- Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing targets 1 mn Chinese tourists to visit Sri Lanka after the China travel restrictions are relaxed.
- IMF expresses concerns over Governments move to explore “debt-for-nature” swap of around USD 1 bn: fears it could lead to a possible deviation from on-going debt restructuring: in early April ’22, the Govt & CB had finalised plans to issue “Green Bonds” of USD 2 bn, but abandoned such plan after the “default” announcement by CB Governor Weerasinghe and Treasury Secretary Siriwardene.
- Pivithiru Hela Urumaya Leader and MP Udaya Gammanpila says CB Governor Weerasinghe is “addicted” to printing money and is on course to set a new record: proposes the Governor be sent for “rehabilitation”.
- Despite ongoing shortage, milk powder importers complain that inconsistent Govt policies relating to imports and failure to honour international agreements have led to almost 400 MT of milk powder being stuck at the Colombo Port.
- SJB MP Champika Ranawaka warns of Govt attempts to cover up a Budget deficit through the Budget 2023: says Govt has neglected the fact that the country is in a state of sovereign default.
- State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says the CESS Tax proposed in the Budget 2023 will not be applicable to school text books & implements.
- Chinese Embassy in Colombo says a new consignment of 1,000 MT (100,000 packs) of rice donated by China to Sri Lankan island-wide schools has arrived at Colombo Port, and will be distributed soon.
- Opposition MP Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera says people will soon have to wait in queues for food due to shortages as they had previously waited for fuel and gas: also says Budget 2023 is an “inflated” budget, and won’t solve the current economic crisis.
- Ports Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva says Norwegian passenger liner “Vikingmas” with 700 tourists and 450 crew members which has just berthed at Colombo Port, is the first passenger ship to berth after the Covid pandemic.
- Deputy Secretary to the Treasury R M P Ratnayake says the Govt currently has no plans to introduce a “wealth tax”: asserts he is unaware whether Govt would pursue it in the future.
