- Fitch Ratings downgrades the National Long-Term Ratings of local banks – BOC, People’s, ComBank, HNB, Sampath, Cargills, DFCC, NDB, Seylan and NTB: warns that a probable default on the sovereign’s local-currency obligations increases the
risk of authorities imposing restrictions on banks servicing their local-currency obligations. - Former CB Governor Cabraal says Sri Lanka will get only USD 362 mn once in 6 months upto USD 2,900 mn in 4 years under the envisaged IMF programme: also says, as prior actions, Forex and Local creditors will have to suffer massive haircuts if the debt advisors and IMF have their way: stresses bilateral financing of USD 4,000 mn was received and a pipeline of USD 10,700 mn secured in the 6-1/2 months he served as Governor.
- CEB sources say Sri Lanka is running out of time to bring 12 coal shipments to operate the Norochcholai coal power plant with full capacity of 900 MW before 20th April and manage the monsoon season from April to Sept.
- Fort Magistrate orders Police to record a statement from former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa pertaining to the Rs.17.5 mn in cash found at President’s House when it was stormed by protestors on 9th July 22.
- Chinese Communist Party Vice Minister Chen Zhou calls on President Ranil Wickremesinghe: hands over a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping; President Wickremasinghe says Sri Lanka looks forward to China’s support in restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt.
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe says debt restructuring discussions with Japan have concluded and discussions are being held with China’s EXIM Bank this week: Indian Minister of External Affairs also due on 19th January to discuss debt restructuring.
- Director General of Health Services says only DG Health Services is vested with the powers to issue COVID-19 protocols: asserts the protocols issued for inbound tourists by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority are void.
- Condominium Management Authority to give approval for pet-friendly apartments: this approval to be given to newly built apartments only: in such instances, the Deed to contain a “pet-friendly” clause.
- Energy Ministry sources disclose that another tanker of Murban oil is awaiting payment of USD 65 mn and is at the Port for more than 3 weeks with CPC unable to secure forex to make payment: CPC also in arrears of over USD 40 mn for the already used crude oil whilst over USD 60 mn worth crude is now in storage pending payment.
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe says he will look into the possibility of an extension of the debt moratorium to protect businesses and provide necessary relief: also says the CB Governor had been asked to look into this matter.
