- Analysts say massive contraction in demand for fuel has prompted reduction in fuel prices: CPC’s 92 Octane Petrol reduced by Rs.7 per litre to Rs.333: 95 Octane Petrol by Rs.10 to Rs.365: Diesel by Rs.15 to Rs.310: Super Diesel by Rs.135 to Rs.330: Lanka IOC fuel prices also reduced in parallel.
- Several political parties and trade unions to celebrate International Workers’ Day, today, with rallies and processions in towns across the country: UNP at Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo North: SLPP at Campbell Park, Borella: SJB at P D Sirisena playground, Maligawatte: NPP in front of Viharamahadevi Park: FSP at Delkanda Junction: Uttara Lanka Sabhagaya at Hyde Park, Colombo: SLFP in front of Kandy Central Market: ‘Nidahasa Janatha Sandhanaya’ in front of the Sahas Uyana, Kandy.
- Govt begins discussions with bi-lateral external creditors on debt restructuring of USD 7.1 bn out of the total USD 25.9 bn: separate talks with Paris Club members + India, and China: 3 baseline restructuring scenarios with 6-year maturity extension for all & haircuts ranging from 15% to 30%, and higher coupons, to be discussed: Govt had committed to submit the Debt Restructuring Plan to the IMF by yesterday.
- Minister Mahinda Amaraweera requests the Animal Production and Health Department to permit eggs imported from India to be released to the local retail market: massive egg shortage in the country.
- Pakistan’s former PM and Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan warns “Pakistan would face a Sri Lanka-like situation” and that violent protests will break out in the country if elections are not held: asserts he has so far taken party decisions that did not hurt the fragile economy, but if the elections were delayed, the situation would get out of control.
- Fishermen in Tamil Nadu say 109 fishing boats have been impounded by Sri Lankan authorities along with the fishermen on various charges, since 2018: Association leaders meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and request him to intervene for the release of the boats: also seek “Govt to Govt” intervention through the Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
- SL welcomes 14 Sri Lankans residing in Sudan who were evacuated due to the prevailing crisis in that country: evacuation facilitated by the Govt of Saudi Arabia.
- King Charles III to host a special meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of State and Govt on May 5, the day before his Coronation, on a suggestion by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
- Met Dept says the Heat Index in the Western, North-Western, Northern, North-Central & Eastern Provinces, and Monaragala, Ratnapura, & Hambantota Districts, is expected to increase up to “Caution levels” of 39-45 Celsius.
- Former JVP MP Sunil Handunnetti says the SJB has approved the destruction which would be caused to the country and the economy through the IMF fund facility agreement, by being absent during the time of voting in Parliament: claims the SJB did not have the backbone to oppose it.
