As Sri Lanka faces its worst financial crisis in more than seven decades, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) team met Sri Lanka's president on Wednesday for talks on a bailout package, including restructuring debt of about $29 billion. It was the second such visit in three months even as the country scrambles to lock down a staff-level pact for a possible $3 billion programme. The main sticking point is how to find a sustainable track for Sri Lanka's unwieldy debt, which stood at 114% of GDP at the end of last year, Reuters reported.

Sri Lanka has $9.6 billion in bilateral debt and its private credit, which includes international sovereign bonds, stands at $19.8 billion, finance ministry data show. Japan and China are the largest holders of bilateral debt, with the latter accounting for about $3.5 billion. Overall, when commercial debt is added, China holds about a fifth of Sri Lanka's debt portfolio.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-sri-lanka-bent-toward-economic-crisis-know-these-5-reasons-497442">Why Sri Lanka bent toward Economic Crisis? Know these 5 reasons</a>

The population of 22 million has been struggling for months because of soaring inflation, economic contraction and a severe shortage of essential items of food, fuel and medicine caused by a record slump in foreign reserves.

The combined impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic mismanagement have led to the most severe financial crisis since the country's independence in 1948. In July, then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country and resigned after a mass uprising triggered by what many Sri Lankans saw as his mishandling of the crisis.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is also the finance minister, plans to ask Japan to lead talks on bilateral debt restructuring after Sri Lanka secures IMF support.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

As Sri Lanka faces its worst financial crisis in more than seven decades, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) team met Sri Lanka's president on Wednesday for talks on a bailout package, including restructuring debt of about $29 billion.

As Sri Lanka faces its worst financial crisis in more than seven decades, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) team met Sri Lanka's president on Wednesday for talks on a bailout package, including restructuring debt of about $29 billion. It was the second such visit in three months even as the country scrambles to lock down a staff-level pact for a possible $3 billion programme. The main sticking point is how to find a sustainable track for Sri Lanka's unwieldy debt, which stood at 114% of GDP at the end of last year, Reuters reported. Sri Lanka has $9.6 billion in bilateral debt and its private credit, which includes international sovereign bonds, stands at $19.8 billion, finance ministry data show. Japan and China are the largest holders of bilateral debt, with the latter accounting for about $3.5 billion. Overall, when commercial debt is added, China holds about a fifth of Sri Lanka's debt portfolio. Also Read | Why Sri Lanka bent toward Economic Crisis? Know these 5 reasons The population of 22 million has been struggling for months because of soaring inflation, economic contraction and a severe shortage of essential items of food, fuel and medicine caused by a record slump in foreign reserves. The combined impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic mismanagement have led to the most severe financial crisis since the country's independence in 1948. In July, then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country and resigned after a mass uprising triggered by what many Sri Lankans saw as his mishandling of the crisis. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is also the finance minister, plans to ask Japan to lead talks on bilateral debt restructuring after Sri Lanka secures IMF support. (With inputs from agencies)

IMF team holds talks with Sri Lanka on a bailout package

Referring to the threats made by the protesters, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated on Sunday that there is no point in demanding him to ‘go home.’ The leader said, "I am appealing to you not to do that as I have no home to go to." He further said that there was no use in demanding a man to go home if he had no place to live, adding that the protesters could demand him to return after his house had been repaired. Speaking in Kandy, Wickremesinghe claimed that some people had threatened to hold a protest calling for him to return, ANI reported.

According to the Colombo Gazette, the president demanded that the demonstrators either rebuild the nation or his home. As per,&nbsp;Ranil, the protests slowed down a potential agreement with the IMF that had been moving forward after he took office as Prime Minister.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-chinese-ship-snoop-on-india-from-sri-lanka-port-india-raises-concerns-502609">Can Chinese ship snoop on India from Sri Lanka port? India raises concerns</a>

Ranil urged all the political parties to join hands in order to find a long-term solution to the country’s economic crisis. He continued that it’s pointless to blame former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa for the economic problem.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/millions-found-inside-gotabaya-rajapaksas-house-produced-before-court-502283">Millions found inside Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s house produced before court</a>

Notably, on July 9, enraged by the extraordinary economic crisis in the country, protesters broke into the private mansion of the then-prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, and set it on fire. They barged into the property just a few hours earlier, demanding the resignation of the then-president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and tore down police-erected security barriers, jumped into the pool, and ransacked his kitchen and house.

The country has been dealing with its worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Referring to the threats made by the protesters, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated on Sunday that there is no point in demanding him to ‘go home.’ The leader said, "I am appealing to you not to do that as I have no home to go to.

Referring to the threats made by the protesters, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated on Sunday that there is no point in demanding him to ‘go home.’ The leader said, "I am appealing to you not to do that as I have no home to go to." He further said that there was no use in demanding a man to go home if he had no place to live, adding that the protesters could demand him to return after his house had been repaired. Speaking in Kandy, Wickremesinghe claimed that some people had threatened to hold a protest calling for him to return, ANI reported. According to the Colombo Gazette, the president demanded that the demonstrators either rebuild the nation or his home. As per, Ranil, the protests slowed down a potential agreement with the IMF that had been moving forward after he took office as Prime Minister. Also read | Can Chinese ship snoop on India from Sri Lanka port? India raises concerns Ranil urged all the political parties to join hands in order to find a long-term solution to the country’s economic crisis. He continued that it’s pointless to blame former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa for the economic problem. Also read | Millions found inside Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s house produced before court Notably, on July 9, enraged by the extraordinary economic crisis in the country, protesters broke into the private mansion of the then-prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, and set it on fire. They barged into the property just a few hours earlier, demanding the resignation of the then-president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and tore down police-erected security barriers, jumped into the pool, and ransacked his kitchen and house. The country has been dealing with its worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘No home to go’: Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe responds to protesters' threat

Victory for the people: Sri Lanka’s protests marks 100 days, waiting for the new leader

Sri Lanka: Civil war hero ‘Gotabaya Rajapaksa’ overthrown by the protesters amid crisis

