COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Chinese petroleum giant Sinopec signed an agreement with Sri Lanka on Monday to enter the South Asian island country's retail fuel market as it struggles to resolve a worsening energy crisis amid an unprecedented economic upheaval.
IMF: Sri Lanka’s crisis-hit economy likely to resume growth in 2024 after contracting 3% this year
May 15, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka’s crisis-hit economy is expected to resume growing in 2024 after contracting 3% this year, an International Monetary Fund official said Monday.
Krishna Srinivasan, the IMF's director for Asia and Pacific, said expected economic growth of 1.5% next year hinges critically on the economic reform program Sri Lanka has agreed to undertake, including challenging reforms in five identified areas.
Sri Lankan Parliament votes to support IMF recovery program
April 28, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka’s Parliament voted Friday to support the implementation of a four-year International Monetary Fund program aimed at solving the country’s economic crisis and reducing its debt burden.
Madushka, Mendis double tons maintain Sri Lanka control
April 27, 2023 GMTGALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Nishan Madushka and Kusal Mendis converted centuries into maiden doubles by baton-charging the Ireland bowlers as Sri Lanka sustained control of the second test on Thursday.
Sri Lanka amasses 357-1 vs. Ireland in 2nd test in Galle
April 26, 2023 GMTGALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Nishan Madushka hit centuries in a record opening stand as Sri Lanka amassed 357-1 on a rain-affected Day 3 of the second test against Ireland on Wednesday.
Sri Lanka seeks $17 billion debt reduction by restructuring
April 26, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka’s president urged lawmakers Wednesday to approve a four-year International Monetary Fund program to reduce the country's debt by $17 billion through restructuring.
Sri Lankan protesters demand justice for 2019 Easter attacks
April 21, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Thousands of Sri Lankans held a protest in the capital on Friday, demanding justice for the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks that killed nearly 270 people.
The protesters demanded that the government uncover who they said were the real conspirators behind the attacks on three churches — two Catholic and one Protestant — that included simultaneous suicide bombings during Easter celebrations on April 21, 2019.
Ireland faces follow-on after Jayasuriya’s 5 wickets
April 17, 2023 GMTGALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka declared on 591-6 and deepened Ireland's distress by reducing the visitor to 117-7 after two days of the first test on Monday.
Prabath Jayasuriya ran through the Irish on a Galle pitch turning more and more by taking 5-42.
Karunaratne, Mendis take Sri Lanka to 386-4 vs. Ireland
April 16, 2023 GMTGALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Captain Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis scored centuries and shared a record partnership for the second wicket to give Sri Lanka an imposing 386-4 at stumps on the opening day of the first cricket test against Ireland on Sunday.
Sri Lanka elects to bat in 1st test against Ireland
April 16, 2023 GMTGALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne won the toss and elected to bat in the first-ever cricket test against against Ireland at Galle International Stadium on Sunday.
Sri Lanka has recalled wicketkeeper Sadeera Samarawickrama in place of Niroshan Dickwella, who did not play well during a recent tour of New Zealand.
Black Caps beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets, win ODI series 2-0
March 31, 2023 GMTWELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand capitalized on another failure by Sri Lanka’s batters and avoided one of its own to win the third one-day international by six wickets in Hamilton on Friday and to take the three-match series 2-0.
Sri Lanka slashes fuel prices in welcome relief amid crisis
March 29, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka’s government on Wednesday announced significant cuts in fuel prices, providing welcome relief for many after a year of shortages and skyrocketing prices amid the country’s worst economic crisis.
IMF to assess Sri Lankan governance as part of $3B bailout
March 21, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — The International Monetary Fund said Tuesday it is assessing Sri Lanka’s governance in the first case of an Asian country facing scrutiny for corruption as part of a bailout program.
IMF to assess Sri Lankan governance as part of $3B bailout
March 21, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — The International Monetary Fund said Tuesday it is assessing Sri Lanka’s governance in the first case of an Asian country facing scrutiny for corruption as part of a bailout program.
Sri Lanka trails NZ by 303 after following on in 2nd test
March 19, 2023 GMTWELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Sri Lanka trailed New Zealand by 303 runs with eight second innings wickets left after following on Sunday on the third day of the second cricket test at the Basin Reserve.
Sri Lankan state workers strike, protesting high taxes
March 15, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lankan health, railway, port and other state workers were on a daylong strike Wednesday to protest against sharp increases in income taxes and electricity charges, as the island nation awaits approval of an International Monetary Fund package to aid its bankrupt economy.
NZ to chase 257 on final day of 1st test vs. Sri Lanka
March 12, 2023 GMTCHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) — Ageless Angelo Mathews ground out a determined century to steady Sri Lanka, then put it back into a competitive position in a closely-fought match Sunday on the fourth day of the first test against New Zealand.
Sri Lanka leader says IMF deal imminent after China’s pledge
March 8, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka’s president said Tuesday that China has given crucial debt restructuring assurances that mean the bankrupt Indian Ocean nation could get its $2.9 billion bailout package approved soon.
