(即时多来源) 英语国际要闻 English World News

The papers: Tory MP defects and Labour 'would keep triple lock'

Suffolk MP Dan Poulter's switch to Labour and a pledge from Keir Starmer on pensions lead the papers.

Video shows US and Israeli hostages alive in Gaza

Keith Siegel and Omri Miran are shown in undated footage released by the armed wing of Hamas.

The cargo ship that became an iconic music venue

Bristol's iconic floating venue Thekla celebrates four decades of music, cabaret and more.

'How can a law for renters only protect half of us?'

Awaab's Law, which will force landlords to fix hazards, will only apply to the social rented sector.

Martin Freeman on why viewers can 'smell lies' in TV drama

The Responder star on how the police drama shows them as "human beings rather than cardboard cutouts".

Airline keeps mistaking 101-year-old woman for baby

An IT glitch leaves the cabin crew expecting to welcome a baby on board rather than a centenarian.

Iraq criminalises same-sex relationships in new law

Those flouting the sweeping new morality rules could be jailed for up to 15 years.

'Buying a first home is harder when you're single'

A report says two high incomes are increasingly needed to afford a mortgage, leaving millions stuck.

Co-op Live: How UK’s biggest indoor arena became butt of jokes

What was supposed to be a triumphant opening week for Manchester's Co-op Live has become a debacle.

Does RFK Jr pose more of a threat to Trump or Biden?

In a tight election, the independent candidate could get enough votes to influence who wins the White House.

Why ice costs more than bread in Mali

People are grappling with power cuts as well as extreme heat blamed on human-induced climate change.

Burnley condemn tragedy chanting at Old Trafford

Burnley condemn tragedy chanting at Old Trafford

Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and the album comeback

The two megastars have both ditched singles for their latest releases - will others follow their lead?

Germany grapples with wave of spying threats

Six arrests in quick succession show Germany is being targeted by spies but also that it is fighting back.

Have Iran-Israel missile strikes changed the Middle East?

Political and military leaders are still absorbing the extraordinary exchange of fire, writes James Landale.

Grand Slam winners England keep 'building' in bid 'to stay the best'

With a fifth dominant victory in this year's Six Nations, England picked up another "well-deserved" Grand Slam but are determined to get better.

Yousaf rules out pact with Salmond's Alba party

Alex Salmond is said to want a deal to maximise pro-independence MPs and MSPs in return for support in a no confidence vote.

Family wants tougher pub rules after cellar fall death

Olwen Collier died from head injuries after falling into the cellar of the Stag and Pheasant in Carmel, south Wales.

Is Myanmar's army reversing its losses? It's complicated

A rebel group that took a key town lost it to the junta two weeks later. But there's more to the story.

Chelsea come back to dent Villa's top-four hopes

Axel Disasi has a stoppage-time goal disallowed but Chelsea come from two goals down to dent Aston Villa's top-four hopes at Villa Park.

Irish government wants to return asylum seekers to UK

Taoiseach asks justice minister to bring forward legislation so asylum seekers can be returned to the UK.

Kiri Pritchard-McLean: Comedian's fostering inspires new show

The entertainer aims to spread the joy of helping vulnerable children to a wider audience.

Hayes laments 'worst decision in Champions League history' as Chelsea beaten by Barcelona

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes says Kadeisha Buchanan's sending-off against Barcelona was the "worst decision in Champions League history".

Titanic gold pocket watch sells for £900k

The original owner of the watch, businessman John Jacob Astor, 47, went down with the ship in 1912.

Man dies after parachute incident at industrial estate

Durham Police say they are treating the incident as unexpected and enquiries are ongoing.

Premier League 'too powerful' for us - relegated Sheff Utd boss Wilder

Manager Chris Wilder admits the Premier League “has been too powerful” for relegated Sheffield United this season, but says supporters can “trust him” to stay at the club.

