Over 25 Tamils on hunger strike

India seeks release of fishermen detained in Sri Lanka

India has sought the release of fishermen detained in Sri Lanka ahead of talks scheduled for 30 December. India and Sri Lanka are scheduled to take part in virtual talks to seek a solution to the fishing issue. Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda said that India has requested that the fishermen be released as a goodwill gesture. However, the Minister said that India must first show goodwill by ensuring Indian fishermen do not poach in Sri Lankan waters. Minister Douglas Devananda noted that

16 Dec, 2020

MCC discontinues $480 million Compact deal with Sri Lanka

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has decided to discontinue with a $480 million agreement with Sri Lanka. The decision was reached at the quarterly meeting of the MCC Board of Directors, the MCC announced today. The MCC said in a statement today that it has decided to discontinue the proposed compact with Sri Lanka. The Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation had in 2019 approved a five-year, $480 million Compact with the Government of Sri Lanka aimed at reducing

16 Dec, 2020

Loans offered to all families at low interest for festive season

Loans have been made available to all families at a low interest rate for the festive season, the President’s Office said. The loans will be offered by State banks in three categories based on the monthly income. The President’s Office said that the Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, National Savings Bank and Regional Development Bank will be offering the loan. Accordingly, anyone earning over Rs. 50,000 can apply for a Rs. 50,000 loan, anyone earning between Rs. 25,000 and 50,000 can apply for a

16 Dec, 2020