Assurant: Latest News

Emmerdale spoilers follow. April Windsor is having second thoughts about her plot to protect dad Marlon Dingle in Emmerdale. The teen has been terrified that Marlon's health may suffer if he gets too involved with the family's search efforts to find Paddy, as Dr Liam recently warned Marlon stress could set back his stroke recovery.

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Milinda Moragoda met with the Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister of India Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday (14) at the Ministry of Finance in New Delhi, as the latest of a series of meetings he has had with her since November 2021.The meeting between the Finance Minister of India and the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka took place just ahead of the first meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers scheduled to be held on 24-25 February 2023 in Bengaluru, chaired by Minister Sitharaman.During the discussion, High Commissioner Moragoda once again thanked Minister Sitharaman for the unprecedented emergency assistance that India has extended to Sri Lanka and for the timely issuance of India’s financial assurances to the International Monetary Fund, concerning the country’s debt restructuring process.The High Commissioner also thanked India and Minister Sitharaman for the assistance being provided to Sri Lanka in the present economic recovery phase, in particular for the necessary regulations and approvals that are being set in place to facilitate rupee trade between the two countries. The discussion also focused on the ways and means to utilize the available resources in the 1 billion USD Indian line of credit to import urgently required essential pharmaceuticals, which are in short supply in Sri Lanka.

Wynonna Judd gave fans cause for concern during a concert in Dayton on Friday, when she had to pause the show after suddenly getting dizzy mid-song.In video taken during the incident, Judd can be seen telling the audience, «Hang on a second. I am really dizzy. Could somebody come up here please?»As a crew member came up to help steady her, Judd explained, «I'm really dehydrated and I'm having a hard time, so hang on a second... This has never happened before.»After considering whether or not to leave the stage, Judd opted to finish the song, telling the audience, «If I faint, just take a lot of pictures!»Judd carried on for the rest of the tune, and eventually decided to perform while seated on a stool.

Bloomberg: The International Monetary Fund said its approval for a $2.9 billion loan to bail out crisis-riddled Sri Lanka will depend on the island nation securing assurances on debt relief from its bilateral creditors.“Sri Lanka continues to engage with official bilateral creditors to obtain financing assurances and also continues to advance domestic reforms,” an IMF spokesperson said in a statement on the progress of its Extended Fund Facility to the South Asian nation. “As soon as adequate assurances are obtained and remaining requirements are met, including by the Sri Lankan authorities, the EFF arrangement for Sri Lanka can be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for approval.”The Paris Club – an informal group of rich western creditors — and India have provided formal support to the multilateral lender for the loan recast, leaving China — Sri Lanka’s biggest lender — as a holdout.

  A statement noted that the Paris Club members held a meeting on January 25, 2023, in the presence of representatives from Hungary, Saudi Arabia, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and India, as well as from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, to provide financing assurances to support the approval by the IMF Executive Board of the envisaged IMF program for Sri Lanka, which would allow to restore the country’s macroeconomic stability.They examined the macroeconomic and financial situation of Sri Lanka, including its long-term debt sustainability, and the need for a debt treatment by all bilateral creditors to both fill the financing gap and to ensure Sri Lanka’s debt sustainability in line with the proposed Extended Fund Facility."We acknowledge that the Sri Lankan authorities had the opportunity to present Sri Lanka’s economic and financial situation to their creditors, which underscored the need for debt treatment from all creditors.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricity Board informed the Supreme Court on Friday (3) that it would be withdrawing the assurance that it gave to refrain from imposing power cuts until the Contempt of Court application filed by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka is taken up for consideration, and the matter is concluded.President's Counsel Romesh De Silva appearing for the CEB made the announcement to the court.The matter was taken up in the presence of Justices Gamini Amarasekera, Kumuduni Wickremesinghe, and Shiran Gunaratne for consideration.Thereafter, the President's Counsel noted that the assurance will be withdrawn with effect from Friday (3).President's Counsel Upul Jayasuriya appearing for the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka requested for an interim order to prevent the CEB from imposing Power Cuts during the period of the Advanced Level Examination is over, if the respondent is withdrawing the assurance that it gave to the Supreme Court on Thursday (2).However, the Supreme Court rejected the request and fixed the matter to be taken up again on the 7th of February at 1:30 PM.The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka had moved to the Supreme Court against the Ceylon Electricity Board for failing to follow the directive to provide an uninterrupted supply of electricity until the end of the G. C.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ad Hoc Group of Sri Lanka Bondholders (the "Bondholder Group") in a letter to the IMF Managing Director has confirmed it is prepared to engage, through its Steering Committee, with the Sri Lankan authorities in restructuring negotiations consistent with the parameters of an IMF Programme and the targets specified therein (the "IMF Programme Targets").The Ad Hoc Group of Sri Lanka Bondholders (the "Bondholder Group") has acknowledges the Sri Lankan authorities' engagement with their official creditors towards a resolution of the current crisis and restoration of debt sustainability.The Bondholder Group further acknowledged that such engagement has recently resulted in the Government of India (in its letter to the IMF, dated January 16, 2023 (the "India Letter")) delivering letters of financing assurances, committing to support Sri Lanka and contribute to its efforts to restore debt sustainability by providing debt relief and financing consistent with the IMF Extended Fund Facility Arrangement (the "IMF Programme") and the IMF Programme targets indicated in the India Letter.Similarly, the Bondholder Group through its Steering Committee stands ready to engage quickly and effectively with the Sri Lankan authorities to design and implement restructuring terms that would help Sri Lanka restore debt sustainability and allow the country to re-gain access to the international capital markets during the IMF Programme period.The Bondholder Group understands that the IMF Programme's debt sustainability targets are identified as (i) reducing the ratio of public debt to GDP to 95% by 2032,  (ii) limiting the central government's annual gross financing needs to GDP ratio to 13% in the period between 2027 and

