Sri Lanka's second poorest district where most of the residents are from the Tamil Community whose wounds are yet to heal from the Civil War, and the present economic crisis acts as a second blow for this community.

Sri Lanka battles its worst economic crisis in 70 years

Tamils were protesting across Jaffna as Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe visits the peninsula for Thai Pongal. The protesters were demanding justice for the families of Tamils who disappeared during the time of civil war.

WION Dispatch: Sri Lankan Tamils protest in Jaffna as President Ranil Wickremesinghe visits district

The situation in Sri Lanka gets tense as police used water canons to disperse the people of Jaffna city who were marching towards the suburbs in protest against the visit by President Ranil Wickremesinghe

Protesters in Sri Lanka hold march after President visits Jaffna city

From Peru to Germany| See how the waves of protests hit different nations around the world

After a year of unprecedented economic and political turmoil and a change of regime, Sri Lanka has announced its first nationwide election. Local government polls will be held before the end of February. It is being seen as a litmus test for the 73-year-old President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Why are these local polls so significant? Could the island nation see a snap poll soon? We break it down for you.

Inside South Asia: Acid test for pm as Sri Lanka gears up for local polls

Sri Lanka, which has been battling a severe economic crisis, is set to reduce its military by half, said the defence ministry on Friday as the government continues to take steps to overhaul its financial situation.&nbsp;For months, the nation has been facing fuel and food shortages that have made 22 million people’s life miserable from last year. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/growth-can-return-says-sri-lankan-fm-as-govt-aims-to-raise-8-billion-in-loans-expected-543181">‘Growth can return’, says Sri Lankan FM, as govt aims to raise $8 billion in loans</a>

Taxes have been increased and tough spending cuts have been imposed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to clear the way for an anticipated bailout by International Monetary Fund following a government debt default.

The armed forces of Sri Lanka are next to face a drastic cut, as the defence ministry declared that 65,000 soldiers would retire from its 200,000-strong army in a year as part of its plan to downsize the land force of the country to 100,000 by the end of the decade.

"The overall aim of the strategic blueprint is to broach a technically and tactically sound and well-balanced defence force," said a ministry in a statement.

The armed forces of Sri Lanka remain bloated more than a decade after the traumatic civil war of the country. Last year, defence accounted for almost 10 per cent of public spending and expert analysts say that half of the salary bill of the government is used in paying for security force personnel.&nbsp; &nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus | Explained: Sri Lankan economic crisis

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This week, Sri Lanka issued a warning that it did not have enough revenue to clear the pensions and salaries of public employees even after a drastic increase in the tax in 2023.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Last year, the economy declined by 8.7 per cent as people faced blackouts, empty shelves of the supermarket, long queues for petrol, and runaway inflation.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Sri Lanka, which has been battling a severe economic crisis, is set to reduce its military by half, said the defence ministry on Friday as the government continues to take steps to overhaul its financial situation.

Sri Lanka, which has been battling a severe economic crisis, is set to reduce its military by half, said the defence ministry on Friday as the government continues to take steps to overhaul its financial situation. For months, the nation has been facing fuel and food shortages that have made 22 million people’s life miserable from last year. ALSO READ | ‘Growth can return’, says Sri Lankan FM, as govt aims to raise $8 billion in loans Taxes have been increased and tough spending cuts have been imposed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to clear the way for an anticipated bailout by International Monetary Fund following a government debt default. The armed forces of Sri Lanka are next to face a drastic cut, as the defence ministry declared that 65,000 soldiers would retire from its 200,000-strong army in a year as part of its plan to downsize the land force of the country to 100,000 by the end of the decade. "The overall aim of the strategic blueprint is to broach a technically and tactically sound and well-balanced defence force," said a ministry in a statement. The armed forces of Sri Lanka remain bloated more than a decade after the traumatic civil war of the country. Last year, defence accounted for almost 10 per cent of public spending and expert analysts say that half of the salary bill of the government is used in paying for security force personnel. WATCH | Gravitas Plus | Explained: Sri Lankan economic crisis This week, Sri Lanka issued a warning that it did not have enough revenue to clear the pensions and salaries of public employees even after a drastic increase in the tax in 2023. Last year, the economy declined by 8.7 per cent as people faced blackouts, empty shelves of the supermarket, long queues for petrol, and runaway inflation. (With inputs from agencies)

Bankrupt Sri Lanka to drastically slash military by half amid looming economic crisis

After a year of unprecedented political and economical turmoil and also a change of regime, Sri Lanka has announced its very first nationwide election. Local government polls will also held before the end of February.

