Protest over VAT in Ampara, police deployed following claims of threats

JPMorgan backs Sri Lanka bonds on bets crippling crisis will ease

US investment bank JPMorgan backed Sri Lanka’s crisis-hit Government bonds, saying recent political changes in the country should gradually improve its strains and help its talks with the International Monetary Fund. Adding an ‘overweight’ – effectively a buy recommendation – JPMorgan analysts said: “political stability should pave the way for bonds to move higher from near all-time lows”. Sri Lanka is officially now in default as a so-called “grace period” to make some already-overdue bond in

18 May, 2022

Minister denies claims MPs getting fuel at subsidized rate

Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera has denied claims that Parliamentarians are being given fuel at a subsidized rate. There were reports that the Narahenpita Police garage was pumping fuel for MPs at Rs. 121 a liter. However, Minister Kanchana Wijesekera insisted that no MP from either side or anyone has been given subsidized rates than the current market prices given to the public. “While I do understand the frustration and anger from the public, posts shared on MPs been given subsidized fu

19 May, 2022

PM insists no shoot-on-sight orders given

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament today that shoot-on-sight orders have not been issued. He said that no such order has been issued in writing. The Prime Minister said that the Police can use their discretion and open fire if there is a need to do so but there are procedures to follow. He said that while properties belonging to some MPs had been attacked last week a shoot-on-sight order was not issued. The Ministry of Defence had, however, announced last week that shoot-on-

19 May, 2022