 1.5% next year hinges critically on the economic reform program Sri Lanka has agreed to undertake, including challenging reforms …

Sri Lankan Parliament votes to support IMF recovery program
1 year, 7 months ago

Sri Lankan Parliament votes to support IMF recovery program

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sri Lanka’s Parliament voted Friday …

Sri Lankan Parliament votes to support IMF recovery program
1 year, 7 months ago

Sri Lankan Parliament votes to support IMF recovery program

Associated Press  

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka’s Parliament voted Friday to support the implementation of a four-year International Monetary Fund program aimed at solving the country’s economic crisis and reducing its debt burden. The approval strengthens Wickremesinghe’s hands as he holds tough debt restructuring negotiations with Sri Lanka’s external creditors and privatizes state-run enterprises under the program, approved by the IMF …

Sri Lanka trying to reduce overall debt by $17 billion, president says
1 year, 7 months ago

Sri Lanka trying to reduce overall debt by $17 billion, president says

Live Mint  

Sri Lanka is trying to reduce its overall debt by $17 billion through restructuring, its president told the parliament on Wednesday as he sought support of opposition parties for a nearly $3 billion International Monetary Fund programme. President Ranil Wickremesinghe also said the country would discuss debt restructuring with India and the Paris Club of creditors on one platform and …

World Bank ensures continued support for Sri Lanka's economic recovery
1 year, 8 months ago

World Bank ensures continued support for Sri Lanka's economic recovery

The Hindu  

The World Bank has assured crisis-struck Sri Lanka of continued support to stabilise the island nation's economy and enhance its economic recovery, State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe has said. State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe, who is in Washington to attend the 2023 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, said that the global lender extended …

Crisis-hit Sri Lanka to see economic contraction in 2023: Report
1 year, 8 months ago

Crisis-hit Sri Lanka to see economic contraction in 2023: Report

Live Mint  

Crisis-hit Sri Lanka is estimated to see a contraction in its economic growth this year, according to Asian Development Bank data. The Washington-based financial body has recently approved a 48-month arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility of about USD 3 billion to support Sri Lanka's economic policies and reforms. The needed reforms, according to the development bank's Asian Development Outlook …

In Sri Lanka, a long and rocky road to economic recovery
1 year, 8 months ago

In Sri Lanka, a long and rocky road to economic recovery

The Hindu  

For Sri Lanka’s ruling establishment and its backers, March 20 was a good news day. “Sri Lanka will no longer be deemed bankrupt,” President Ranil Wickremesinghe said during a special address to Parliament, projecting the deal, which he desperately coveted, as a crucial economic milestone. “We have the opportunity to uplift our motherland again.” Sri Lanka would “regain recognition” in …

Sri Lanka to opt for domestic debt restructuring post-IMF bailout: Government
1 year, 8 months ago

Sri Lanka to opt for domestic debt restructuring post-IMF bailout: Government

The Hindu  

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka is exploring the options for domestic debt restructuring in the post-IMF bailout scenario to further stabilise its shaken economy, an official statement said on Friday. Explained | Understanding IMF bailouts In a statement issued by the Sri Lankan government after making an investor presentation on Thursday, the Governor of the Central Bank and the Secretary to the …

Sri Lanka slashes fuel prices in welcome relief amid crisis
1 year, 8 months ago

Sri Lanka slashes fuel prices in welcome relief amid crisis

Firstpost  

Colombo: Sri Lanka’s government on Wednesday announced significant cuts in fuel prices, providing welcome relief for many after a year of shortages and skyrocketing prices amid the country’s worst economic crisis. Sri Lanka earlier this month secured approval of a $2.9 billion IMF bailout program a key step in its recovery from a crisis brought on by the pandemic and …

IMF approves $3-billion bailout for Sri Lanka; tackling corruption a key condition
1 year, 9 months ago

IMF approves $3-billion bailout for Sri Lanka; tackling corruption a key condition

The Hindu  

The International Monetary Fund on March 20 cleared a $3 billion-Extended Fund Facility for Sri Lanka, potentially unlocking more loans for the debt-ridden island nation that is struggling to recover from last year’s economic meltdown. Identifying corruption as a key issue, an IMF “governance diagnostic mission” has started assessing Sri Lanka’s governance and anti-corruption framework in its first such exercise …

IMF approves crucial $3 Billion bailout for bankrupt Sri Lanka
1 year, 9 months ago

IMF approves crucial $3 Billion bailout for bankrupt Sri Lanka

India TV News  

IMF: Amid tremendous economic and social challenges in Sri Lanka, the International Monetary Fund approved a nearly $3 billion bailout program for the country over four years to help salvage the country's bankrupt economy. Sri Lanka facing heightened financial sector vulnerabilities “Sri Lanka has been facing tremendous economic and social challenges with a severe recession amid high inflation, depleted reserves, …

IMF approves Sri Lanka's bailout: Ranil Wickremesinghe
1 year, 9 months ago

IMF approves Sri Lanka's bailout: Ranil Wickremesinghe

The Hindu  

Sri Lanka's request for a $2.9-billion bailout was approved by the IMF on Monday, the cash-strapped South Asian nation's President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced. "We are pleased that the IMF Executive Board approved our program, enabling Sri Lanka to access up to $7.0 billion in funding from the IMF and International financial institutions," he said. Earlier in the day, Wickremesinghe's office …

Sri Lanka seeks 10-year debt moratorium ahead of IMF bailout
1 year, 9 months ago

Sri Lanka seeks 10-year debt moratorium ahead of IMF bailout

The Hindu  

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka is seeking a 10-year moratorium on its foreign debt, President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s office said on March 20, 2023 on the eve of a desperately needed $2.9 billion IMF bailout. The IMF’s executive board was expected to sign off on Colombo’s bailout application later on Monday after a long delay in securing financial assurances from China, Sri Lanka’s …

Sri Lanka’s economy shrank by record 7.8 percent last year
1 year, 9 months ago

Sri Lanka’s economy shrank by record 7.8 percent last year

Al Jazeera  

The contraction is the biggest in the crisis-hit island nation’s 75 years of independence. Sri Lanka’s crisis-hit economy shrank by a record 7.8 percent last year, official data shows, as the country struggles with its worst financial crisis in seven decades. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has raised taxes and ended generous subsidies on fuel and electricity to boost government revenue after …

Sri Lanka's crisis-hit economy shrank by record 7.8% last year
1 year, 9 months ago

Sri Lanka's crisis-hit economy shrank by record 7.8% last year

Firstpost  

An unprecedented economic crisis sparked huge protests in the island nation, culminating last July when a mob stormed the home of then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, forcing him to flee the country and resign Colombo, Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka’s crisis-hit economy shrank a record 7.8 per cent last year as long blackouts and critical fuel shortages put a chokehold on local commerce, …

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