News

Sri Lanka seeks loan repayment moratorium in ongoing debt restructuring talks

Published

1 month ago

March 31, 2024

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Sri Lanka is seeking a loan repayment moratorium for its US$ 12 billion bilateral debts until 2028 during the ongoing talks in London with bondholders on debt restructuring as the country still grapples to emerge from the economic crisis, a Finance Ministry top official divulged.

A bondholders steering committee is expected to reach an agreement or sign a memorandum of understanding considering a proposal from the government to rework the overseas debt that has been in default since 2022.

The government is asking lenders to accept a plan to defer payments for five years and then pay down the debts from the beginning of 2028 through 2042, the top official said.

China has expressed willingness to continue supporting its financial institutions to actively negotiate with Sri Lanka, maintain close communication with other creditors in the International Monetary Fund, and assist Sri Lanka in financial relief, China’s foreign ministry said in a joint bilateral statement (with Sri Lanka) on Friday.

This statement was issued following the conclusion of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s visit to China, where he discussed finalising a debt restructuring deal on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The two countries also signed nine new agreements amid Sri Lanka’s efforts to restructure and revive its economy.

Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe, who accompanied the Prime Minister, noted that Sri Lanka reached an agreement in principle with the EXIM Bank of China, and it could be extended further this year.

China’s Exim Bank had agreed to extend the US$4.5 billion debt servicing for two years starting in 2022 as an immediate contingency measure based on Sri Lanka’s request.

Sri Lanka’s largest bilateral debtors, China with $4.6 billion and India with $1.37 billion, are outside of the Paris Club.

India has already decided to go along with the Paris Club, but China does not want to get onto that platform.

China has given loans to several other countries in the world amounting to around $600 billion, and therefore it cannot consider Sri Lanka for preferential debt treatment, officials said.

Chinese authorities have already informed the government to resume the debt repayment from April 2024, and thereafter they can consider extending some relief.

Sri Lanka’s external debt stock stood at US$ 37.3 billion as of December 2023, bilateral debt at US$ 10.8 billion, multilateral debt at US$ 10.84 billion, and commercial loans at US$ 14.74 billion.

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by sundaytimes.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

President calls for unified environment, climate change law

Published

6 hours ago

May 8, 2024

editor

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized on-going efforts to enact unified legislation addressing environmental protection and climate change. He highlighted the government’s commitment to crafting economic policies geared not only towards fostering export-oriented competitiveness but also towards transitioning to a green economy, aiming to achieve net-zero by 2050.

Acknowledging the recent prolonged spells of extreme climate conditions as indicative of future climate change impacts, the President stressed the urgency of addressing climate mitigation measures promptly.
He made these remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the Sri Lanka Climate Summit which commenced yesterday (07) at the Shangri-La, Colombo.

The inaugural Sri Lankan Climate Change Conference, hosted by the Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce, commenced yesterday under the theme “Climate Action for our Nation and the Planet.” Scheduled to run until May 09, the summit aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted climate crisis, both from a global and national standpoint. It seeks to assess potential disruptions to critical sectors of the economy and deliberate on policy reforms necessary for transitioning towards a low-emission, climate-resilient economic framework.

During his address, President Wickremesinghe highlighted the nation’s proactive approach to combating climate change. He announced the establishment of a dedicated climate change centre in Sri Lanka and his instructions to the officials to model legislation based on the United Kingdom’s Climate Act, endorsed by global financial institutions. The President emphasized the significance of Sri Lanka’s role in addressing climate change, particularly within the Indian Ocean and the tropical belt and outlined plans for the International Climate Change University to be established in the country.

News

2100 Grama Niladhari officers given appointments

Published

7 hours ago

May 8, 2024

editor

President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed that the enhancement of the rural economy pivots on agricultural advancement. He highlighted the pivotal role of dedicated government officials at the grassroots level in ensuring the success of various government initiatives aimed at rural development, notably the agricultural modernization program.

The President made these remarks during his address at the ceremony held at the Temple Trees today (08), where 2100 new Grama Niladhari officers were awarded appointment letters.

Following the Grama Niladhari Service Examination held by the Department of Examinations on 02nd December, 2023, 2100 candidates with the highest scores at the Divisional Secretariat Divisional Level were granted Grama Niladhari positions.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated symbolically in distributing the appointment letters. He briefed the new GN Officers on government initiatives like “Aswesuma” and “Urumaya”, aimed at uplifting low-income individuals, urging them to actively engage in these programs for the economic development of their communities.

News

CoPF summons Public Security Secretary & Immigration CG

Published

7 hours ago

May 8, 2024

editor

The Committee of Public Finance (CoPF) has summoned the Secretary of the Public Security ministry and the Controller General of Immigration tomorrow (May 09) for a ‘balanced inquiry in to the ongoing visa fiasco’, the CoPF Chairman – Dr. Harsha de Silva has said.

“While it is customary for all public finance related legislation be routed through COPF, this strangely was not,” he has added on X.