Sri Lanka police fire tear gas at election protest; 15 hurt
February 26, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Police in Sri Lanka on Sunday fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters angry over a decision to postpone local elections after the government said it cannot finance them because of the country's crippling economic crisis.
Saudi Arabia enters female team at ITF event for 1st time
February 23, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Saudi Arabia is entering a female team for the first time at an International Tennis Federation tournament — this week's Asia/Oceania pre-qualifying event for the Billie Jean King Cup Juniors in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan police disperse protesters demanding election
February 20, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lankan police fired tear gas and a water cannon at opposition supporters who marched in the capital on Monday demanding that the government hold next month’s local council elections as planned.
West Indies and NZ win to cling to SF hopes at T20 World Cup
February 19, 2023 GMTCAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — West Indies kept alive its slim hopes of making the semifinals at the Women's T20 World Cup with a last-over win over Pakistan on Sunday, while Sri Lanka went from the brink of the knockouts to out of the tournament.
Australia routs Sri Lanka by 10 wickets at T20 World Cup
February 16, 2023 GMTGQEBERHA, South Africa (AP) — Defending champion Australia produced its most convincing display so far at the Women's T20 World Cup, routing Sri Lanka by 10 wickets on Thursday to power to a third straight win.
China expresses support for Sri Lanka ahead of debt meeting
February 15, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China expressed support for Sri Lanka ahead of a meeting Friday of government lenders to poor economies but did not say if it would help reduce a multibillion-dollar debt that has plunged the Indian Ocean nation into financial and political turmoil.
Sri Lanka to fast-track trade pact with Thailand amid crisis
February 14, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Debt-stricken Sri Lanka is fast-tracking efforts to seal a stalled trade pact with Thailand in order to boost trade and tourism, and improve the foreign currency shortage that has led to its worst economic crisis, a government minister said on Tuesday.
T20 World Cup: England 2 from 2, South Africa back on track
February 13, 2023 GMTCAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — England made it two from two at the Women's T20 World Cup when 18-year-old Alice Capsey's rapid 51 from 22 balls set up a four-wicket win over Ireland in Paarl on Monday.
Sri Lanka surprises South Africa at Women’s T20 World Cup
February 10, 2023 GMTCAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Sri Lanka threw up a big surprise in the opening game of the Women's Twenty20 World Cup on Friday, holding its nerve in the field in a frantic finish to beat host South Africa by three runs.
Sri Lankan leader appeals for patience amid economic crisis
February 8, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka’s president on Wednesday appealed for patience amid the country's worst economic crisis but promised brighter times ahead.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe said in a policy speech after inaugurating a new parliamentary session that he had been forced to make unpopular decisions to salvage the country's finances, including by implementing measures such as higher taxes.
World test championship final set for June 7-11 in London
February 8, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — The world test championship final will be held at The Oval in London from June 7-11, the International Cricket Council announced Wednesday.
The match being billed as the “Ultimate Test” will be the second edition of the final.
Sri Lanka marks independence anniversary amid economic woes
February 4, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka marked its 75th independence anniversary on Saturday as a bankrupt nation, with many citizens angry, anxious and in no mood to celebrate.
China confirms offer to Sri Lanka of debt moratorium
February 3, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China’s government on Friday confirmed it is offering Sri Lanka a two-year moratorium on loan repayments as the Indian Ocean island nation struggles to restructure $51 billion in foreign debt that pushed it into a financial crisis.
Sri Lanka leader suspends parliament until policy address
January 28, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka's president suspended Parliament until Feb. 8, when he said he would announced a new set of long-term policies to address a range of issues including an unprecedented economic crisis that has engulfed the Indian Ocean nation for months.
Sri Lanka says debt-restructuring talks making progress
January 26, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Debt-stricken Sri Lanka’s Central Bank chief said Wednesday that the country is making good progress in talks with its creditors to obtain financial assurances for debt restructuring, an important step toward finalizing an International Monetary Fund rescue plan.
India backs Sri Lanka to secure IMF bailout plan amid crisis
January 20, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — India's foreign minister said Friday his country has given financial assurances to the International Monetary Fund to facilitate a bailout plan to help neighboring Sri Lanka emerge from its worst economic crisis, in a first formal announcement from one of the island nation’s creditors.
India wins toss and opts to bat against New Zealand
January 18, 2023 GMTHYDERABAD, India (AP) — India has won the toss and has opted to bat in the first ODI against New Zealand.
This is a three-match ODI series, with the second and third matches to be played in Raipur and Indore, respectively.
Sri Lanka urged to free student activist held over protests
January 17, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Human rights groups urged Sri Lanka's government to release a prominent student activist who was arrested five months ago during anti-government protests triggered by the country's worst economic crisis and has been held without charges under harsh anti-terrorism laws.
Kohli ton leads India to record ODI rout of Sri Lanka
January 15, 2023 GMTTHIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India (AP) — Virat Kohli scored his 46th ODI hundred to lead India past Sri Lanka and complete a 3-0 whitewash in the series on Sunday.
Kohli hit 166 not out off 110 balls, his second-highest ODI score, as India reached 390-5 in 50 overs.