Conservative MP Dan Poulter defects to Labour

The doctor told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg he could no longer look NHS colleagues and patients in the eye and stay as a Conservative.

England beat France to seal Grand Slam hat-trick

England sealed a third consecutive Six Nations Grand Slam and sixth straight title with a clinical victory over 14-player France in Bordeaux.

Man charged with attempted murder after stabbing

A 58-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after an incident on Friday morning.

Could British troops be sent to Gaza?

The BBC learns that UK forces may be used to deliver aid

Police operation sees 24 'sexual predators' jailed

The abuse suffered by eight girls in West Yorkshire has been described as "abhorrent in the extreme".

Boy finds rare Lego toy on beach after two-year search

The lost Lego piece was one of millions which fell off a cargo ship and into the sea in 1997.

TV doctor struck off over Botox-for-sex deal

Dr Tijion Esho is struck off after admitting an improper emotional relationship with a patient.

Tourist fined for approaching walrus in Norway

The man went near the animal on an ice floe near the world's northernmost settlement in Svalbard.

Mount Fuji view to be blocked to deter tourists

Residents are fed up with visitors dropping rubbish and parking illegally as they seek the perfect photo.

The explosions of colour that painted a Glasgow estate

Sony’s 2006 “Paint” advert is widely considered one of the most ambitious in history - but how was it made?

Pelosi urges Gaza campus protesters to target Hamas

The Biden ally says outrage about the situation in Gaza is justified but protesters should condemn Hamas too.

Govt. concerned over project implementation at snail’s pace

Colombo, April 26 (Daily Mirror) -  Ahead of the presidential election, the government has allocated Rs.100 million for each divisional secretariat area for development projects and instructed the ruling party MPs to accelerate implementation of them, Daily Mirror learns.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe called for a meeting of the ruling party legislators on Thursday to discuss the matter since the execution of development projects takes place at a snail’s pace, according to an MP who was present at the meeting.

The government has disbursed such huge allocations for development projects such as the construction of access roads and irrigation canals, obviously targeting the presidential elections. The MP said projects are implemented based on proposals from the village development committees throughout the country. After that, approved proposals are referred to the divisional and district coordinating committees headed by the ruling side MPs for final endorsement for implementation based on allocations.

He said the money had been allocated under the government’s ambitious rural development project ‘Kandukara Dashakaya 2024–2033’ by the Presidential Secretariat.

Under the initial phase, Rs.10 billion has been allocated. It is a project announced in the 2024 budget.

Paris Olympics 2024: The make or break year for the Games?

What Parisians think about the event and the legacy it could leave

A simple guide to this week's vote

Voters in parts of England will elect councillors, mayors and police commissioners in May.

What photo ID do you need?

People will need to show photo ID at polling stations when voting in the local elections on 2 May.

Who gets 15 hours of free childcare and how do I apply?

Parents in England can now access 15 hours of free weekly childcare for their two-year-olds.

Sri Lanka weighs Open Skies amidst plans for national carrier privatization

Colombo, April 24 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka is in a dilemma to decide whether to adopt an open skies policy or not in the event of divestiture of shares of the national carrier ‘SriLankan Airlines’, a top official said .

An Open Skies policy means liberalization and ease of access and rules of use of national airports for foreign airlines. It is joined in order to increase the tourist flow and to develop the potential as a regional air hub.

The government has now called for bids to privatize or restructure the national career .

The government, acting through the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies called for Request for Qualification (RfQ) from potential investors for the acquisition of shares in SriLankan Airlines Limited. The deadline for submission of proposals ended at 2pm on Monday, April 22, 2024.

The RfQs received were considered by the Opening Committee appointed by the Special Cabinet Appointed Negotiating Committee. 6 RfQs were received from the following parties: 1. AirAsia Consulting Sdn. Bhd. 2. Dharshaan Elite Investment Holding (Pvt) Ltd 3. FITS Aviation (Private) Limited 4. Sherisha Technologies Private Limited 5. Treasure Republic Guardians Limited 6. Hayleys PLC

In the event of adoption of an open skies policy, the concept of national career will not be important since the country will be open for global airlines to operate based on economic, commercial conditions.