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning has retaliated to comments made by US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland during her visit to Sri Lanka that terms extended by China to Sri Lanka for getting IMF debt relief are not enough."Rather than jabbing fingers at China’s close cooperation with Sri Lanka, the US might as well show some sincerity and actually do something to help Sri Lanka weather through the current difficulties," Ning said responding to journalists at a regular press conference on Thursday (02)."What was said by the US side does not reflect the truth. The Export-Import Bank of China has already provided Sri Lanka with the letter to express support for its debt sustainability.

(Reuters) – The Paris Club of creditor nations is ready to provide financing assurances to Sri Lanka, a key step needed to unlock a $2.9 billion bailout by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.The informal group of bilateral lenders is set to "soon" announce its support to the crisis-hit nation on a debt overhaul, said one of the people, who asked not to be named because talks are private.The Asian island nation, which is grappling with soaring inflation, a recession and currency depreciation, entered into a staff level agreement with the IMF last September.But it needs financing assurances from key bilateral lenders before the fund's executive board approves the programme.Sri Lanka's public debt stood at 122% of GDP, of which 70% is denominated in foreign currency, according to data in a country presentation to investors in November.China and India, both non-Paris Club members, are the top bilateral lenders. "Paris Club assurance is not reliant on China," said the source.Another source said the informal group is currently reaching out to other non-Paris Club besides China on financing assurances, but did not provide any further details.India previously committed to help ease the debt burden of neighbour Sri Lanka as part of the IMF programme, and China's Eximbank offered a two-year moratorium in a letter sent to the island nation in January.While the IMF has not yet provided any guidance on where the lender stands regarding China's assurances to Sri Lanka, a U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricity Board has assured the Supreme Court that it would refrain from imposing power cuts until the Contempt of Court application filed by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka is taken up for consideration, and the matter is concluded.President's Counsel Uditha Egalahewa appearing for the Ceylon Electricity Board made the assurance to the court and pointed out that during the said period no power outages will take place.The matter was called up in the presence of Supreme Court Justices P. Padman Surasena, Yasatha Kodagoda, and Shiran Gunaratne on Thursday (2).The application will be taken up for consideration at 11:30 AM on Friday (3).The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka moved to the Supreme Court against the Ceylon Electricity Board for failing to follow the directive to provide an uninterrupted supply of electricity until the end of the G.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has filed a Contempt of Court case with the Supreme Court against the Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy, Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board, and the Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has determined that the Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy, Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board, and the Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation have failed to abide by the settlement arrived at before the commission with regard to the continuous supply of power during the period pertaining to the Advanced Level Examination commencing from 23rd January to 17th February 2023.The HRC notes that the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board is guilty of the offence of contempt under the provisions of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act No.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe is hopeful that assurances from creditors can be obtained within the 1st quarter of the year.Speaking at the Monetary Policy Review No. 01 of 2023, the governor said that he is hopeful that the International Monetary Fund would be able to receive necessary financing assurances from all the creditors in a very short period."India has clearly given the financial assurances which are acceptable to the International Monetary Fund.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandala Weerasinghe on Monday (23) said that when Sri Lanka obtains all assurances from its bilateral creditors, it would be able to unlock the IMF program somewhere in February.Speaking to the Committee on Public Finance in Parliament, the Governor said that it was not wise for him as the governor to make comments on the assurances from the creditors, as Sri Lanka is a third party to the process."Creditors are supposed to give their assurances to the fund (IMF), so we are a third party as a debtor.

