Sri Lankan government admits it is in a foreign exchange crisis, shackled by a backward looking policy framework which has put reforms and the peace process in a limbo

Sri Lanka’s opposition United National Party warned that by printing money, and keeping interest rates artificially low, while foreign reserves are dwindling, the authorities are rapidly driving the economy towards another serious crisis. Sri Lanka’s opposition United National Party warned that by printing money, and keeping interest rates artificially low, while foreign reserves are dwindling, […]

Buddhist monk pleads for the release of Sri Lankan hostage

Sri Lanka’s influential Buddhist clergy Sunday appealed for the release of a truck driver taken hostage in Iraq, saying the island traditionally has had friendly ties with Baghdad.Sri Lanka’s influential Buddhist clergy Sunday appealed for the release of a truck driver taken hostage in Iraq, saying the island traditionally has had friendly ties with Baghdad. […]

Norway set to launch a new bid to save Sri Lanka peace process

Norway will this week launch yet another bid to save Sri Lanka’s tottering peace process amid fears for the Oslo-brokered ceasefire that went into effect in 2002 after three decades of ethnic bloodshed.Norway will this week launch yet another bid to save Sri Lanka’s tottering peace process amid fears for the Oslo-brokered ceasefire that went […]

Cold Thoughts

Shell Gas says cylinder prices could spiral to Rs. 1020 levels by December, come winter, an accumulated price squeeze and a US$ 180 mn loss for the first nine months this year.Shell Gas says cylinder prices could spiral to Rs. 1020 levels by December, come winter, an accumulated price squeeze and a US$ 180 mn […]

Tamil Tigers resist foreign aid pressure amid fresh diplomatic moves

Tamil Tiger rebels have warned foreign aid donors not to interfere in Sri Lanka’s faltering peace bid amid fresh diplomatic moves to salvage the process, a pro-rebel website reported Thursday.Tamil Tiger rebels have warned foreign aid donors not to interfere in Sri Lanka’s faltering peace bid amid fresh diplomatic moves to salvage the process, a […]

Give tax breaks to companies that do good deeds, says local legal eagle

Companies should get tax benefits for spending on good deeds, says legal eagle Justice Mark Fernando.Companies should get tax benefits for spending on good deeds, says legal eagle Justice Mark Fernando. The retired Supreme Court Judge suggests tax benefits for corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities because they reduce the welfare burden on the State. Fernando […]

Norway says Sri Lanka peace hopes dim, offers exit route

Peace broker Norway Thursday said it would ask Sri Lanka’s feuding parties if they wanted to resume talks as Tamil Tiger rebels warned foreign aid donors not to interfere in the faltering peace process.The Norwegian embassy said Foreign Minister Jan Petersen would arrive in the island next week for talks with President Chandrika Kumaratunga and […]

Soothing Oil

India has come through with a US$ 150 mn credit line, allowing Sri Lanka to fill up her fuel tanks with refined petroleum products for six months.India has come through with a US$ 150 mn credit line, allowing Sri Lanka to fill up her fuel tanks with refined petroleum products for six months. Indian state […]

Sri Lanka president to visit India

Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga will arrive in India Wednesday on her first visit to the northern neighbour since a Congress-led coalition government took office in New Delhi in May. Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga will arrive in India Wednesday on her first visit to the northern neighbour since a Congress-led coalition government took office […]

Strike Out

The CEB Engineers Union suspended a planned token strike to be held on Wednesday, subject to further talks with the Government on the coal and Upper Kotmale projects.The CEB Engineers Union suspended a planned token strike to be held on Wednesday, subject to further talks with the Government on the coal and Upper Kotmale projects. […]

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