Economic crisis-hit Sri Lanka on Tuesday (June 21) has reduced the minimum age for women to work overseas to 21 years as it needs funds for the bankrupt economy. The national capital of the country, Colombo, placed a restriction on the age of women working abroad after an incident that happened in Saudi Arabia when a 17-year-old Sri Lankan nanny was beheaded for the murder of a child in her care. Following&nbsp;the anger over this execution, the minimum age for women to work abroad was set to 23 for other countries and 25 for Saudi Arabia, reported by AFP.&nbsp;

The South Asian country of 22 million people, nearly 1.6 million individuals work overseas, primarily in Middle East.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/united-nations-provide-2000-food-vouchers-for-pregnant-sri-lankan-women-as-a-part-of-food-aid-relief-488821">Amid economic crisis, United Nations provides food vouchers to pregnant women in Sri Lanka</a>

Bandula Gunawardana, an official spokesman said, “The cabinet of ministers approved the decision to lower the minimum age to 21 years for all countries given the need to increase foreign employment opportunities.”

Watch |&nbsp;Fuel shortage continues to plague Sri Lankans amid the ongoing economic crisis

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fuel-shortage-continues-to-plague-sri-lankans-amid-the-ongoing-economic-crisis-489821/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Remittances from Sri Lankans working overseas have been a major source for foreign currency, bringing an estimated amount of $7 billion per year. However, the figures dropped to $5.4 billion in the year 2021 during the Covid pandemic and expected to go down to $3.5 billion this year due to the economic downturn.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-schools-govt-offices-to-shut-as-transport-grinds-to-halt-489321">Sri Lanka schools, govt offices to shut as transport grinds to halt</a>

The Sri Lankan government has limited imports of essentials, such as fuel, food, medicines since the country’s foreign currency reserves are low.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Economic crisis-hit Sri Lanka on Tuesday (June 21) has reduced the minimum age for women to work overseas to 21 years as it needs funds for the bankrupt economy.

Economic crisis-hit Sri Lanka on Tuesday (June 21) has reduced the minimum age for women to work overseas to 21 years as it needs funds for the bankrupt economy. The national capital of the country, Colombo, placed a restriction on the age of women working abroad after an incident that happened in Saudi Arabia when a 17-year-old Sri Lankan nanny was beheaded for the murder of a child in her care. Following the anger over this execution, the minimum age for women to work abroad was set to 23 for other countries and 25 for Saudi Arabia, reported by AFP. The South Asian country of 22 million people, nearly 1.6 million individuals work overseas, primarily in Middle East. Also read | Amid economic crisis, United Nations provides food vouchers to pregnant women in Sri Lanka Bandula Gunawardana, an official spokesman said, “The cabinet of ministers approved the decision to lower the minimum age to 21 years for all countries given the need to increase foreign employment opportunities.” Watch | Fuel shortage continues to plague Sri Lankans amid the ongoing economic crisis Remittances from Sri Lankans working overseas have been a major source for foreign currency, bringing an estimated amount of $7 billion per year. However, the figures dropped to $5.4 billion in the year 2021 during the Covid pandemic and expected to go down to $3.5 billion this year due to the economic downturn. Also read | Sri Lanka schools, govt offices to shut as transport grinds to halt The Sri Lankan government has limited imports of essentials, such as fuel, food, medicines since the country’s foreign currency reserves are low. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Crisis-hit Sri Lanka reduces age limit of women allowed to work overseas to 21

The World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations on Thursday (June 16) began providing food aid to thousands of pregnant women in Sri Lanka amid an economic crisis. The body has warned of a potential humanitarian crisis where millions are in need of assistance, claiming that four out of five people began skipping meals because they cannot afford it. The organisation provided 2,000 food vouchers in Colombo’s 'underserved'&nbsp;districts. Anthea Webb, the deputy regional director for Asia and Pacific of WFP said, “When they skip meals they're putting their and their children's health at risk.”&nbsp;

The South Asian country has been in a limited supply of food, medicines, and fuel owing to diminishing foreign currency reserves and the government’s mismanagement. Due to the escalating fuel shortages, the government declared an additional holiday and ordered all schools to close on Friday to preserve diesel and gasoline.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-cabinet-approves-several-measures-to-facilitate-economic-recovery-488156">Sri Lankan cabinet approves several measures to facilitate economic recovery</a>&nbsp;

The world organisation’s attempts to support three million Sri Lankas suffering due to rising prices, as per the WFP includes the issuance of cash vouchers worth 15,000 rupees ($40). The organisation hopes to generate $60 million for the food aid operation between July and December this year.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Sri Lanka fuel crisis worsens&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-sri-lanka-fuel-crisis-worsens-487895/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/crisis-hit-public-servants-to-get-extra-day-off-to-grow-crops-to-help-with-food-shortage-488146">Take extra day off, grow crops in your backyards: Crisis-hit Sri Lanka to public servants</a>&nbsp;

The WFP says it intends to help a million youngsters to get at least one meal a school and provide millions of infants and women 'nutritious food.’&nbsp;

In addition to this, as per WFP, another million individuals will receive food rations in the form of food, cash or vouchers.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

&nbsp;

The World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations on Thursday (June 16) began providing food aid to thousands of pregnant women in Sri Lanka amid an economic crisis.

The World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations on Thursday (June 16) began providing food aid to thousands of pregnant women in Sri Lanka amid an economic crisis. The body has warned of a potential humanitarian crisis where millions are in need of assistance, claiming that four out of five people began skipping meals because they cannot afford it. The organisation provided 2,000 food vouchers in Colombo’s 'underserved' districts. Anthea Webb, the deputy regional director for Asia and Pacific of WFP said, “When they skip meals they're putting their and their children's health at risk.” The South Asian country has been in a limited supply of food, medicines, and fuel owing to diminishing foreign currency reserves and the government’s mismanagement. Due to the escalating fuel shortages, the government declared an additional holiday and ordered all schools to close on Friday to preserve diesel and gasoline. Also read | Sri Lankan cabinet approves several measures to facilitate economic recovery The world organisation’s attempts to support three million Sri Lankas suffering due to rising prices, as per the WFP includes the issuance of cash vouchers worth 15,000 rupees ($40). The organisation hopes to generate $60 million for the food aid operation between July and December this year. Watch | Gravitas: Sri Lanka fuel crisis worsens Also read | Take extra day off, grow crops in your backyards: Crisis-hit Sri Lanka to public servants The WFP says it intends to help a million youngsters to get at least one meal a school and provide millions of infants and women 'nutritious food.’ In addition to this, as per WFP, another million individuals will receive food rations in the form of food, cash or vouchers. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid economic crisis, United Nations provides food vouchers to pregnant women in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's Cabinet has deferred by a week the approval of the proposed 21st Amendment to the Constitution to empower Parliament over the executive president, amidst stiff resistance from some members of the ruling party.