(Reuters) – The Export-Import Bank of China has offered Sri Lanka a two-year moratorium on its debt and said it will support the country's efforts to secure a $2.9 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, according to a letter reviewed by Reuters.India wrote to the IMF earlier this month, saying it would commit to supporting Sri Lanka with financing and debt relief, but the island nation also needs the backing of China in order to reach a final agreement with the global lender.China's Jan.

 (Reuters) – Sri Lanka is committed to meeting all its debt repayments and is hoping to complete debt restructuring negotiations in the next six months, the country's central bank chief P. Nandalal Weerasinghe said on Tuesday."There has been good progress this month with India already pledging financing assurances.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet Spokesperson announced that the daily power outages will be limited to two-hours.Speaking at the media briefing to elaborate on cabinet decisions Minister Bandula Gunawardena noted that the two-hour power outage will only take place after 4 PM during the period of the G. C. E.

(Reuters) – India has committed to help ease the debt burden of its crisis-stricken neighbor Sri Lanka as part of a possible International Monetary Fund-supported program, the IMF said on Monday.The island nation of 22 million people has grappled with challenges during the past year ranging from a shortage of foreign currency to runaway inflation and a steep recession – the worst such crisis since independence from Britain in 1948.Reuters reported last week that India had told the IMF it strongly supports Sri Lanka's debt restructuring plan as the island seeks a $2.9 billion loan from the global lender, according to a letter."Sri Lanka is engaged with other official bilateral creditors to obtain similar assurances," an IMF spokesperson said in a statement on Monday."As soon as adequate assurances are obtained and remaining requirements are met, including by the Sri Lankan authorities, a Fund-supported program for Sri Lanka can be presented to the IMF's Executive Board for approval that would unlock much needed financing."Sri Lanka requires the backing of China and India – its biggest bilateral lenders – to reach a final agreement with the IMF that is essential to help the country emerge from its worst financial crisis in seven decades.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Although the government assured that there will be no power cuts during the period of the G. C. E.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Chairman and members of the Election Commission assured the Supreme Court again on Wednesday (18) that the Local Government Election will be held on time as per the Local Authorities Elections Act and the relevant regulations.The assurance was given to the Supreme Court by President's Counsel Saliya Pieris on behalf of the Chairman and members of the Election CommissionPresident's Counsel Romesh De Silva, and Sandeepa Jayawardena along with other Senior Counsel appearing for the interests of MPs Dayasiri Jayasekera, Lakshman Kiriella, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, M. A.

The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka has responded to the comments made by US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung in a recent interview with the BBC.The Chinese Embassy in a statement said that their US colleague should commit to self-examination rather than play the blame game.Full Statement: “China, China, China!”, our US colleague starts chanting this infamous mantra and blaming China as a “spoiler” to the island’s negotiation with the IMF during her recent interview with a UK television program on Sri Lanka’s debt issue. Before her baseless accusing and lecturing, our US colleague should have at least asked herself: Who is the single largest shareholder of the IMF with a veto power over major policy decisions? Who is keeping printing US dollar, with more than $3 trillion in 2020 alone? Who are those private creditors owning 40% of Sri Lanka’s total external debt stock with the highest interest rates? Who sued Sri Lanka in its federal court immediately after the island’s default?The public may also like to know how the US have walked the talk to help the Sri Lankan people when they have already received 10000 MT of rice, 9000 Liters of diesel, 5 billion LKR of medicines and 3 million fabric meters of school uniform materials gifted by China?  They may also question what are the political pre-conditions of the US Aid, while being assured by China’s “No strings attached” commitment and practice.Isn’t it hypocrisy at its finest for our US colleague to play the blame game instead of a self-examination? After all, why didn’t the US take decisive actions in the IMF for a more comfortable solution for Sri Lanka?or extend grant to the island with the rocket amount of US dollars they print every year, instead of sowing discord

