The SJB is prepared to support the government if it adopts a proper economic policy that protects the poor and the working class, said its MP Eran Wickramaratne.

SLPP general secretary Sagara Kariyawasam says both mechanisms for power devolution now come under the indirect control of the president.

The New Lanka Freedom Party has replaced its general secretary Thilak Waragoda with Peshala Jayaratne, a former chief minister of the north central province.

The executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday (20) approved a 48‑month extended arrangement under the extended fund facility (EFF) with an amount of SDR 2.286 billion (395 percent of quota or about USD 3 billion).

The Convener of the Inter University Students' Federation (IUSF) Wasantha Mudalige has denied receiving a set of proposals from university student leaders in the north during their meeting March 12 in Jaffna.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe and public security minister Tiran Alles yesterday (19) discussed the post of the inspector general of police that will soon fall vacant.

Sri Lanka’s dollar crisis will be over once the IMF’s executive board approves the USD 2.9 billion bailout package, said Central Bank governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe.

Former Finance Minister Ravi Kar-unanayake yesterday said Sri Lanka’s deal with the Inter-national Monetary Fund to unlock the $ 2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) will be mainly building international reserves to meet external payments and support of macroeconomic adjustment and structural reform programs amidst economic and political crises.

Importers say their businesses will collapse if they sell imported commodities at market prices that are declining as a result of the appreciation of the rupee.

The United National Party (UNP) is to entertain views and suggestions from the public for a new party constitution it is going to formulate.