The 21st Amendment is expected to annul the 20A to the Constitution which gives unfettered powers to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after abolishing the 19th Amendment.

The draft of the proposed amendment was presented at Monday's Cabinet meeting. It was decided to approve it only after all parties agreed with the amendments proposed. It will be presented to the Cabinet next week," Charitha Herath, a government parliamentarian, told reporters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-president-vows-to-finish-term-but-wont-run-for-re-election-485665">Sri Lanka's president vows to finish term, but won't run for re-election</a>

A section of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party (SLPP) is averse to bringing in 21A without addressing the current economic crisis.

"People are facing difficulties without essentials. We will have to think of settling the economic issues first before trying political solutions," Sagara Kariyawasam, the ruling SLPP general secretary said.

Constitutional Affairs Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe was hopeful of having the Cabinet nod on Monday.

The government announced on Friday that most of the concerns raised by parties had been addressed and agreed upon.

However, the main Opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), expressed disagreement, saying the government needed to wait until the Supreme Court's determination on their draft document on the amendment.

The SJB has accused the government of watering down the amendment so as to allow president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to continue enjoying full powers.

The SJB presses for the abolition of the presidential system.

The constitutional affairs minister said the government's aim was to move provisions which may require it to be subject to a national referendum.

Watch |&nbsp;Gotabaya says can't go as a failed president amid the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gotabaya-says-cant-go-as-a-failed-president-amid-the-ongoing-economic-crisis-in-sri-lanka-485805/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe last week batted for the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, saying it will curb the president's unlimited powers while enhancing the role of Parliament in governing the debt-ridden country which is also facing an unprecedented political turmoil.

His proposal to introduce the 21st Amendment met with stiff resistance from some members of the ruling SLPP party.

They charged that Wickremesinghe was looking to garner more power for himself while weakening President Rajapaksa who appointed him.

The powerful Rajapaksa family tightened their grip on power after their massive victory in the general elections in August 2020, which allowed them to amend the Constitution to restore presidential powers and install close family members in key positions.

Wickremesinghe was the main sponsor of the 19th Amendment in 2015 which empowered Parliament over the executive president.

The constitutional reform was a major plank of the agreement between Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe when he took over the job of prime minister on May 12.

Sri Lanka has been grappling with unprecedented economic turmoil since its independence from Britain in 1948.

Sri Lanka's economic crisis has created political unrest with protesters demanding the President's resignation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-21st-amendment-to-constitution-to-be-submitted-to-cabinet-for-approval-on-monday-485240">Sri Lanka's 21st Amendment to Constitution to be submitted to cabinet for approval on Monday</a>

Under the 21A, the President will be held accountable to the Parliament.The Cabinet of Ministers is also accountable to Parliament.

The National Council is also accountable to Parliament. Fifteen Committees and Oversight Committees are accountable to Parliament.

Sri Lanka in mid-April declared that it was unable to meet its foreign debt payments and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) classified Sri Lanka's debt as unsustainable. Therefore debt restructuring was key for an IMF programme.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Sri Lanka's Cabinet has deferred by a week the approval of the proposed 21st Amendment to the Constitution to empower Parliament over the executive president, amidst stiff resistance from some members of the ruling party.

Sri Lanka's Cabinet has deferred by a week the approval of the proposed 21st Amendment to the Constitution to empower Parliament over the executive president, amidst stiff resistance from some members of the ruling party. The 21st Amendment is expected to annul the 20A to the Constitution which gives unfettered powers to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after abolishing the 19th Amendment. The draft of the proposed amendment was presented at Monday's Cabinet meeting. It was decided to approve it only after all parties agreed with the amendments proposed. It will be presented to the Cabinet next week," Charitha Herath, a government parliamentarian, told reporters. Also read | Sri Lanka's president vows to finish term, but won't run for re-election A section of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party (SLPP) is averse to bringing in 21A without addressing the current economic crisis. "People are facing difficulties without essentials. We will have to think of settling the economic issues first before trying political solutions," Sagara Kariyawasam, the ruling SLPP general secretary said. Constitutional Affairs Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe was hopeful of having the Cabinet nod on Monday. The government announced on Friday that most of the concerns raised by parties had been addressed and agreed upon. However, the main Opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), expressed disagreement, saying the government needed to wait until the Supreme Court's determination on their draft document on the amendment. The SJB has accused the government of watering down the amendment so as to allow president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to continue enjoying full powers. The SJB presses for the abolition of the presidential system. The constitutional affairs minister said the government's aim was to move provisions which may require it to be subject to a national referendum. Watch | Gotabaya says can't go as a failed president amid the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe last week batted for the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, saying it will curb the president's unlimited powers while enhancing the role of Parliament in governing the debt-ridden country which is also facing an unprecedented political turmoil. His proposal to introduce the 21st Amendment met with stiff resistance from some members of the ruling SLPP party. They charged that Wickremesinghe was looking to garner more power for himself while weakening President Rajapaksa who appointed him. The powerful Rajapaksa family tightened their grip on power after their massive victory in the general elections in August 2020, which allowed them to amend the Constitution to restore presidential powers and install close family members in key positions. Wickremesinghe was the main sponsor of the 19th Amendment in 2015 which empowered Parliament over the executive president. The constitutional reform was a major plank of the agreement between Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe when he took over the job of prime minister on May 12. Sri Lanka has been grappling with unprecedented economic turmoil since its independence from Britain in 1948. Sri Lanka's economic crisis has created political unrest with protesters demanding the President's resignation. Also read | Sri Lanka's 21st Amendment to Constitution to be submitted to cabinet for approval on Monday Under the 21A, the President will be held accountable to the Parliament.The Cabinet of Ministers is also accountable to Parliament. The National Council is also accountable to Parliament. Fifteen Committees and Oversight Committees are accountable to Parliament. Sri Lanka in mid-April declared that it was unable to meet its foreign debt payments and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) classified Sri Lanka's debt as unsustainable. Therefore debt restructuring was key for an IMF programme. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sri Lankan Cabinet defers 21st Amendment to the Constitution by a week