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The visiting high level delegation of China’s Communist Party (CPC) led by Vice Minister Chen Zhou told Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena that Sri Lanka would have “some good news soon” with regard to debt restructuring.The visiting high level delegation of China’s Communist Party (CPC) led by Vice Minister Chen Zhou, Head of the CPC International Department assured Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena that China would stand by Sri Lanka in the current economic crisis.He told the Prime Minister that Sri Lanka is a very special friend of China and they are considering how China could assist Sri Lanka to get over the current crisis.Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena had noted that Sri Lanka was looking forward to China’s support in restructuring its debt at the moment and further strengthening its economy in the near future.The Prime Minister's Media Division said that Vice Minister Chen Zhou had assured China’s assistance to Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring.Vice Minister Zhou had noted that Several Ministries and financial institutes of China are working closely on this issue for quite a long period, and he is confident that Sri Lanka will have good news very soon.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India formally notified that it would support Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring plan, according to a person with knowledge of the matter, reported Bloomberg News.This would clear a major hurdle for the bankrupt nation to unlock a $2.9 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund.India, one of Sri Lanka’s major bilateral creditors, gave its assurances late Monday (16), the person said, asking not to be identified as the details aren’t public, reported Bloomberg News.An announcement could be made as early as Tuesday, another person said, according to the report.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Treasury has agreed to provide the funds necessary for the election without any disruption, said the Commissioner General of Elections on Thursday (12).Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake speaking to News 1st said officials from the Treasury were summoned to the National Election Commission on Wednesday (11) to make inquiries regarding the views that were being expressed claiming that the funds for the election will not be available.The Treasury officials have noted that as the election is a constitutional matter, the funds will be provided without any disruption.The Chairman of the Election Commission and its members, the Commissioner General of Elections, and the Chief Financial Controller of Election had also attended this meeting.

I don’t want to buy health insurance but want a critical illness plan where I can get the full sum insured irrespective of the actual cost for several diseases. I got this information from an insurance agent. Please let me know how does critical illness insurance work. Also, why should one have regular health insurance if there is a critical health policy? —Name withheld on request A critical illness plan is a fixed benefit plan.

BBC – Sri Lanka's central bank has urged China and India to agree a write-down of their loans as soon as possible, reported the BBC on Thursday (12).The crisis-hit Indian Ocean state defaulted on its debt repayments and negotiated a $2.9bn (£2.4bn) bailout.But the International Monetary Fund will not release the cash until China and India first agree to reduce Sri Lanka's billions of dollars of debt.The governor of Sri Lanka's central bank told BBC Newsnight it was in the interest of all parties to act quickly.Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said: "The sooner they give us finance assurances that would be better for both [sides], as a creditor, as a debtor.""That will help us to start repaying their obligations," he added."We don't want to be in this kind of situation, not meeting the obligations, for too long.

Colombo (News 1st) – Chairman of the National Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa stated that there are no divisions amongst the commission members. "In any institution, be it a commission, agency, or even the Supreme Court, various opinions are put forth when a decision is being made – that is the order of things" he stated. "That has happened within this commission as well.

Pawar informed that the government has implemented the following programmes/schemes for ensuring assured, dignified, respectful and quality healthcare services for every pregnant woman Over 25,000 ‘Delivery Points’ across the country have been strengthened in terms of infrastructure, equipment, and trained manpower for provision of comprehensive Reproductive-Maternal- Neonatal-Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH+N) services, said Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar,Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

(Reuters) – The executive board of the International Monetary Fund is not expected to formally approve Sri Lanka's $2.9 billion bailout before year-end, a key step required for the embattled country to receive funding, two sources familiar with the matter said.Seeking a way out of its worst economic crisis in decades, Sri Lanka reached an IMF staff-level agreement in June with the deal subject to approval and contingent on Sri Lanka authorities following through with previously agreed measures.Sri Lanka said in September it expected the board to approve the deal by year-end. Progress has been slow in recent months, and Sri Lanka's finance minister acknowledged last month the request might extend into January.Sri Lanka has to secure prior financing assurances from creditors, put its heavy debt burden on a sustainable path and increase public revenue before the global lender will disburse the funds.

 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – According to the Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, market interest rates have been tightening since last August and the Central Bank has been continuing to tighten their monetary policy since April and July of this year; Central banks engage in tight monetary policy when an economy is accelerating too quickly or inflation is rising too fast.

