- 22nd Amendment to the Constitution passed in Parliament by a majority of 173 votes; 174 voted for: only MP Sarath Weerasekara votes against.
- Russian Government contradicts Sri Lankan Ambassador in Russia: says it will not offer a “G2G” line of credit for Sri Lanka to import fuel and coal, but will facilitate a commercial line of credit: conveys
displeasure over Sri Lanka’s refusal to accept MIR payment system. - Cabinet approves compensation payment of Rs.10 mn to the family of late SLPP MP Amarakeerthi Athukorale who was killed by an “Aragalaya” mob on 9th May.
- State Minister for Finance Shehan Semasinghe admits IMF officials have asked Sri Lanka to complete “prior actions” under a staff level agreement early: explains that a key requirement is to obtain assurance of debt restructuring from bilateral lenders, including China and India.
- Former CB Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal says it’s now 7 months since seeking IMF help, but not a Dollar received yet from IMF or other bi-lateral lender: emphasizes USD 4 bn was raised in the 6-1/2 months he was Governor: reiterates every maturing debt was settled by the Government, when he was Governor.
- Sri Lankan Rupee on a gradual depreciation path once again, although the Monetary Board had “fixed” it within a set range on 12th May: selling rate for USD on 30th September – 369.91: on 21st October – 371.24: depreciation of Rs.1.33.
- Inflation, measured by the National Consumer Price Index jumps to an all-time Year-on-Year high of 73.7% in September: Food Inflation 85.8%.
- ASPI slips 0.59% to close at 8,685 points: loses 12.5% so far this month: also loses 28.9% year-to-date: last year, CSE was one of the world’s best stock markets with a 80% return.
- Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala Silva says Sri Lanka plans to continue construction work on the Katunayake Airport expansion project with USD 2.5 mn from Airport and Aviation Services: JICA funding for the project had stopped due to the April 12th debt default.
- Public Security Minister Tiran Alles seeks Cabinet approval to promote 8,312 policemen and 1,105 policewomen including sergeants and constables who have completed their service periods.