Sri Lanka crisis: Woman rickshaw driver has to queue 12 hours, or more, for fuel

In pics: Thousands of Sri Lankans queued for fuel and gas amid economic crisis

In Pics | Sri Lanka crisis: Rajapaksas fight for survival as situation worsens

Sri Lanka's beleaguered President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Sunday urged all political parties to set aside their differences and appealed to the protesting citizens to join hands to steer a "pro-people struggle", amidst growing demands for his government's immediate resignation over its failure to tackle the country's worst economic crisis.

His message to the people on International Workers' Day came a day after the powerful Buddhist clergy in the island nation warned that people would be influenced to reject all politicians if Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabaya's elder brother, did not resign to make way for an interim government to resolve the political and economic crisis in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-hardship-for-sri-lankan-citizens-is-going-to-increase-says-weerakoon-wijewardena-475287">Exclusive | Hardship for Sri Lankan citizens is going to increase, Weerakoon Wijewardena tells WION</a>

"On this #InternationalWorkersDay, I once again invite all political party leaders in #lka to come to a consensus on behalf of the people. It's my sincere wish to call on the people to join hands to steer a pro-people struggle setting aside political differences," Gotabaya tweeted.

Sri Lanka is currently in the throes of unprecedented economic turmoil since its independence from Britain in 1948. The crisis is caused in part by a lack of foreign currency, which has meant that the country cannot afford to pay for imports of staple foods and fuel, leading to acute shortages and very high prices.

On Thursday, nearly 1,000 trade unions staged a one-day nationwide strike, demanding the immediate resignation of the government, including President Gotabaya and Prime Minister Mahinda.

The unions from a number of sectors, including the state service, health, ports, electricity, education and postal joined the strike under the theme 'Bow to the people - government go home', urging the President, the Prime Minister and the government to 'go home'.

In his May Day message, Gotabaya said instead of following up on who is responsible for the current problematic situation, what is needed is to focus on what action can be taken to provide immediate relief to the public, online portal newsfirst, Lk reported.

Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka economic crisis: W. A. Wijewardena, Ex-Dy Governor of Central Bank, in an exclusive interview with WION

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-economic-crisis-w-a-wijewardena-ex-dy-governor-of-central-bank-in-an-exclusive-interview-with-wion-475342/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Pointing out that in the past three years, the group that faced the most serious challenges in the country are the working class, the president said they are also the ones who were resilient in the face of all these challenges and made great commitments to strengthen the national economy.

"As the day-to-day challenges they face are even more intense today, the government is taking various approaches to liberate the people from this situation and alleviate the oppressive nature of the situation," he said.

Thousands of demonstrators have hit the streets across Sri Lanka since April 9, as the government ran out of money for vital imports; prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed and there are acute shortages in fuel, medicines and electricity supply.

Gotabaya emphasised that the loss of foreign exchange has created many issues, and managing all these factors is the way to solve the current problems.

"Bearing the responsibility of creating a better future for the people of this country, as the Head of State and on behalf of the people I invited the leaders of all political parties to work together," the Daily Mirror online newspaper quoted the president as saying.

Each second, our goal is to find solutions to existing crises by resorting to methods that can alleviate the suffering of the people, he said.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE 
&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

"On this year's Workers' Day, I once again invite the leaders of all political parties to come to a consensus on behalf of the people to overcome the challenge we face. I respectfully call on the working people to put politics aside and join to steer the struggle in a positive direction with a pro-people revolutionary transformation on behalf of the working people.

"It is with these aspirations that I join with you in celebrating the International Workers' Day that embodies the Workers' Brotherhood, the global labour force," the report quoted the president as saying in his message.

A senior leader from Sri Lanka's Opposition party Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Lakshman Kiriella, on Saturday said his party will prove their majority in Parliament this week for the no-confidence motion against the government led by the Rajapaksa family.

President Gotabaya has asked the Opposition to show their majority by garnering the support of 113 lawmakers in the 225-member Parliament to form the interim government.

Everyone will be able to see that we command a majority next week and I will not reveal how we are going to do it as of now, the Daily Mirror newspaper had quoted SJB MP and Chief Opposition Whip Kiriella as saying.

Sri Lanka needs at least USD 4 billion to tide over its mounting economic woes, and talks with international institutions such as the World Bank as well as countries like China and Japan for financial assistance have been going on.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-hikes-medicine-prices-amid-financial-crisis-475166">Sri Lanka hikes medicine prices amid financial crisis</a>

Sri Lankan officials were in Washington last week to negotiate with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout.

India has agreed to extend an additional USD 500 million credit line to help Sri Lanka import fuel.

India has already agreed to defer USD 1.5 billion in import payments that Sri Lanka needs to make to the Asian Clearing Union.

Sri Lanka's beleaguered President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Sunday urged all political parties to set aside their differences and appealed to the protesting citizens to join hands to steer a "pro-people struggle", amidst growing demands for his government's immediate resignation over its failure to tackle the country's worst economic crisis.

