Sri Lanka is optimistic about a favourable outcome from the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) second review, under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said. The IMF is set to evaluate the second review of the EFF along with the Article IV consultation for Sri Lanka at the IMF headquarters in New York, USA, today (June 12).

“We remain optimistic that our international partners will continue to support Sri Lanka's efforts. A favourable outcome from the review is expected to unlock the third tranche of approximately US $ 330 million, which would further enhance confidence in our ongoing economic reforms and growth,” Semasinghe stated on X.

Moreover, Sri Lanka is in the final stages of finalising its debt restructuring agreements with the bilateral partners, according to Semasinghe.

The IMF too affirmed this week that Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts have made “sufficiently strong progress”.

The successful completion of the agreements and the anticipated release of funds are expected to provide the much-needed relief and stability to the nation's economy.

The results of the 2023 (2024) GCE Ordinary Level Examination will be released within the next 10 days, the Department of Examinations announced.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is to take disciplinary action against its Chairman Sarath Fonseka this week, Party General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said yesterday.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe will address the nation on Wednesday, June 26, to brief on the country's economic challenges and provide an update on the foreign debt restructuring efforts.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Gampaha District organisers made a formal request from the party hierarchy to remove Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka from the party with immediate effect.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Sathasivam Viyalendiran was sworn in as the State Minister of Trade and Environment. The ceremony took place at the Presidential Secretariat, with President Ranil Wickremesinghe administering the oath of office.

While refuting claims that the National People's Power (NPP) has a deal with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, NPP General Secretary Tilvin Silva said the real deal is with Wickremesinghe and the Rajapaksas.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe will resend his recommendation, to extend Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam’s term of office, by another six months, a senior official at the President’s Office confirmed. The President is planning to do this, as per powers entrusted to him by the Constitution, the official clarified.

Sri Lanka has once again declined to accept the external evidence-gathering mechanism established by UN Human Rights Council resolutions 46/1 and 51/1, emphasizing significant legal and political implications for all nations involved.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed officials to explain the hold-ups in the renovation of the Zion Church in Batticaloa, which was damaged in the Easter Sunday bomb attacks. He made this observation when he visited the church today.

The Government Medical Officers Association warned of a wave of economic crisis-driven brain drain among medical professionals, as 25 percent of them have already taken the necessary exams to find employment abroad.

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka criticised SJB leader and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa as Fonseka was not given the Presidential candidature as requested, Tamil Progressive Alliance Deputy Leader Parliamentarian Palani Digambaram said.

With the prospect of elections in Sri Lanka, visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reportedly said in his meetings here that it is important that India-funded projects such as renewable energy projects are not derailed by any incoming government.

Sri Lanka reiterated its opposition to the UN evidence-gathering mechanism established by HRC resolution 46/1 and extended by resolution 51/1.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Sarath Fonseka strongly criticized his party leader Sajith Premadasa, stating that Fonseka’s request to speak in Parliament had been rejected by the Chief Opposition Whip.

Due to the prevailing dishonesty within the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and the deliberate delay of eight years and eight months in issuing the relevant circular to the filling station owners by the CPC’s Marketing Department, the CPC has incurred a loss of Rs. 3,416 million during 2014-2022, the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) revealed.

Founder of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Basil Rajapaksa is reported to have told his party’s breakaway group at a meeting even attended by President Ranil Wickremesinghe that the Rajapaksas were not ready to cow down to any pressure.

The Examinations Department has announced the deadline for submitting applications for the 2024 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examinations online. Commissioner General of Examinations H.J.M.C. Amith Jayasundara said applications will be accepted online till July 10.

The visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President's House a short while ago,President's Media Division (PMD) said. He is currently engaged in a one-on-one meeting with President Wickremesinghe.

The Sri Lanka Core Group at the UNHRC, comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, has issued a statement urging the Sri Lankan government to address long standing human rights violations.

Major General Rohitha Aluvihare has been appointed as the new Chief of Staff of the Army effective from today. He is an officer representing the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army.