However, the availability of a national career is important to serve people when other airlines don’t operate given unattractive commercial conditions .

Asked whether the government will go for an open skies policy, a top official said it is yet to be decided .

“There are pluses and minuses of such a policy. We have to weigh the pros and cons. We are yet to decide on it,” he said.

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

Colombo, April 21 (Daily Mirror) - The Fox Hill Super Cross 2024 racing event, held in Diyatalawa today (21), turned tragic as a race car veered off the track, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals including an eight-year-old child and leaving over 20 others hospitalized with injuries.

According to Police Media Spokesman, DIG Nihal Thalduwa, the accident occurred when two race cars lost control and collided with a group of spectators.

The deceased are residents of Avissawella, Matara, Akuressa and Seeduwa.

The injured who were rushed to the Diyatalawa Base Hospital are currently receiving treatment.

Furthermore, three individuals who sustained critical injuries have been transferred to the Badulla Hospital.

In light of the mishap, the rest of the races at the event have been cancelled.

The 28th edition of the Fox Hill Super Cross, organized by the Sri Lanka Military Academy Diyatalawa in collaboration with Sri Lanka Automobile Sports (SLAS), commenced in Diyatalawa on Sunday, April 21st.

Abu Dhabi’s largest Islamic bank in talks to buy $1.1 bln stake in Indonesian lender

Reuters exclusively reported that Abu Dhabi’s largest Islamic bank is in talks to buy a minority stake valued at around […]

The post Abu Dhabi’s largest Islamic bank in talks to buy $1.1 bln stake in Indonesian lender appeared first on Reuters News Agency.

Billing software firm Zuora explores sale after takeover interest

Reuters exclusively reported that Zuora, which makes subscription management software for businesses, is exploring options that include a sale after receiving […]

The post Billing software firm Zuora explores sale after takeover interest appeared first on Reuters News Agency.

The key councils to watch

Where might the main political parties make gains and losses in the local elections on 2 May?

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

Colombo, April 18 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka is still at a loss to thwart the efforts by a city council in Canada to construct what it called a Tamil genocide monument, and to counter the allegations by the Canadian politicians, an informed source said .

Brampton city council in Canada has approved the final design for the Tamil Genocide Memorial, a monument the city promised three years ago, according to foreign media.

The media said it is a 4.8-metre tall stainless steel monument built in Chinguacousy Park in the Bramalea area to commemorate the lives lost in the Sri Lankan civil war — what many people in the Tamil community call a genocide. Canada's Parliament unanimously voted to recognize May 18 as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day in 2022.

A well placed diplomatic source said that Sri Lanka remains on high alert as Canadian leaders may make genocide allegations next month when the country marks the war victory. Last year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s genocide accusations sparked a diplomatic dispute between the two nations. Sri Lanka responded with protests by summoning the Canadian envoy. A well-placed diplomatic source informed Daily Mirror yesterday that the Sri Lankan government is keen to ascertain whether such allegations will be repeated this time, despite previous protests by Sri Lanka. “Canadian leaders have a history of making such allegations, even though the Canadian federal government has concluded that the events in Sri Lanka during the war do not amount to genocide,” the official said.

However, the official said Sri Lanka had been unable to thwart the efforts by the Brampton city council to construct the monument. The Canadian Federal government which rejected genocide allegations, however, has no jurisdiction over the city council making it difficult for Sri Lanka to stop the move.

Vietnam mounts ‘unprecedented’ $24 billion rescue for bank engulfed in giant fraud

Reuters exclusively reported that Vietnam has mounted an “unprecedented” rescue of Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank (SCB), a lender engulfed in […]

The post Vietnam mounts ‘unprecedented’ $24 billion rescue for bank engulfed in giant fraud appeared first on Reuters News Agency.