Sri Lanka's beleaguered President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Sunday urged all political parties to set aside their differences and appealed to the protesting citizens to join hands to steer a "pro-people struggle", amidst growing demands for his government's immediate resignation over its failure to tackle the country's worst economic crisis. His message to the people on International Workers' Day came a day after the powerful Buddhist clergy in the island nation warned that people would be influenced to reject all politicians if Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabaya's elder brother, did not resign to make way for an interim government to resolve the political and economic crisis in the country. Also read | Exclusive | Hardship for Sri Lankan citizens is going to increase, Weerakoon Wijewardena tells WION "On this #InternationalWorkersDay, I once again invite all political party leaders in #lka to come to a consensus on behalf of the people. It's my sincere wish to call on the people to join hands to steer a pro-people struggle setting aside political differences," Gotabaya tweeted. Sri Lanka is currently in the throes of unprecedented economic turmoil since its independence from Britain in 1948. The crisis is caused in part by a lack of foreign currency, which has meant that the country cannot afford to pay for imports of staple foods and fuel, leading to acute shortages and very high prices. On Thursday, nearly 1,000 trade unions staged a one-day nationwide strike, demanding the immediate resignation of the government, including President Gotabaya and Prime Minister Mahinda. The unions from a number of sectors, including the state service, health, ports, electricity, education and postal joined the strike under the theme 'Bow to the people - government go home', urging the President, the Prime Minister and the government to 'go home'. In his May Day message, Gotabaya said instead of following up on who is responsible for the current problematic situation, what is needed is to focus on what action can be taken to provide immediate relief to the public, online portal newsfirst, Lk reported. Watch | Sri Lanka economic crisis: W. A. Wijewardena, Ex-Dy Governor of Central Bank, in an exclusive interview with WION Pointing out that in the past three years, the group that faced the most serious challenges in the country are the working class, the president said they are also the ones who were resilient in the face of all these challenges and made great commitments to strengthen the national economy. "As the day-to-day challenges they face are even more intense today, the government is taking various approaches to liberate the people from this situation and alleviate the oppressive nature of the situation," he said. Thousands of demonstrators have hit the streets across Sri Lanka since April 9, as the government ran out of money for vital imports; prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed and there are acute shortages in fuel, medicines and electricity supply. Gotabaya emphasised that the loss of foreign exchange has created many issues, and managing all these factors is the way to solve the current problems. "Bearing the responsibility of creating a better future for the people of this country, as the Head of State and on behalf of the people I invited the leaders of all political parties to work together," the Daily Mirror online newspaper quoted the president as saying. Each second, our goal is to find solutions to existing crises by resorting to methods that can alleviate the suffering of the people, he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE "On this year's Workers' Day, I once again invite the leaders of all political parties to come to a consensus on behalf of the people to overcome the challenge we face. I respectfully call on the working people to put politics aside and join to steer the struggle in a positive direction with a pro-people revolutionary transformation on behalf of the working people. "It is with these aspirations that I join with you in celebrating the International Workers' Day that embodies the Workers' Brotherhood, the global labour force," the report quoted the president as saying in his message. A senior leader from Sri Lanka's Opposition party Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Lakshman Kiriella, on Saturday said his party will prove their majority in Parliament this week for the no-confidence motion against the government led by the Rajapaksa family. President Gotabaya has asked the Opposition to show their majority by garnering the support of 113 lawmakers in the 225-member Parliament to form the interim government. Everyone will be able to see that we command a majority next week and I will not reveal how we are going to do it as of now, the Daily Mirror newspaper had quoted SJB MP and Chief Opposition Whip Kiriella as saying. Sri Lanka needs at least USD 4 billion to tide over its mounting economic woes, and talks with international institutions such as the World Bank as well as countries like China and Japan for financial assistance have been going on. Also read | Sri Lanka hikes medicine prices amid financial crisis Sri Lankan officials were in Washington last week to negotiate with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout. India has agreed to extend an additional USD 500 million credit line to help Sri Lanka import fuel. India has already agreed to defer USD 1.5 billion in import payments that Sri Lanka needs to make to the Asian Clearing Union.

Sri Lankan president Rajapaksa urges political parties to set aside differences

In a bid to find a solution to the current economic, political and social crisis in the country, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will be holding a crucial meeting with 41 MPs who recently quit the ruling dispensation. The meeting between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and President Rajapaksa is scheduled to be held at 7.00 pm this evening, reported Daily Mirror.

The information of the decisive and crucial meeting was given by the former President and SLFP leader Maithripala Siriserna. Addressing the media at the party office today morning, he said the main objective of the meeting was to coerce President Rajapaksa to form an interim administration under an all-party Cabinet sans Rajapaksas with the least number of portfolios, reported Daily Mirror.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/more-trouble-for-gotabaya-rajapaksa-as-opposition-mulls-no-confidence-motion-against-sl-president-469734">More trouble for Gotabaya Rajapaksa as opposition mulls no-confidence motion against SL president</a>

"Before the interim administration is set up, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution must be re-introduced with added powers to curtail the executive powers of the executive presidency," he added. The entire country is demanding the removal of the Rajapaksa clan and President Rajapaksa from power in Sri Lanka.

It seems that the protests and agitations against the President and the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) government will not subside as long as President Gotabaya Rajapaksa remains in power, reported Daily Mirror."But it is a long process and takes time. The people need immediate solutions to their current grievances such as the power outage, the skyrocketing price of essential commodities, food shortage, the ever-escalating Cost of Living and many more. If we are to find immediate solutions to these pressing issues, first and foremost action must be taken to form a stable government," Sirisena said.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India won't deploy army to Sri Lanka

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-wont-deploy-army-to-sri-lanka-469481/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The SLFP is of the view that an all-party interim government with no involvement of the Rajapaksa clan will win public confidence as there will be no unnecessary directives or orders from the executive with the re-introduction of the Constitutional provisions of the 19th Amendment."To do this, the SLFP expects the support and blessings of all political parties represented in Parliament," Sirisena stressed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-seeking-3-billion-in-months-to-stave-off-crisis-finance-minister-469713">Sri Lanka seeking $3 billion in months to stave off crisis: Finance minister</a>

Sri Lanka is battling a severe economic crisis with food and fuel scarcity affecting a large number of the people in the island nation. The economy has been in a free-fall since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sri Lanka is also facing a foreign exchange shortage, which has, incidentally, affected its capacity to import food and fuel, leading to the power cuts in the country. The shortage of essential goods forced Sri Lanka to seek assistance from friendly countries.&nbsp;

In a bid to find a solution to the current economic, political and social crisis in the country, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will be holding a crucial meeting with 41 MPs who recently quit the ruling dispensation.

