Dhanushka De Silva

Police say that former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SriLankan Airlines, Kapila Chandrasena, was found dead at a residence in Kollupitiya today. More to follow.

Sri Lanka’s Finance Ministry has confirmed hackers breached the External Resources Department system and stole funds linked to a foreign currency payment, after earlier opposition claims that USD 2.5 million in Treasury money had been stolen.

Earlier today, I had the opportunity to meet the delegation from the International Monetary Fund. During the discussion, I conveyed the strong public perception that the current IMF-backed programme has placed a significant economic burden on ordinary citizens, particularly the average Sri Lankan. Many feel that the cost of adjustment is being disproportionately borne by the people. I further emphasized our concern that the programme appears to prioritize the interests of creditors over the broader interests of our country. There is little visible evidence of a clear pathway towards sustainable economic growth or a comprehensive strategy for national wealth creation. When Mr. Evan Papageorgiou noted that the programme had been successfully initiated by the previous government and that the current administration is demonstrating improved fiscal discipline, I responded that this is precisely the issue. The public had expected a government that claims to follow “so-called Marxist policies” to deliver meaningful relief. Instead, the current approach is perceived as placing additional strain on the average citizen.