How do interest rates affect me?

Bank of England interest rates have an impact on the mortgage, loan and savings rates for millions of people.

How much are prices rising for you? Try our calculator

Use our calculator to find out how much the cost of living is going up in your household.

Tax payers poised to cough up Rs.45 Mn on another debate on Easter attack

Colombo, April 16 (Daily Mirror) -  Tax payers will have to cough up as much as Rs. 45 million as the cost of conducting yet another three-day parliamentary debate on the Easter Sunday attack for the fourth time, with uncertainty looming whether it will be a meaningless exercise with key questions unanswered once again.

Previously, three such debates took place in the House, but failed to answer the question regarding the mastermind behind the attack. People, mostly the victims are still disturbed by speculation and demand justice in the form of ascertaining the truth behind the whole saga.

The Business Committee of Parliament that met on on April 5 decided to have a three day debate on the Easter Sunday attacks during the first week of sessions after the Sinhala and Tamil New year.

Accordingly the debate is scheduled for April 25,26 and 27. It is going to take place in the backdrop of remarks by former President Maithripala Sirisena that he was ready to divulge exclusive details about the Easter Sunday carnage. He even implicated the name of a country in the neighbourhood.

The main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) demanded this debate in the hope of fixing Mr. Sirisena to reveal the truth as the then Head of State in charge of national security. 

The House debated on the Easter Sunday mayhem in 2019 for the first time. The House debated on the report of the presidential commission which probed the attacks in March 2021. Another debate took place just after Channel 4 of UK came out with a documentary on the Easter Sunday attacks in September, 2023. Accordingly the debate which is set to begin on April 24 is the fourth one on the subject.

The debate which is to begin on April 24 is to cost the public Rs 45 million if one goes by the remark made by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena who claimed that the three day debate on the no faith motion against him cost Rs.45 million in March this year. Though most of the opposition members have repeatedly said there is a mastermind behind the attack, no one has named any person.

One time Minister of Public Security Sarath Weerasekera once revealed in Parliament that Naufer Mawlavi was the mastermind behind the attack. State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon who commented on the matter said a parliamentary debate on the Easter Sunday attack will be a meaningless exercise as what is said in the House is not legally binding. “One can utter anything using parliamentary privileges but none of it is legally bound,” he said.

He said there have been many questions raised but nothing has been achieved. He said Parliament cannot resolve matters pertaining to the Easter Sunday mayhem.

“It is the judiciary which prosecutes perpetrators and it has already begun that exercise. A case is being heard by a bench of three judges in the Supreme Court while a few other cases are also pending on the Easter Sunday mayhem,” he said. SJB MP Hector Appuhamy said the opposition merely accepted the debate. “We are aware that Parliament cannot do anything with regard to the mayhem. However, we will get the opportunity of talking and raising more questions during the debate. We can also question former President Maithripala Sirisena on his recent statements,” he said.

Member of the Communications Committee Archdiocese of Colombo Fr. Cyril Gamini who was skeptical on the matter said it is good if a debate brings out undisclosed facts but the fact of the matter is whether such a thing would happen. “It is good if new facts come out of the debate but the matter is whether such a thing happens. Such a thing has not happened during the earlier debates,” he said.

Lockheed wins US missile defense contract worth $17 bln

Reuters exclusively reported that Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $17 billion contract to develop the next generation of interceptors that would […]

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Debt restructuring with bondholders hits a snag with disagreement on two areas

Colombo, April 16 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process with private bondholders is stuck with two aspects of disagreement, whereas it is well underway with bilateral creditors, a top official said yesterday.

Chief of Staff of the President Sagala Ratnayake told journalists that both parties, instructed by respective consultants, held two talks this year with each submitting proposals and counter-proposals.

He said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cited the government’s proposals as compliant, whereas the bondholders’ proposals were not.

After that, he said there were four areas with disagreements were identified and subsequent negotiations resulted in narrowing them down to two.