In a bid to find a solution to the current economic, political and social crisis in the country, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will be holding a crucial meeting with 41 MPs who recently quit the ruling dispensation. The meeting between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and President Rajapaksa is scheduled to be held at 7.00 pm this evening, reported Daily Mirror. The information of the decisive and crucial meeting was given by the former President and SLFP leader Maithripala Siriserna. Addressing the media at the party office today morning, he said the main objective of the meeting was to coerce President Rajapaksa to form an interim administration under an all-party Cabinet sans Rajapaksas with the least number of portfolios, reported Daily Mirror. Also read | More trouble for Gotabaya Rajapaksa as opposition mulls no-confidence motion against SL president "Before the interim administration is set up, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution must be re-introduced with added powers to curtail the executive powers of the executive presidency," he added. The entire country is demanding the removal of the Rajapaksa clan and President Rajapaksa from power in Sri Lanka. It seems that the protests and agitations against the President and the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) government will not subside as long as President Gotabaya Rajapaksa remains in power, reported Daily Mirror."But it is a long process and takes time. The people need immediate solutions to their current grievances such as the power outage, the skyrocketing price of essential commodities, food shortage, the ever-escalating Cost of Living and many more. If we are to find immediate solutions to these pressing issues, first and foremost action must be taken to form a stable government," Sirisena said. Watch | Gravitas: India won't deploy army to Sri Lanka The SLFP is of the view that an all-party interim government with no involvement of the Rajapaksa clan will win public confidence as there will be no unnecessary directives or orders from the executive with the re-introduction of the Constitutional provisions of the 19th Amendment."To do this, the SLFP expects the support and blessings of all political parties represented in Parliament," Sirisena stressed. Also read | Sri Lanka seeking $3 billion in months to stave off crisis: Finance minister Sri Lanka is battling a severe economic crisis with food and fuel scarcity affecting a large number of the people in the island nation. The economy has been in a free-fall since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sri Lanka is also facing a foreign exchange shortage, which has, incidentally, affected its capacity to import food and fuel, leading to the power cuts in the country. The shortage of essential goods forced Sri Lanka to seek assistance from friendly countries.

Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to hold crucial meeting with 41MPs

Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;will need about $3&nbsp;billion&nbsp;in external assistance within the next six&nbsp;months&nbsp;to help restore supplies of essential items, including fuel and medicines, to manage a severe economic&nbsp;crisis, its&nbsp;finance&nbsp;minister&nbsp;told&nbsp;Reuters&nbsp;on Saturday.

The island nation of 22 million people has been hit by prolonged power cuts, with drugs, fuel and other items running short, bringing angry protesters out on the streets and putting President Gotabaya Rajapaksa under mounting pressure.

"It's a Herculean task,"&nbsp;Finance&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Ali Sabry said in his first interview since taking&nbsp;office this week, referring to finding $3&nbsp;billion&nbsp;in bridge financing as the country readied for negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) this month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-doubles-interest-rates-to-tame-inflation-stabilise-economy-469544">Sri Lanka doubles interest rates to tame inflation; stabilise economy</a>

The South Asian island nation will look to restructure international sovereign bonds and seek a moratorium on payments, and is confident of negotiating with bondholders for an upcoming $1&nbsp;billion&nbsp;payment in July.

"The entire effort is not to go for a hard default," Sabry said. "We understand the consequences of a hard default."

J.P. Morgan analysts estimated this week that&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's gross debt servicing would amount to $7&nbsp;billion&nbsp;this year, with the current account deficit coming in around $3&nbsp;billion.

The country has $12.55&nbsp;billion&nbsp;in outstanding international sovereign bonds, according to central bank data, and foreign reserves of $1.93&nbsp;billion&nbsp;at the end of March.

"The first priority is to see that we get back to the normal supply channel in terms of fuel, gas, drugs... and thereby electricity so that the people's uprising can be addressed," Sabry said.

Sense of confidence

Anti-government protests have raged across the island for days, with at least one turning violent in the country's commercial capital of Colombo, which have hurt the lucrative tourism industry that was ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India won't deploy army to Sri Lanka

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-wont-deploy-army-to-sri-lanka-469481/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We respect your right to protest, but no violence, because it is counterproductive," Sabry said.

"Our tourism, which was beautifully coming back in February with 140,000 tourists coming in, has been severely affected ever since the demonstrations."

Sabry said he will lead a delegation of&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lankan&nbsp;officials to Washington to start talks with the IMF on April 18 and that financial and legal advisers would be selected within 21 days to help the government restructure its international debt.

"Once we go to them, first thing is there is a sense of confidence in the entire international monetary community that we are serious," he said. "We are transparent, we are willing to engage."

On Friday, a new central bank governor raised interest rates by an unprecedented 700 basis points in a bid to tame rocketing inflation and stabilise the economy.

Sri&nbsp;Lankan authorities will also reach out to rating agencies, Sabry said, as the country looks to regain access to international financial markets after being locked out due to multiple ratings downgrades since 2020.

Sabry said the government will hike taxes and fuel prices within six&nbsp;months&nbsp;and seek to reform loss-making state-owned enterprises, in an effort to fix public&nbsp;finances.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/crisis-hit-sri-lanka-hikes-rates-by-record-as-protests-spiral-469411">Crisis-hit: Sri Lanka hikes rates by record as protests spiral</a>

These measures were among key recommendations in an IMF review of&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's economy released in early March.

"These are very unpopular measures, but these are things we need to do for the country to come out of this," Sabry said. "But the choice is do you do that or do you go down the drain permanently?"

Friend of all

Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;will seek another $500 million credit line from India for fuel, which would suffice for about five weeks of requirements, Sabry said.

The government would also look for support from the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and bilateral partners including China, the United States, Britain and countries in the Middle East.