Sri Lanka announces first elections since major unrest

Canadian envoy was summoned by the Sri Lankan government to protest against his country’s decision to impose "unilateral sanctions" on its four citizens, including two former presidents— Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The other two citizens who were sanctioned include Staff Sergeant Sunil Ratnayake and Lt Commander Chandana P Hettiarachchithe.

Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry expressed displeasure over the move to Canada's Acting High Commissioner in Colombo.

"Foreign Minister Ali Sabry summoned the Canadian Acting High Commissioner Daniel Bood to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," the foreign ministry said in a tweet.

He "expressed the deep regret of the Government on the announcement of unilateral sanctions brought against four individuals including two former Presidents of Sri Lanka by the Government of Canada based on unsubstantiated allegations," it added.

<h2>WION Dispatch: Sri Lanka's former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa leaves for US</h2>

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During the meet, the foreign ministry said that the Canadian government’s decision to impose sanctions was based on domestic political compulsions and added that it sets a “dangerous precedent and is inimical to Sri Lanka's interests”.

"It was also stressed that the announcement by Canada is detrimental to the Government's ongoing efforts towards national unity, reconciliation, and stability," it said.

The Colombo government asked Canada to review the decision and engage constructively with Sri Lanka.

On Tuesday. Canada imposed sanctions on four Sri Lankans for committing what it called "gross and systematic violations of human rights" during the country's civil war.

This is the first time that the Rajapaksa brothers were banned by any country despite long held accusations of rights abuses and corruption.

Notably, Sri Lanka's majority Sinhalese population had praised the brothers for defeating Tamil separatists after a 26-year civil war, which took place from 1983 to 2009.

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Canadian envoy was summoned by the Sri Lankan government to protest against his country’s decision to impose "unilateral sanctions" on its four citizens, including two former presidents— Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Canadian envoy was summoned by the Sri Lankan government to protest against his country’s decision to impose "unilateral sanctions" on its four citizens, including two former presidents— Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa. The other two citizens who were sanctioned include Staff Sergeant Sunil Ratnayake and Lt Commander Chandana P Hettiarachchithe. Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry expressed displeasure over the move to Canada's Acting High Commissioner in Colombo. "Foreign Minister Ali Sabry summoned the Canadian Acting High Commissioner Daniel Bood to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," the foreign ministry said in a tweet. He "expressed the deep regret of the Government on the announcement of unilateral sanctions brought against four individuals including two former Presidents of Sri Lanka by the Government of Canada based on unsubstantiated allegations," it added. WION Dispatch: Sri Lanka's former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa leaves for US During the meet, the foreign ministry said that the Canadian government’s decision to impose sanctions was based on domestic political compulsions and added that it sets a “dangerous precedent and is inimical to Sri Lanka's interests”. "It was also stressed that the announcement by Canada is detrimental to the Government's ongoing efforts towards national unity, reconciliation, and stability," it said. The Colombo government asked Canada to review the decision and engage constructively with Sri Lanka. On Tuesday. Canada imposed sanctions on four Sri Lankans for committing what it called "gross and systematic violations of human rights" during the country's civil war. This is the first time that the Rajapaksa brothers were banned by any country despite long held accusations of rights abuses and corruption. Notably, Sri Lanka's majority Sinhalese population had praised the brothers for defeating Tamil separatists after a 26-year civil war, which took place from 1983 to 2009. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sri Lanka summons Canadian envoy to lodge protest over sanctions against Rajapaksa brothers