(Reuters) – Sri Lanka has postponed a round of debt restructuring talks initially expected to be held on Thursday to allow central bank and treasury officials to provide clarifications sought by the country's creditors, its state minister of finance said.The island nation formally kicked off the talks in September after securing a preliminary $2.9 billion bailout with the International Monetary Fund, a step on a path out of the country's worst financial crisis in a decade.But it needs to secure financing assurances from key creditors including China, Japan and India before the funds can be disbursed."There are different concerns that different creditors want cleared so it was decided that these clarifications would be communicated first and then new dates would be set for another round of talks," state minister Shehan Semasinghe Semasinghe told Reuters on Thursday."The dates are yet to be decided."Semasinghe did not provide details on the creditors' concerns or what exactly was being discussed between them and Sri Lanka's central bank and treasury officials.Sri Lanka had earlier set a target of getting board level IMF approval in December for the planned four-year programme."We are focusing on financing assurances. As of now no bilateral creditor has informed us that they are not going to support us," Semasinghe added."We have a target and we are pushing hard to meet it in December."Sri Lankan officials have also had talks with representatives from China EXIM Bank and China Development Bank which together hold about $4.3 billion in loans given to fund large infrastructure projects over the last 20 years.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The government is collaborating with the Californian university system to obtain assistance to modernize agriculture in Sri Lanka and to set up a new agro-technology university, said Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe.He was addressing the 70th anniversary of the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission Program in Colombo on Wednesday (16).He said that the government discussed with a group of Singaporean investors on Tuesday (15) the supply of food for island nations and Middle East countries which lack their food resources. He said that this was only the start and he issued instructions to find the land for it and modernize agriculture. He said that Fulbright alumni such as Prof Pradeepa Bandaranaike are vital assets in modernizing agriculture. He added that the new agro-technology university will be combined with the Tea Research Institute (TRI), among others, to work with some of the American institutions on how to upgrade research in Sri Lanka.President Ranil Wickremesinghe also said that the government is focusing on improving English language education within the next ten years.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Head of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries has assured that China will support Sri Lanka to develop, as a friend and partner.Lin Songtian, the President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries said that China is proud of the fact that Sri Lanka has an ancient civilization."We always unite as one. We always think as one," he said adding that his visit to Sri Lanka is to foster new parterships with the island nation."I visited the Loturs Tower, and toured the Colombo Port City, and it is inspiring as it is the hope this country, and it is also giving hope for us," said Lin Songtian on Tuesday (15).The senior diplomat said that he was requested by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit Sri Lanka to inquire into the progresss made with regard to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – World Bank Group President David Malpass has affirmed the World Bank Group’s support to Sri Lanka in rebuilding their economy & creating a foundation for sustainable private sector-led growth, said the President's Media Division.President Ranil Wickremesinghe met World Bank Group President David Malpass at COP27 where discussions focused on the challenging macro-economic and social situation in Sri Lanka.Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe returned to the country on Thursday (10) concluding his visit to Egypt where he attended the COP-27 summit.President Ranil Wickremesinghe held discussions on debt management with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva, Finance Minister of Ghana Ken Ofori-Atta and Speaker of the People’s Majlis of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed on the sidelines of COP27.President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing the COP 27 Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt said that unbridled industrialization of the developed countries is the root cause of climate change, leaving the poor to suffer the consequences.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said Sri Lanka's second round of discussions with creditors concluded successfully.He added that legal advisers, financial advisers and major creditors including China, India and Japan joined the discussions.Several reforms were made since March, in order to obtain IMF assistance, and restructure the country's debt.The State Minister added that Sri Lanka has agreed to deal with all creditors in a transparent manner.The Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Finance have communicated that they will work with the creditors to provide them with the necessary information and clarifications.The State Finance Minister said that the IMF Board of Directors will grant its approval, as soon as Sri Lanka obtains assurance from its creditors, and these discussions are vital for the process.Sri Lanka expects to receive assistance from the IMF by the end of 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An online discussion took place on Tuesday (1) between the representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the officials of the Ministry of Finance.Minister of State for Finance Ranjith Siyabalapitiya said that this discussion was held as a preparation for tomorrow's (3) discussions with the IMF.Minister of State for Finance Ranjith Siyabalapitiya said that during the negotiations between the representatives of the IMF and the representatives of the Ministry of Finance, an agreement will be reached on financial assurances expected by the IMF.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The State Minisrer of Finance Shehan Semasinghe says that he hopes to reach an agreement with regard to the financial assurance by creditors, which is expected by the International Monetary Fund during the negotiations that will begin on 3rd November.The State Minister said that although Sri Lanka's bilateral creditors such as China, India and Japan have verbally agreed to assist the country in debt restructuring, however, the IMF needs proper financial assurance in time for the negotiations.The Minister said that they are attemtpting to obtain the approval of the IMF board as soon as possible. The minister made these comments during an inquiry made by Newsfirst regarding the second phase of the official-level negotiations to be initiated with the International Monetary Fund.The minister stated that no moves will be made to bypass the Parliament in dealing with the International Monetary Fund.Minister Semasinghe added that no parties other than the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka have been informed with regard to the staff level agreement with the IMF.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ambassador of Qatar to Sri Lanka Jassim Bin Jabir Jassim Al Sorour called on the Chairperson Justice Rohini Marasinghe and other officials of the Commission of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) today (26).Upon hearing of the work carried out by the HRCSL from the Chairperson, the Ambassador of Qatar to Sri Lanka made assurances to communicate with the Chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), and the Chairperson of the Qatar National Human Rights Commission, Maryam Abdullah Al Attiyah of the same. The Ambassador also stated unequivocally that he would disseminate the word about the good work carried out by the HRCSL at large.Writer: Teena Marian

