The Nelum Pokuna Theater in Colombo hosted the launching ceremony of the “Press Vs. Prez” book today (07), with President Ranil Wickremesinghe presiding over the event. Addressing the gathering President Ranil Wickremesinghe further commented: “It must be noted that this collection of cartoons is in line with a longstanding tradition. I recall visiting former President […]

ECONOMYNEXT –Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe urged the public to become informants to broaden the tax net and thus reduce both overall direct and indirect taxes. The government has raised Value Added Tax (VAT), an indirect tax to 18 percent from 15 percent with effect from January 1. The move also will see some VAT […]

by Shihar Aneez State revenue has seen a shortfall of Rs. 100 billion as of now compared to the revenue target agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.Tax cuts for political reasons in December 2019 has resulted in a sharp fall in Sri

New laws contemplated by the government appears to have caused much concern among Opposition political parties for obvious reasons. The constitutionality of the proposed Broadcasting Authority Bill is expected to be challenged in the Supreme Court. The whole process of law making raised quite a stir in the wake of the recent shocking Supreme Court […]

Premier Li Keqiang told the head of the International Monetary Fund that China is open to participating in multilateral efforts to help heavily indebted nations Âin a constructive manner, China Central Television reported.

Monetary Fund to avoid default. In a tweet, Ismail stated, […]

Reforms to be introduced to end ‘media abuses’ President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said that the government was not in a position to lower the taxes. Delivering his second government policy statement to inaugurate the Fourth session of the Ninth Parliament, the President said: “Some people say that the primary taxable income should be raised from […]

Dr. Jaishankar is in Sri Lanka to help under the “neighborhood first” strategy of India By R. R. M Lilani  Dr. Jaishankar, India’s Foreign Minister, who is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on January 19, 2023, has made another ‘neighbourhood first’ agreement with Sri Lanka by backing the country’s delayed debt restructuring programme with […]

USD 3.8 bn in six months Sri Lanka would be in a far more difficult situation if not for financial assistance provided by the government of India, JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake told ‘Hiru’ on Monday (17) night. Dissanayake compared the assistance provided to the tune of USD 3.8 bn, within 6 months, with USD […]

By Shamindra Ferdinando Foreign Minister Ali Sabry has reiterated that a handful of persons who advised President Gotabaya Rajapaksa caused the unprecedented economic meltdown. Sabry has alleged that politicians, officials, public sector as well as the trade unions are responsible for the crisis. The Minister said so in response to ‘Hiru’ anchor Chamuditha Samarawickrema seeking […]

"But this time, because of this special situation that money can be used to finance the fiscal deficit as well."

That means authorities we should not talk about debt restructuring parameters

CBSL Chief Weerasinghe said on Monday that Sri Lanka had no practice of revealing IMF programmes.

Basically there is a limit to what can be shared with the public or parliament

By Sanath Nanayakkare There is still possibility for Sri Lanka to arrive at a staff level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by August 2022 to qualify for an extended fund facility, but the new government will need to demonstrate its ability to implement the required policies