- Central Bank’s data reveals that “money printing” on 21Sept’23 recorded a staggering Rs. 334 bn: total Central Bank holdings of Govt Treasury Bills and Bonds reaches an unprecedented Rs.2,839 bn by 22Sept’23: on that basis, money printing under Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe reaches Rs.1,171 bn even after a near 3-fold increase in T-Bill & Bond rates since assuming office.
- Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe says the restrictions imposed on imported goods except vehicles, will be lifted in October”23: also says “the move will help price stabilization”.
- Central Bank announces that the outstanding credits and advances of the CBSL to the Govt have been converted into Negotiable Debt Instruments with Specified Maturities under the “Domestic Debt Optimisation Programme”.
- The Chief Negotiators of SL and India hold a virtual meeting to discuss the resumption of the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) between the two countries.
- Police manhunt underway in Malaysia for 2 male Sri Lankans over their alleged involvement in the murders of 3 of their fellow countrymen at a shop-house in Sentul, Malaysia: the dead persons were found with their hands & feet tied, and their heads covered in plastic.
- Picture of Foreign Minister M U M Ali Sabry with his son Hilal Ali Sabry at an event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly sparks intense criticism over social media, with people questioning as to why such privileges are offered to the relatives of politicians, with leaders providing joy rides to their close aides.
- Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, in his response to the public outcry on his son’s presence at UN events, says he maintains a demanding schedule during his visits to the UN GA and that his son is assisting him as a research assistant cum draft writer on an ad hoc, voluntary basis for a period of time.
- Bangladesh Bank confirms that SL has paid back the entirety of USD 200 mn loan from Bangladesh, taken through a currency exchange agreement 2 years ago.
- Bar Association of SL calls on the Govt to immediately withdraw the controversial Anti-Terrorism Bill and Online Safety Bill: also claim that those laws would seriously impinge on the liberty & freedom of the people.
- Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera instructs his officials to look into the opportunities of exporting eggs and chicken: says that a surplus of eggs is expected to be created by August’24, and that plans have already been made to look into the opportunities in the world market.