Sri Lanka church seeks criminal justice for Easter bombings
January 13, 2023 GMTSri Lanka’s Catholic Church urged the country Friday to criminally prosecute its former leader for negligence, a day after the top court ordered him to pay compensation to the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks that killed nearly 270 people.
Sri Lankan court orders ex-leader to pay victims of bombings
January 13, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court ruled Thursday that inaction by the country’s former president and four others led to Easter Sunday bomb attacks in 2019 that killed nearly 270 people and ordered them to pay compensation for violating the basic rights of the victims and their families.
Rahul’s unbeaten 64 leads India to ODI series win
January 12, 2023 GMTKOLKATA, India (AP) — India recovered from a precarious 86-4 to beat Sri Lanka by four wickets and take the series in the second one-day international on Thursday.
Lokesh Rahul led India with an unbeaten 64 after facing 103 balls.
Kohli scores 45th ODI ton, India beats Sri Lanka by 67 runs
January 10, 2023 GMTGUWAHATI, India (AP) — Virat Kohli scored his 45th ODI hundred on his return to the national team as India beat Sri Lanka by 67 runs in their series opener on Tuesday.
Kohli, who missed India's 2-1 win in the T20 series against Sri Lanka, hit an 87-ball 113 to put India in control of the first one-day international after the hosts were asked to bat first at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
Sri Lanka’s government cuts expenses as economy tanks
January 10, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka's government said Tuesday it was cutting down expenses in the latest austerity drive to help it recover from its worst economic crisis.
Government spokesman and Media Minister Bandula Gunawardena said each ministry's annual budget will be cut 5%.
Suryakumar Yadav slams third T20 ton as India wins series
January 7, 2023 GMTRAJKOT, India (AP) — Suryakumar Yadav slammed a 45-ball century to help India beat Sri Lanka by 91 runs and win their Twenty20 series 2-1 on Saturday.
Yadav finished 112 not out off 51 balls for his third T20 hundred, and India amassed 228-5.
Shanaka shines with bat and ball as Sri Lanka levels series
January 5, 2023 GMTPUNE, India (AP) — Dasun Shanaka held his nerve in the final over as Sri Lanka restricted India to win the second Twenty20 by 16 runs on Thursday.
With 21 runs needed off six balls, Shanaka conceded only four as India was held to 190-8.
Axar Patel’s heroics help India beat Sri Lanka in T20
January 3, 2023 GMTMUMBAI, India (AP) — Axar Patel held his nerve in the final over to help India beat Sri Lanka by a narrow two runs in the first T20 on Tuesday.
Patel restricted Sri Lanka, which needed 13 runs, to just 10 in the last over and India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
South Asian eateries try ‘going local’ as recovery strategy
December 31, 2022 GMTNEW DELHI (AP) — Hotels and restaurants across South Asia have had to adapt and reimagine dining out since the pandemic ripped through the region, forcing many out of business.
Those that have survived are tapping local sources and going online.
Sri Lanka shuts schools as extreme weather brings pollution
December 9, 2022 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Schools across Sri Lanka were closed on Friday as health and environment officials said the air quality in most parts of the island nation was unhealthy partly due to extreme weather conditions.
Sri Lanka’s Parliamant approves budget amid economic crisis
December 9, 2022 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka's Parliament approved a budget Thursday that includes reforms aimed at improving the country's finances as it attempts to recover from its worst economic crisis.
Asalanka powers Sri Lanka to victory over Afghanistan in ODI
November 30, 2022 GMTKANDY, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka completed its highest successful run chase ever at home to square the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan on Wednesday at the Pallekele International Stadium.
No result in Sri Lanka-Afghanistan 2nd ODI after heavy rain
November 27, 2022 GMTPALLEKELE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Heavy rain forced an early end Sunday to the second one-day international between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan at the start of the hosts' run chase.
Set a target of 229 runs to win at the Pallekele International Stadium, Sri Lanka had reached 10-0 in 2.4 overs when rain forced the players off.
Zadran century leads Afghanistan to ODI win over Sri Lanka
November 25, 2022 GMTKANDY, Sri Lanka (AP) — Opening batsman Ibrahim Zadran scored a fine 106 as Afghanistan defeated Sri Lanka by 60 runs in their opening one-day international at Pallekele International Stadium on Friday.
Sri Lanka trying to set aside distractions for Afghan ODIs
November 24, 2022 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — In the midst of an investigation into Sri Lanka's deplorable antics at the T20 World Cup in Australia, Afghanistan was in country for three one-day internationals starting on Friday.
Sri Lanka urged to drop terror charges for 2 protest leaders
November 17, 2022 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — The Sri Lankan government is being urged to drop charges against two protest leaders detained for more than three months following the anti-government demonstrations that engulfed the island nation earlier this year.
Sri Lanka aims to hike taxes in budget to soften crisis
November 14, 2022 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka's president on Monday proposed to more than double the country’s tax revenue as the island nation struggles to come out from its worst economic crisis.
Unsustainable debt, a severe balance of payment crisis on top of lingering scars of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a severe shortage of essentials such as fuel, medicine and food, and the soaring prices have caused severe hardships to most Sri Lankans.