"We know where we are, and the only thing is to fight back," Sabry said, looking relaxed in a blue T-shirt and jeans. "We have no choice."

Discussions are ongoing with China on a $1.5&nbsp;billion&nbsp;credit line, a syndicated loan of up to $1&nbsp;billion&nbsp;dollars and a request from&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's president in January to restructure some debt.

"Hopefully we will be able to get some relief and which would help to keep the&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;community and the country afloat until larger infusions come in," Sabry said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-former-minister-calls-sri-lankas-current-situation-chaos-says-govt-trying-to-hold-on-to-power-469337">Exclusive | Sri Lanka crisis: Govt trying to hold on to power, cricket icon Arjuna Ranatunga tells WION</a>

Beijing and New Delhi have long jostled for influence over the strategically located island&nbsp;off&nbsp;India's southern tip, with the country pulling closer to China under the powerful Rajapaksa family.

But in recent weeks, as the economic&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;deepened,&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;has leaned heavily on assistance from India.

"We are a neutral country. We are friend of all," said Sabry, a lawyer who previously served as&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's justice&nbsp;minister. "So we think that goodwill will come in handy at this point in time."

Sri Lanka will need about $3 billion in external assistance within the next six months to help restore supplies of essential items, including fuel and medicines, to manage a severe economic crisis, its finance minister told Reuters on Saturday.

Sri Lanka will need about $3 billion in external assistance within the next six months to help restore supplies of essential items, including fuel and medicines, to manage a severe economic crisis, its finance minister told Reuters on Saturday. The island nation of 22 million people has been hit by prolonged power cuts, with drugs, fuel and other items running short, bringing angry protesters out on the streets and putting President Gotabaya Rajapaksa under mounting pressure. "It's a Herculean task," Finance Minister Ali Sabry said in his first interview since taking office this week, referring to finding $3 billion in bridge financing as the country readied for negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) this month. Also read | Sri Lanka doubles interest rates to tame inflation; stabilise economy The South Asian island nation will look to restructure international sovereign bonds and seek a moratorium on payments, and is confident of negotiating with bondholders for an upcoming $1 billion payment in July. "The entire effort is not to go for a hard default," Sabry said. "We understand the consequences of a hard default." J.P. Morgan analysts estimated this week that Sri Lanka's gross debt servicing would amount to $7 billion this year, with the current account deficit coming in around $3 billion. The country has $12.55 billion in outstanding international sovereign bonds, according to central bank data, and foreign reserves of $1.93 billion at the end of March. "The first priority is to see that we get back to the normal supply channel in terms of fuel, gas, drugs... and thereby electricity so that the people's uprising can be addressed," Sabry said. Sense of confidence Anti-government protests have raged across the island for days, with at least one turning violent in the country's commercial capital of Colombo, which have hurt the lucrative tourism industry that was ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch | Gravitas: India won't deploy army to Sri Lanka "We respect your right to protest, but no violence, because it is counterproductive," Sabry said. "Our tourism, which was beautifully coming back in February with 140,000 tourists coming in, has been severely affected ever since the demonstrations." Sabry said he will lead a delegation of Sri Lankan officials to Washington to start talks with the IMF on April 18 and that financial and legal advisers would be selected within 21 days to help the government restructure its international debt. "Once we go to them, first thing is there is a sense of confidence in the entire international monetary community that we are serious," he said. "We are transparent, we are willing to engage." On Friday, a new central bank governor raised interest rates by an unprecedented 700 basis points in a bid to tame rocketing inflation and stabilise the economy. Sri Lankan authorities will also reach out to rating agencies, Sabry said, as the country looks to regain access to international financial markets after being locked out due to multiple ratings downgrades since 2020. Sabry said the government will hike taxes and fuel prices within six months and seek to reform loss-making state-owned enterprises, in an effort to fix public finances. Also read | Crisis-hit: Sri Lanka hikes rates by record as protests spiral These measures were among key recommendations in an IMF review of Sri Lanka's economy released in early March. "These are very unpopular measures, but these are things we need to do for the country to come out of this," Sabry said. "But the choice is do you do that or do you go down the drain permanently?" Friend of all Sri Lanka will seek another $500 million credit line from India for fuel, which would suffice for about five weeks of requirements, Sabry said. The government would also look for support from the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and bilateral partners including China, the United States, Britain and countries in the Middle East. "We know where we are, and the only thing is to fight back," Sabry said, looking relaxed in a blue T-shirt and jeans. "We have no choice." Discussions are ongoing with China on a $1.5 billion credit line, a syndicated loan of up to $1 billion dollars and a request from Sri Lanka's president in January to restructure some debt. "Hopefully we will be able to get some relief and which would help to keep the Sri Lanka community and the country afloat until larger infusions come in," Sabry said. Also read | Exclusive | Sri Lanka crisis: Govt trying to hold on to power, cricket icon Arjuna Ranatunga tells WION Beijing and New Delhi have long jostled for influence over the strategically located island off India's southern tip, with the country pulling closer to China under the powerful Rajapaksa family. But in recent weeks, as the economic crisis deepened, Sri Lanka has leaned heavily on assistance from India. "We are a neutral country. We are friend of all," said Sabry, a lawyer who previously served as Sri Lanka's justice minister. "So we think that goodwill will come in handy at this point in time."