Sri Lanka commenced their Super 12 campaign with an impressive nine-wicket triumph over a disappointing Ireland in Hobart on Sunday.Namibia slip-up long forgottenThere were many fears for Sri Lanka when they were thrashed by Namibia in the opening match of the First Round, but the reigning Asia Cup champions are slowly gathering some momentum.While the nine-wicket victory over Ireland was expected by most, the way the island nation went about it was ultra-impressive as they clinically dispatched of their opponents in clinical style with plenty of improvement to come.Star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga (2/25) took his eighth and ninth scalps of the tournament thus far and he was well supported by fellow spinner Maheesh Theekshana (2/19), who was thrust into the bowling crease during Ireland's batting Powerplay.Not only did Sri Lanka take wickets at regular intervals, but they also kept the run rate down as Ireland's batters were unable to gather much momentum and were restricted to 128/8 from their 20 overs.Sri Lanka's run chase was a mere formality, with in-form opener Kusal Mendis (68 from 43 balls) continuing his excellent tournament thus far with another half-century .Ireland struggle for fluencyMuch of the good Ireland managed from eye-catching victories over Scotland and the West Indies was undone against Sri Lanka, with the European side unable to back-up their strong showings from the First Round.Veteran opener Paul Stirling (34 from 25 balls) got a handful of big shots away early, but young gun Harry Tector (45 off 42) was the only other player to look assured at the crease.Their bowling didn't fare much better, with spinner Gareth Delany (1/28) the only wicket-taker as Ireland started their Super 12 campaign in