Asked whether it was the local dealer or foreign dealers (bondholders) who disagreed, Mr. Ratnayake said these details could not be divulged. “We cannot come out with details on these factors as we have agreed to maintain confidentiality concerning discussions,” he said in this regard.

Also, he said discussions with private dealers are only a part of the debt restructuring programme. “We have had a successful round of negotiations with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) which comprises bilateral creditors. Sri Lanka has also had a successful round of discussions with China as well. We have only to decide whether there is going to be a single agreement with OCC or we are going for individual agreement with each member state of the OCC,” he said in this regard. He assured that Sri Lanka has no issue with the bilateral creditors.

"We have only to sign agreements with OCC members," he said.

Referring to the sentiments expressed by the IMF, Mr. Ratnayake said all international donors including the IMF have expressed its satisfaction with the economic progress Sri Lanka has achieved lately. “However, IMF has made it clear that it will stick to its programme,” he said.

Russia and China trade new copper disguised as scrap to skirt taxes, sanctions

Reuters exclusively reported that Russian copper producer RCC and Chinese firms have avoided taxes and skirted the impact of Western […]

The post Russia and China trade new copper disguised as scrap to skirt taxes, sanctions appeared first on Reuters News Agency.

OPEC woos Namibia as African nation prepares to produce from 2030

Reuters exclusively reported that the OPEC+ oil producers group, having lost Angola and other players in recent years, is eyeing […]

The post OPEC woos Namibia as African nation prepares to produce from 2030 appeared first on Reuters News Agency.

Russia-Ukraine Black Sea shipping deal was almost reached last month

Reuters exclusively reported that Russia and Ukraine negotiated for two months with Turkey on a deal to ensure the safety […]

The post Russia-Ukraine Black Sea shipping deal was almost reached last month appeared first on Reuters News Agency.

Sri Lanka Navy brings ashore seized ICE, heroin worth Rs. 3.7 billion

Galle, April 14 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Navy brought ashore the seized narcotics, including 179 kgs and 906 gms of Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE) and 83 kgs and 582 gms of heroin, which were seized yesterday in the seas approximately 133 nautical miles (about 246 kms) off Dondra, south of Sri Lanka.

The consignment of drugs, with an estimated street value exceeding Rs. 3,798 million, was seized during an intelligence operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy. A local multi-day fishing trawler, carrying six persons was intercepted during the operation. 

In addition, another local one-day fishing trawler with four persons was seized, suspected to be awaiting a mid-sea exchange of narcotics.

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship (SLCG) Samudraraksha played a crucial role in arresting the suspects and seizing the narcotics on 12 April 2024. 

The Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera inspected the seized consignment at the Galle Harbour.

The Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard remain vigilant in patrolling and conducting search operations along the island's coast to thwart illegal activities, particularly drug trafficking via sea routes.

The seized haul included Crystal Methamphetamine and heroin, concealed in 17 sacks aboard the multi-day fishing trawler. Following a thorough search at the Galle Harbour, authorities recovered 17 more sacks containing the narcotics. 

The consignment, suspects and fishing trawlers were handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for legal action.

The individuals involved in the operation, ranging in age from 23 to 54 years old are residents of areas such as Weligama, Imaduwa and Galle. 

Meanwhile, the Navy said that the total street value of the drugs seized in 2024 by the Sri Lanka Navy exceeds Rs. 9,300 million.

SLPP to take disciplinary action against GL, others

Colombo, April 12 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is to take disciplinary action against MP Prof. G.L. Peiris and others who have signed an agreement with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

These MPs were elected to Parliament on the SLPP ticket. Later, they defected from the party and sat in opposition. A week ago, they signed an electoral pact with the main opposition, the SJB.

The SLPP, at its executive committee meeting, decided to initiate disciplinary action against them for signing an agreement with another party while being members elected on its ticket at the last election.