Sri Lanka seeking $3 billion in months to stave off crisis: Finance minister

The ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, the worst-ever in the history of the island nation, is putting its citizens through extreme hardships.&nbsp;

From school exams being cancelled owing to a shortage of paper and printer ink, a cup of tea costing Rs. 100 (Sri Lankan Rupees) and even senior citizens dying while waiting at fuel stations, the situation is deteriorating with every passing day.&nbsp;

Now, a group of Lankan nationals have fled the island nation, which is nearing bankruptcy, and have reached Indian shores illegally.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
They are the 6 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLankan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLankan</a> nationals who took a risky, illegal fishing boat ride to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> in wee hrs to flee amid <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLankaEconomicCrisis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLankaEconomicCrisis</a> 
 
They were rescued by <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaCoastGuard</a> near rameswaram; authorities to initiate legal action<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLankaCrisis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLankaCrisis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coastguard?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coastguard</a> <a href="https://t.co/YQwH8ZvEgl">https://t.co/YQwH8ZvEgl</a> <a href="https://t.co/WUPHDHe9Dv">pic.twitter.com/WUPHDHe9Dv</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1506279414161887238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Six Sri Lankan nationals took the extremely risky step of undertaking a roughly 50km-long, illegal boat ride from Pesalai, Mannar in the northwest of Sri Lanka to Rameswaram in India's Tamil Nadu. According to the Indian Coast Guard, they had received information about the illegal migration of six Lankan nationals to India.&nbsp;

Accordingly, the Coast Guard launched a hovercraft in the morning hours of Tuesday to patrol the area.&nbsp;

After two hours of searching, the craft's crew spotted six people on the fourth island of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. An investigation revealed that the group, comprising a man, two women, and three children, are residents of Jaffna and Kokupadaiyan, in Sri Lanka's northern tip.&nbsp;

They had embarked on a fishing boat in the late night hours of Monday (10:30pm) and landed on the fourth island, Rameswaram, in the wee hours of Tuesday, around 1:30am. They had taken the illegal, risky boat ride across the Palk Strait, in order to escape the excessive rise in prices of essential commodities in their country.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
6 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLankan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLankan</a> nationals illegally migrate to Rameswaram <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> via fishing boat on wee hrs of Tuesday , amid <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLankaEconomicCrisis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLankaEconomicCrisis</a> 
 
Based on Intel, <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaCoastGuard</a> hovercraft searched, spotted, brought them to safety ;legal action to be initiated<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a> <a href="https://t.co/BbK0o936xk">pic.twitter.com/BbK0o936xk</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1506258757361467404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Coast Guard brought all six people to the Mandapam Hoverport safely and conducted a joint interrogation on arrival, following which they were handed over to the Coastal Security Group, Mandapam, for further legal action.

The cash-strapped Indian Ocean littoral state of Sri Lanka, home to nearly 22 million people, is faced with a crippling economic crisis, caused by a severe shortage of foreign exchange reserves that are required for essential imports. This has caused shortages in food, fuel, and even medicine. In addition to this, the country is also witnessing severe electricity blackouts.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Sri Lanka's economic crisis triggers exodus

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-sri-lankas-economic-crisis-triggers-exodus-464715/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Recently, the Indian government agreed to provide a $1 billion credit line to buy food and medicine on top of a $500 million facility granted earlier. Sri Lankan authorities announced last week that the country would seek an IMF bailout.&nbsp;

It is also reported that Sri Lanka has sought a new loan as well as buyer’s credit from China for USD2.5 billion. This sum is in addition to the $ 2.8 billion that China offered to Sri Lanka, since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, the worst-ever in the history of the island nation, is putting its citizens through extreme hardships. From school exams being cancelled owing to a shortage of paper and printer ink, a cup of tea costing Rs.

The ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, the worst-ever in the history of the island nation, is putting its citizens through extreme hardships. From school exams being cancelled owing to a shortage of paper and printer ink, a cup of tea costing Rs. 100 (Sri Lankan Rupees) and even senior citizens dying while waiting at fuel stations, the situation is deteriorating with every passing day. Now, a group of Lankan nationals have fled the island nation, which is nearing bankruptcy, and have reached Indian shores illegally. They are the 6 #SriLankan nationals who took a risky, illegal fishing boat ride to #india in wee hrs to flee amid #SriLankaEconomicCrisis They were rescued by @IndiaCoastGuard near rameswaram; authorities to initiate legal action#SriLankaCrisis #India #TamilNadu #coastguard https://t.co/YQwH8ZvEgl pic.twitter.com/WUPHDHe9Dv — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 22, 2022 × Six Sri Lankan nationals took the extremely risky step of undertaking a roughly 50km-long, illegal boat ride from Pesalai, Mannar in the northwest of Sri Lanka to Rameswaram in India's Tamil Nadu. According to the Indian Coast Guard, they had received information about the illegal migration of six Lankan nationals to India. Accordingly, the Coast Guard launched a hovercraft in the morning hours of Tuesday to patrol the area. After two hours of searching, the craft's crew spotted six people on the fourth island of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. An investigation revealed that the group, comprising a man, two women, and three children, are residents of Jaffna and Kokupadaiyan, in Sri Lanka's northern tip. They had embarked on a fishing boat in the late night hours of Monday (10:30pm) and landed on the fourth island, Rameswaram, in the wee hours of Tuesday, around 1:30am. They had taken the illegal, risky boat ride across the Palk Strait, in order to escape the excessive rise in prices of essential commodities in their country. 6 #SriLankan nationals illegally migrate to Rameswaram #TamilNadu #India via fishing boat on wee hrs of Tuesday , amid #SriLankaEconomicCrisis Based on Intel, @IndiaCoastGuard hovercraft searched, spotted, brought them to safety ;legal action to be initiated#SriLanka pic.twitter.com/BbK0o936xk — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 22, 2022 × The Coast Guard brought all six people to the Mandapam Hoverport safely and conducted a joint interrogation on arrival, following which they were handed over to the Coastal Security Group, Mandapam, for further legal action. The cash-strapped Indian Ocean littoral state of Sri Lanka, home to nearly 22 million people, is faced with a crippling economic crisis, caused by a severe shortage of foreign exchange reserves that are required for essential imports. This has caused shortages in food, fuel, and even medicine. In addition to this, the country is also witnessing severe electricity blackouts. Watch | Gravitas: Sri Lanka's economic crisis triggers exodus Recently, the Indian government agreed to provide a $1 billion credit line to buy food and medicine on top of a $500 million facility granted earlier. Sri Lankan authorities announced last week that the country would seek an IMF bailout. It is also reported that Sri Lanka has sought a new loan as well as buyer’s credit from China for USD2.5 billion. This sum is in addition to the $ 2.8 billion that China offered to Sri Lanka, since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amid economic crisis in the island nation, 6 Sri Lankan nationals illegally enter India via boat