Sri Lanka Crisis Live Updates | Acting President Wickremesinghe says IMF talks close to conclusion

Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday urged political parties to put aside their differences and form an all-party government that would allow the country to overcome the economic crisis as he assured the public that talks with the IMF were about to end.

Mr. Wickremesinghe The country’s state of emergency was renewed Monday before a parliamentary vote to choose a new head of state – a ballot in which he is a leading candidate.

Ranil Wickremesinghe automatically became the acting President when Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigns After escaping to Singapore last week.

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Police and the military have beefed up security ahead of Wednesday’s vote to elect the president for the remainder of Mr Rajapaksa’s term, which ends in November 2024.

Earlier on Sunday, Sri Lanka’s state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) on Sunday slashed retail prices of diesel and petrol, the first reduction after five hikes since February. The retail prices of diesel and petrol have been reduced by Rs 20 each. Both were increased by Rs 50 and Rs 60 at the end of May.

Mr Wickremesinghe, a six-time former prime minister, is being endorsed for the presidency by Mr Rajapaksa’s party, which remains the largest in the legislature.

editorial | Exodus, Leaving: On the fall and downfall of Gotabaya Rajapaksa

was a former president forced to flee When thousands of protesters stormed his official residence after months of demonstrations across the country demanding his resignation over the country’s economic crisis.

here are the latest updates

Colombo

Wickremesinghe urges political parties to put aside their differences and form an all-party government

Sri Lanka’s acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday urged political parties to put aside their differences and form an all-party government that will help the country recover from the economic crisis as he assured the public that talks with the IMF were about to end. .

Mr Wickremesinghe, who declared a state of emergency earlier in the day ahead of the crucial presidential election on Wednesday, made the appeal in a special statement he said when he took over as prime minister on May 13. The economy had collapsed.

“Acting President Wickremesinghe called upon the political parties in the country to put aside their differences and not let the country suffer differences over one person. He urged them to come together and form an all-party government, which will help the country overcome the economic crisis,” according to a statement issued by his office on his behalf. , PTI

Colombo

Wickremesinghe says IMF talks close to conclusion

Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Monday that the country’s talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are nearing an end and talks with foreign countries for aid are on.

In a statement issued by his office, Wickremesinghe said his administration would engage with peaceful protesters who had legitimate concerns and would work to find solutions. , Reuters

Colombo

Sri Lanka’s Acting President Wickremesinghe declares emergency ahead of parliamentary vote

Sri Lanka’s Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe has declared a state of emergency, according to a government notice issued late on Sunday, as his administration attempts to quell social unrest and deal with the economic crisis gripping the island nation. .

“It is expedient so to do in the interest of public safety, security of public order and maintenance of supplies and services necessary for the life of the community,” the notification said.

Sri Lanka’s parliament met on Saturday to begin the process of electing a new president and a consignment of fuel arrived to provide some relief to the beleaguered nation.

Colombo

Crisis-hit Sri Lanka lowers fuel prices for the first time since February

Sri Lanka’s state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) on Sunday slashed retail prices of diesel and petrol, the first decrease after five hikes since February, as severe foreign exchange crunch hit fuel and other essential commodities in the country. Has hindered imports, which are in the worst economic condition. crisis in decades

The new prices came into effect from 10 pm on Sunday.

The retail prices of diesel and petrol have been reduced by Rs 20 each. Both were increased by Rs 50 and Rs 60 at the end of May.

Indian Oil Company’s local operations, Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC), also said they would effect a reduction in prices.

The State Fuel Unit is still unable to provide the supplies. From the end of June, their supply was limited to essential services, while LIOC served individual customers. , PTI

slave island

Hunger pangs on slave island as Sri Lanka’s food prices rocket

during the country’s worst economic crisis ever, which has fueled massive inflation and protests over the past week brought down the presidentSri Lankans are buying less, eating less and working less.

Milton Pereira said, “It is very difficult to live, even a loaf of bread is too expensive.” AFP Outside his modest home in Slave Island, a poor enclave of the capital Colombo.

Critics say the country’s financial crisis, stricken by the coronavirus pandemic, was exacerbated by government mismanagement.

According to official data, food inflation in Sri Lanka reached 80.1% by June. , AFP

Colombo

Sri Lanka’s protest movement reaches 100 days

Sri Lanka’s protest movement reached its 100th day on Sunday as the country’s economic crisis continues and a president was forced to step down and is now eyeing a successor.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled his palace shortly before an attack by demonstrators last weekend and resigned from his presidency on Thursday.

Their mismanagement is blamed for Sri Lanka’s financial turmoil, which has forced 22 million of its people to face shortages of food, fuel and medicines since late last year.