UAE’s ADNOC recently eyed BP as takeover target 

Reuters was first to report that UAE state-owned energy giant ADNOC had weighed a bid for BP but decided against […]

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Sri Lanka shows signs of recovery but must maintain reform momentum: ADB

COLOMBO, April 11- The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) annual flagship economic publication, the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2024, forecasts Sri Lanka’s economy to record moderate growth of 1.9% in 2024 and 2.5% in 2025 following 2 consecutive years of contractions.

According to the ADB, Sri Lanka is showing signs of recovery, with green shoots emerging in the second half of 2023 while inflation has decelerated to single digits, foreign exchange reserves continue to be built up, and the exchange rate has appreciated. Furthermore, tourist arrivals and remittance inflows continue to show a commendable recovery while supply conditions have improved. 

ADB’s growth forecast hinges on the continuation of reforms and better consumer and business sentiment. Timely completion of external debt restructuring will also support Sri Lanka’s debt sustainability efforts.

“Sri Lanka has made commendable progress in implementing difficult policy reforms and stabilizing the economy in 2023,” said ADB Deputy Country Director for Sri Lanka Utsav Kumar. 

“We are pleased to see the results of these reforms, with signs of recovery emerging. It is critical that Sri Lanka addresses the impact on the poor and vulnerable and also continues to implement reforms to address the underlying causes of the crisis and lay the foundation for fostering sustainable recovery, building resilience, and reviving growth.”

Addressing poverty vulnerabilities amid economic recovery is a major challenge faced by the country. Poverty gains eroded as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis. As the economy stabilizes, the country must ensure that the most affected and vulnerable groups of people are supported, and high poverty incidence and income inequality are addressed. 

This calls for appropriate institutional and structural frameworks for an inclusive social protection system with improved targeting. Creating jobs and fostering sustainable livelihoods would go a long way toward alleviating poverty.

Xi calls for fair, transparent environment for investment in Sri Lanka

Colombo, April 11 (Daily Mirror) - Chinese President Xi Jinping , in his recent meeting with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, has reportedly stressed the need for ‘fair and transparent’ environment for Chinese companies to invest in Sri Lanka.

The Chinese leader had further mentioned that China is not happy about its friends being influenced by other countries unnecessarily when taking decisions.

However , in the meeting which a top source mentioned as friendly and cordial , the Chinese President did not refer to any third country in his remarks.

The Prime Minister recently undertook a tour of China between March March 25 and 30 to attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2024.

He held bilateral discussions during the visit .

Meanwhile , during a separate meeting, Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang has raised concerns about Sri Lanka announcing a moratorium on foreign research vessels in its Exclusive Economic Zone (ECZ) targeting Chinese ships while entertaining a similar vessel from Germany in between.

Mr. Gunawardena has reportedly responded saying Sri Lanka allowed the German vessel only for replenishment . He said Sri Lanka could not decline such requests for replenishment according to the law.

He also said Sri Lanka would not allow any country to use its territory against the interests of any country.

Use our lookup to see what's happening in your area

Use our lookup to see if there is an election in your area and who you can vote for on 2 May

EU’s new tech laws are working – small browsers gain market share

Reuters exclusively reported that Independent browser companies in the European Union are seeing a spike in users in the first […]

The post EU’s new tech laws are working – small browsers gain market share appeared first on Reuters News Agency.

Biden, Kishida likely to discuss Texas bullet train project, sources say

Reuters exclusively reported that President Joe Biden is seeking to revive interest in a plan to build the first high-speed […]

The post Biden, Kishida likely to discuss Texas bullet train project, sources say appeared first on Reuters News Agency.

Ranil likely to contest presidential election under new symbol: Presidential advisor

Colombo, April 9 (Daily Mirror) - Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe is likely to contest the Presidential election under an entirely new symbol other than the elephant or flower bud, Senior Presidential Advisor and UNP senior Ashu Marasinghe said.

Professor Marasinghe told journalists that President Wickrmesinghe will represent a number of parties as a national candidate.