PHILADELPHIA - After an emotional reunion at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Ivan Cuevas assured the doctor that saved his life that he did not go ziplining, as she requested.That’s on the short list of things the soon-to-be 18-year-old has to hold off on, for now. And, one year ago today, that list wasn’t even a thought.On October 18, 2021, Ivan was near Jean’s Pizzeria and Grill at Rowland and Ryan avenues with some friends after dismissal from Abraham Lincoln High School when gunfire erupted. According to the Philadelphia Police Department, a fight broke out and 21-year-old Aaron Scott opened fire.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Sri Lanka's State Finance Minister says that the IMF is committed to working with Sri Lanka.Sri Lanka's State Minister for Finance Shehan Semasinghe tweeted that he, and the delegation concluded their visit to the IMF annual meeting with a bilateral discussion with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the IMF.He said the IMF Managing Director commended the government on the difficult, yet essential, reforms that it had undertaken to restore economic stability,He also said that Kristalina Georgieva assured the IMF’s commitment to  work with Sri Lanka to place the country on a stable and sustained growth path as early as possible.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  The Paris Club has assured its fullest support to Sri Lanka in its ongoing efforts to find an early resolution to its debt crisis.Paris Club is a group of officials from major creditor countries whose role is to find co-ordinated and sustainable solutions to the payment difficulties experienced by debtor countries.State Minister Shehan Semasinghe said that he meet with William Roos, Co-Chairman of the Paris Club during the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings."Mr. Roos assured The Paris Club’s fullest support for Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to find an early resolution to its debt crisis," he tweeted.What Is the Paris Club?The Paris Club is an informal group of creditor nations whose objective is to find workable solutions to payment problems faced by debtor nations.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  The Paris Club has assured its fullest support to Sri Lanka in its ongoing efforts to find an early resolution to its debt crisis.Paris Club is a group of officials from major creditor countries whose role is to find co-ordinated and sustainable solutions to the payment difficulties experienced by debtor countries.State Minister Shehan Semasinghe said that he meet with William Roos, Co-Chairman of the Paris Club during the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings."Mr. Roos assured The Paris Club’s fullest support for Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to find an early resolution to its debt crisis," he tweeted.What Is the Paris Club?The Paris Club is an informal group of creditor nations whose objective is to find workable solutions to payment problems faced by debtor nations.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya, leading Sri Lanka's delegation to the 6th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Kazakhstan, held meetings with the Minister of the Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Adil Tursunov on the sidelines of Summit on 13 October, 2022.During the meeting with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, State Minister Balasuriya extended congratulations to Kazakhstan on successfully hosting the Sixth CICA Summit and noted that holding bilateral consultations focusing on strengthening  economic, culture and political relations between the two countries would be timely, observing that the last consultations were held over a decade ago.State Minister Balasuriya also requested Kazakhstan to explore avenues for cooperation in the power and energy sectors in Sri Lanka. Appreciating the participation of the State Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Sixth CICA Summit, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs assured that Kazakhstan was ready to support Sri Lanka and suggested that a team visit Kazakhstan to explore options available in the energy sector.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) called for critical amendments and public consultation on the proposed Anti-Corruption Law, which enables the creation of an independent commission that is empowered to carry out arrests without a warrant or a magisterial order.The controversial bill was introduced by the Ministry of Justice, and oversees the creation of an independent commission that is empowered to carry out arrests without a warrant or a magesterial order, for officials who are suspected to have carried out an offence under the proposed anti-corruption act. This law seeks to replace the Bribery Act, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption Act and the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities law. According to the bill, any authorized officer of the Commission may without an order from a Magistrate and without a warrant arrest any person suspected of committing an offence under the provisions of this Act. Moreover, the section (58)1 of the proposed bill highlights that "an authorised officer of the Commission may apply in writing to the High Court for a warrant authorizing the covert monitoring of any conduct and recording of any communication if such officer has reasonable grounds to suspect or believe that a person has committed, is committing or is about to commit an offence under this Act."TISL notes that Sri Lanka does not lack laws to deal with bribery and corruption even at present, however the enforcement of the said laws remain inadequate. While the country is struggling to apply even the existing anti-corruption laws, the TISL seriously notes that the independence of any proposed anti-corruption body from the Executive could only be assured, if any

FILE - Toyota logo seen outside a Toyota dealership. (Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Toyota Motor Corp.

(Army) – The Sri Lanka Army; the proud “Protector of the State” which led a sustained crusade against ruthless terrorism and brought durable peace to the Nation after more than three decades of human suffering celebrated its 73rd anniversary aka the Army Day on Monday (10 October) with grandeur at Panagoda, assuring that it would continue to be the leading gurantor of national security.Fluttering Army Flag and multi-coloured flags of all Regiments and formations which provided a dramatic backdrop for the day's formal spectacle in the premises where Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army added dignity and prominence to the commemoration as the Chief Guest, set the stage aptly ready for the day's proceedings in the glittering ceremony soon after the Army Chief's arrival was heralded.Typical of military formalities, a smartly-attired Guard Turnout salute greeted the day's Chief Guest as he entered the premises after the Centre Commandant, Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) Regimental Centre welcomed Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage to the location. This year’s Army Day parade commanded by Major General SUMN Manage WWV RWP RSP psc, Director General General Staff, together with Brigadier GWA Senevirathna USP psc, Director Research Concept and Doctrine, 2nd in Command consisted of 77 Officers and 652 Other Ranks of all 25 Regiments with Colours squads.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, Arindam Bagchi says that India is supportive of the IMF debt restructuring program, and pointed out that financing assurances from creditors to make Sri Lanka's debt sustainable would be required.Speaking on Sri Lanka's debt restructuring during the weekly briefing, the Spokesperson said that the High Commissioner attended an 'Ambassador's Forum' which was held under the Chairmanship of the President of Sri Lanka, and relevant authorities attended the subsequent virtual meeting. He emphasized that India is in touch with all the major stakeholders, and Bagchi said that he believes that all creditors may need to work together on the issue.