- Transport Minister Dr Bandula Gunawardene says Sri Lanka is the “safest tourist destination” at present: asserts that a “mistake” was made when arresting the Aeroflot aircraft, and that it will not happen again.
- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says the UNP has been “sold out” to the “Rajapaksa clan”.
- Global Tamil Forum says Tamil people who have suffered enormously during the war, have been consistently provided much needed hope by the UNHCR: calls for a strong resolution against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC in Geneva.
- Cement usage plunges 19% in 6 months to June 2022 YOY: reflects massive contraction in construction activities which accounts for about 10% of GDP.
- UN Resident Coordinator Hanaa Singer appeals to Sri Lanka’s friends to show solidarity: urges donations to provide food security and medical supplies: says gains in health care, education and poverty alleviation are threatened by the current crisis.
- Teachers’ Union Leader Mahinda Jayasinghe demands a special monthly allowance for government employees: says normal monthly expenditure of a person has increased from Rs.63,000 to Rs.110,000 this year.
- World Bank says Sri Lanka is among the top 10 countries with the highest food inflation.
- Government revenue in the 1H22 reaches Rs.918 bn, up from Rs.714 bn last year: expenditure and net lending in 1H22 also rises to Rs.1,820 bn, compared to Rs.1,500 bn, an year ago: bulk of the increase in expenditure due to very high interest cost consequent to the massive increase in Central Bank’s policy rates on 8th April 2022.
- Small hydro power developers warn of increased duration of power cuts and a further 100% increase in electricity tariffs, if the country loses the contribution of its non-conventional renewable energy sector.
- Group of Buddhist priests urge Buddhist temples to turn off lights and leave temples in darkness on the upcoming Vap Full Moon Poya Day, in protest against the increase in electricity tariffs.
Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 20/09
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