“People such as Minister Prasanna Ranatunga has said many including himself have an issue supporting Mr. Wickremeisnghe if he contests the Presidential election under the elephant symbol. Likewise, we in the UNP too have an issue with him contesting under the pohotuwa. Therefore Mr. Wickremeisnghe is expected to contest under a new symbol,” he said.

He said more than 80 percent of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will be supporting Mr. Wickremesinghe at the next Presidential election. 

“We welcome the proposal made by SJB MP Talatha Athukorala that both the SJB and the UNP should unite. We expect others in the SJB to support Mr. Wickremeisnghe even if SJB leader Sajith Premadasa decides against such a move,” he said.

Also he said it is not possible to hold both the Presidential election and the general election on the same day according to the Constitution.

Further, he claimed that Sri Lanka’s economy has begun to recover with foreign reserves growing up to USD 5 billion, while the tourism sector has experienced an unexpected gain during this year.

Sri Lanka hard-pressed against time to conclude agreements for debt restructuring

Colombo, April 9 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka is hard-pressed against time to reach agreements with creditors including bondholders before June, when the third tranche of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) extended fund facility is expected, Daily Mirror learns.

Sri Lanka is expected to get the next tranche of US $ 337 million in June after the third review of the programme.

Before that, Sri Lanka has to sign the MoU with the Paris Club of Nations on restructuring bilateral debts while signing a separate agreement with China for the same purpose but on terms acceptable to all the bilateral creditors.

Asked about the latest developments, a government source said the government to finalize the agreements in principle with commercial creditors including bondholders before that.

Besides, the presidential election is scheduled to be conducted later this year. The Election Commission is expected to issue the gazette notification calling for the election by the end of June, making it even more challenging for the government to finalize the debt restructuring process.

Sri Lanka declared bankruptcy in April, 2022 and since then the country has defaulted payments of US $ 6 billion.

The government is planning to settle 37 per cent of debts within the first six years after the resumption of debt servicing in keeping with the agreements to be reached, 51 per cent within 6- 20 years and the remaining 12 per cent after 20 years.

Cabinet spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardane said whoever wins the election, debt servicing will continue according to the plan to be approved.

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Look of the Week: Blackpink headline Coachella in Korean hanboks

Bringing the second day of this year's Coachella to a close, K-Pop girl group Blackpink made history Saturday night when they became the first Asian act to ever headline the festival. To a crowd of, reportedly, over 125,000 people, Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa and Rosé used the ground-breaking moment to pay homage to Korean heritage by arriving onstage in hanboks: a traditional type of dress.

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Markets digest bank earnings after recent turmoil

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Silicon Valley Bank collapse renews calls to address disparities impacting entrepreneurs of color

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Michael Jordan's 1998 NBA Finals sneakers sell for a record $2.2 million

In 1998, Michael Jordan laced up a pair of his iconic black and red Air Jordan 13s to bring home a Bulls victory during Game 2 of his final NBA championship — and now they are the most expensive sneakers ever to sell at auction. The game-winning sneakers sold for $2.2 million at Sotheby's in New York on Tuesday, smashing the sneaker auction record of $1.47 million, set in 2021 by a pair of Nike Air Ships that Jordan wore earlier in his career.

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They bought an abandoned 'ghost house' in the Japanese countryside

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Here's the real reason to turn on airplane mode when you fly

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Relaxed entry rules make it easier than ever to visit this stunning Asian nation

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Scientists identify secret ingredient in Leonardo da Vinci paintings

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The surreal facades of America's strip clubs

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Not only is Lake Powell's water level plummeting because of drought, its total capacity is shrinking, too

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Big-box stores could help slash emissions and save millions by putting solar panels on roofs. Why aren't more of them doing it?

As the US attempts to wean itself off its heavy reliance on fossil fuels and shift to cleaner energy sources, many experts are eyeing a promising solution: your neighborhood big-box stores and shopping malls.

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