Forty independent members of the ruling party took seats in the opposition today (19) in protest of the government’s actions.
However, former President Maithripala Sirisena as well as Nimal Lansa, representing the opposition, said that this was not in support of the Leader of the Opposition but that they were an independent group within the Opposition.
He also said that the decisions taken by the government in the past were wrong and that they have to suffer the consequences now.
Prima has decided to increase the price of a kilogram of Wheat Flour by Rs. 40/- with effect from today (19)
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has made a special statement in Parliament today (19).
He has said that political and social stability is very important in finding a solution to the country’s economic crisis and that he believes that a constitutional amendment should be made as a quick and practical step.
Accordingly, as a first step, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution should be democratically re-enforced with the necessary and timely amendments, he said.
He also said that a comprehensive new constitution should be drafted and that he hoped that the people in Parliament would support it, regardless of party affiliation.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner have announced that one of their newborn twins has died.
Writing on Instagram, they said they are “devastated” at the loss of their son and called it the “greatest pain that any parents can feel”.
“It is with deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away,” said the message on Sunday evening.
“It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel.
“Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.
The post, signed by Ronaldo and partner Georgina Rodriguez, continued: “We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support.
“We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time.
“Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.”
Fans of the Portuguese star, as well as fellow players such as David de Gea and Alex Telles, have replied with messages of support and condolence.
Manchester United’s Instagram account posted: “Your pain is our pain. Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time”.
Ronaldo already has a four-year-old daughter with Ms Rodriguez, as well as three other children.
The Manchester United star played on Saturday against Norwich, scoring his second hat trick of the season and the 60th of his career.
Despite being the team’s top scorer this season with 21 goals, there is uncertainty over the 37-year-old’s future at the club ahead of the arrival of expected new manager Erik ten Hag.
SKY NEWS
It is reported that people in many areas have started blocking roads from this morning (19) to protest against the increase in fuel prices by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.
People have taken to the streets blocking several main roads in the Rambukkana area and they have also blocked the railway line.
Residents of Ratnapura have also staged a protest blocking the Ratnapura-Colombo main road.
Private bus operators are also protesting by blocking the Galle-Colombo main road, while people are reportedly blocking the Kandy-Mahiyanganaya road in the Digana area.
Sources said that people in the Kakapalliya area are also protesting by completely blocking the Chilaw-Colombo road.
Minister of Finance Mohamed Ali Sabri met with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Crystalina Georgieva.
It is headquartered at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC.
In response, the Minister requested for Rapid Financial Instrument (RFI) to Sri Lanka, and in response, representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) stated that they would consider such expeditious financial assistance as being out of the standard of their financing process.
Talks between the IMF and the Sri Lankan delegation will be held from today (19) to the 24th.
It is reported that the staff of the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital in Borella has decided to stage a protest today (18) against the government for endangering the lives of children due to the shortage of medicines and medical equipment.
Accordingly, a protest is to be held in front of the hospital from 12.00 noon to 02.00 pm today demanding the safety of the lives of the children and it is said that the entire staff of the hospital including the specialist doctors will participate in it.
Former Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila says that he and his group will support the no-confidence motion against the government only if they accept two of their conditions.
“We have learned that the Samagi Jana Balawega, which has only 46 seats, is currently collecting signatures for a no-confidence motion against the government. In order to pass this, those 46 members need the support of another 87 members. But so far SJB has not discussed the matter with other political parties or groups. However, handing over a no-confidence motion without preparing 113 MPs would be to the advantage of the government. If this government which currently has 118 members defeats this no-confidence motion, the government would be strengthened by the opposition giving a huge victory in Parliament. In this situation we are ready to support the no-confidence motion under two conditions. First, before the no-confidence motion is tabled, it must be confirmed that it has the support of 113 members. Secondly, it should give the full support to our proposal to form an interim all-party government after the dissolution of the government. Only if these two conditions are agreed, the background will be prepared to defeat this government ”
Udaya Gammanpila stated this addressing a media briefing held in Colombo yesterday (18).
Moody’s Investors Service has downgraded Sri Lanka’s sovereign rating to Ca from Caa2 with a stable outlook, following a decision by the island to suspend debt payments.
Moody’s said the suspension would lead to “will lead to a series of defaults with the first coupon payments for the government’s international bonds coming due today, 18 April 2022.”
“..Moody’s assesses that private sector creditor losses stemming from the eventual debt restructuring is likely to be material and exceed the limited levels of loss consistent with the previous Caa2 rating.”
ECONOMYNEXT – Moody’s Investors Service has downgraded Sri Lanka’s sovereign rating to Ca from Caa2 with a stable outlook, following a decision by the island to suspend debt payments.
Moody’s said the suspension would lead to “will lead to a series of defaults with the first coupon payments for the government’s international bonds coming due today, 18 April 2022.”
“..Moody’s assesses that private sector creditor losses stemming from the eventual debt restructuring is likely to be material and exceed the limited levels of loss consistent with the previous Caa2 rating.”
Singapore, April 18, 2022 — Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) has today downgraded the Government of Sri Lanka’s long-term foreign currency issuer and senior unsecured debt ratings to Ca from Caa2. The outlook is stable.
The decision to downgrade the ratings is driven by the authorities’ announcement of debt servicing suspension [1] on external public debt repayments, which will lead to a series of defaults with the first coupon payments for the government’s international bonds coming due today, 18 April 2022.
Given the low level of foreign exchange reserves, compounded by the rise in balance of payment pressures with higher fuel and food prices and the slow recovery in tourism and foreign direct investment inflows, Moody’s assesses that private sector creditor losses stemming from the eventual debt restructuring is likely to be material and exceed the limited levels of loss consistent with the previous Caa2 rating.
This assessment further reflects governance weaknesses in the ability of the country’s institutions to take measures that decisively address the very low adequacy of foreign exchange reserves and very weak debt affordability, thereby contributing to loss given default, at least in line with precedents by other defaulting sovereigns.
Gemunu Wijeratne, President of the Ceylon Private Bus Owners’ Association says that the minimum bus fare is likely to be increased to Rs. 40 according to the annual price revision policy of the forthcoming bus fare revision policy.
Gemunu Wijeratne stated this addressing a media briefing held yesterday (18) afternoon. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation had also increased fuel prices with effect from midnight yesterday.