- International Federation of Journalists says the new Anti-Terrorism Act designed to replace the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act of 1979, threatens to exacerbate restrictions on the right to assembly and gravely curtails freedom of expression and press freedom.
- Number of MPs calling for a proble into the sudden “debt default” announcement by CB Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe on 12th April 2022, even when there was a substantial and credible pipeline of Forex inflows, grows: NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake joins MPs Wajira Abeywardene (Chairman-UNP), Wimal Weerawansa (Leader-NFF), Vasudeva Nanayakkara (Leader-DLF) and Gevindu Kumaranatunge (SLPP and Leader-Yuthukama Kavaya).
- Colombo National Hospital Director Dr Kumara Wickramasinghe says there has been a significant drop in the number of accidents caused by fireworks during New Year celebrations this year: fireworks traders say there has been a significant drop in the sale of fireworks this year.
- MP Mano Ganesan says he together with MP Rauff Hakeem initiated an effort to bring UNP and SJB under one umbrella, but had to abandon the idea since the SJB leadership did not respond: also say the subject of “premiership” never popped up in the discussions.
- Railway Department Deputy General Manager (Commercial) V S Polwattage says a total of 34 train services out of 210 had been cancelled yesterday: also says priority had been given to operating long-distance train services during the new year period and after the new year.
- IMF Deputy MD Kenji Okumura praises the Govt’s commitment to “resolve” the debt crisis and “reform process”: Finance State Minister Semasinghe says his delegation had a “productive meeting” with the IMF: analysts point out that SL’s ISB debt had risen from USD 5 bn (6% of GDP) to a staggering USD 15 bn (18% of GDP) from 2015 to 2019 while under an IMF programme.
- India’s HindustanTimes reports that Sri Lanka has repaid nearly half of the USD 500 mn borrowed from India for fuel purchases last year: also reports that creditor nations including China, Japan and India will have to take significant “haircuts” as part of debt restructuring of Sri Lanka.
- Traders at “Pamunuwa” market in Maharagama say the number of shoppers is nowhere close to what it was in previous years: also say the public is no longer able to afford to purchase as much as they used to and last year was comparatively better.
- Air Seychelles announces it will commence twice-weekly flights from Mahe, Seychelles to Colombo, from June onwards: the inaugural 4-hour flight scheduled for June 20, 2023.
- Dimuth Karunaratne leads Sri Lanka in the historic first ever Cricket Test match against Ireland today at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.