Indian captain Rohit Sharma was not in favour of running out Sri Lankan batter Dasun Shanaka on the non-striker's end after his premier bowler Mohammed Shami did just the same in the first ODI in Guwahati on Tuesday.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma was not in favour of running out Sri Lankan batter Dasun Shanaka on the non-striker's end after his premier bowler Mohammed Shami did just the same in the first ODI in Guwahati on Tuesday. With the match's outcome all but decided, Shami steamed in to bowl the 50th over. However, on the fourth delivery of the over, Shami broke his stride and ran out the Sri Lankan skipper on the non-striker's end after he had strayed out of the crease. Shami clipped the bails and burst into a semi-celebration as the umpire sent the call upstairs to the third umpire. In the meantime, skipper Sharma rushed to Shami, trying to understand the situation. After figuring out what his bowler had done, Sharma went to the umpire and told him the Indian side was withdrawing the appeal. Shami took his captain's argument in a healthy way and also signalled the umpire to void the Indian appeal. Notably, Shanaka was on 98, two runs away from a deserving century when Shami ran him out. In the post-match presentation ceremony, Sharma shone light on the incident and said he had no idea that Shami inflicted the non-striker's runout. India Being India. @ImRo45 Did The Right Thing In The End. #Mankad #IndiaVsSriLanka @dasunshanaka1 Well Deserved 100. @OfficialSLC @BCCI #Cricket pic.twitter.com/Q1r24YMgdq — Shohan Bowala (@shohanb) January 10, 2023 × "I had no idea Shami did that. He went for the appeal. He (Shanaka) was batting on 98 and the way he was batting was brilliant. So, you've got to give it to him. We didn't want to get him out like that. We wanted to get him out the way we thought we'll get him out. Hats off to him. He batted really well." Read more: Ind vs SL 1st ODI: Men in Blue shine despite Shanaka's heroics Despite India carting the Sri Lankan bowlers for 373 runs in the quota of 50 overs, the bowlers could not finish the job completely as the visitors managed to cross the 300-run mark in the chase. Sharma reflected on the same and said the bowling upfront enabled India to avoid any late innings blues. "We started off really well with the bat. It was a great effort for all the batters. The platform was set to play freely for all the batters. We could have bowled slightly better. I don't want to be too critical about it. The dew was not that much but it was still difficult to bowl. We got wickets upfront with the ball which helped us with the momentum." India will now take on Sri Lanka in the second ODI match at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Thursday. Read more: IND vs SL: Virat Kohli moves past Sachin Tendulkar, breaks plethora of records during his 73rd ton in 1st ODI WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH: Rohit Sharma forces Shami to withdraw appeal after running out Sri Lankan batter

Canada has imposed sanctions on four Sri Lankans including former presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The sanctions were imposed on Tuesday (January 10) for committing what Canada called "gross and systematic violations of human rights" during the country's civil war.

In addition to former presidents, sanctions have also been imposed on Staff Sergeant Sunil Ratnayake and Lt Commander Chandana P Hettiarachchithe, the Canadian foreign ministry said.

"The Special Economic Measures (Sri Lanka) Regulations impose on listed persons a prohibition on any transaction (effectively, an asset freeze) by prohibiting persons in Canada and Canadians outside Canada from engaging in any activity related to any property of these listed persons or providing financial or related services to them," the ministry said in a statement.

"The individuals listed in the Schedule to the Regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act," it added.

Former Sri Lanka president Goyabaya Rajapaksa briefly fled the country last summer in the wake of massive protests over the unprecedented economic crisis.

Sri Lanka’s majority Sinhalese population had praised the brothers for defeating Tamil separatists after a 26-year civil war, which occurred from 1983 to 2009.

Also sanctioned are two senior military officers, including Ratnayake, whom a court sentenced to death for his role in a massacre of Tamils in 2000. He was later pardoned by the government.

Ottawa is also sanctioning Navy commander Hettiarachchi, who has been accused of abducting civilians who were later killed.

(With inputs from agencies)

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>.

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Canada has imposed sanctions on four Sri Lankans including former presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The sanctions were imposed on Tuesday (January 10) for committing what Canada called "gross and systematic violations of human rights" during the country's civil war.

Canada has imposed sanctions on four Sri Lankans including former presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The sanctions were imposed on Tuesday (January 10) for committing what Canada called "gross and systematic violations of human rights" during the country's civil war. In addition to former presidents, sanctions have also been imposed on Staff Sergeant Sunil Ratnayake and Lt Commander Chandana P Hettiarachchithe, the Canadian foreign ministry said. "The Special Economic Measures (Sri Lanka) Regulations impose on listed persons a prohibition on any transaction (effectively, an asset freeze) by prohibiting persons in Canada and Canadians outside Canada from engaging in any activity related to any property of these listed persons or providing financial or related services to them," the ministry said in a statement. "The individuals listed in the Schedule to the Regulations are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act," it added. Former Sri Lanka president Goyabaya Rajapaksa briefly fled the country last summer in the wake of massive protests over the unprecedented economic crisis. Sri Lanka’s majority Sinhalese population had praised the brothers for defeating Tamil separatists after a 26-year civil war, which occurred from 1983 to 2009. Also sanctioned are two senior military officers, including Ratnayake, whom a court sentenced to death for his role in a massacre of Tamils in 2000. He was later pardoned by the government. Ottawa is also sanctioning Navy commander Hettiarachchi, who has been accused of abducting civilians who were later killed. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Canada imposes sanctions on ex-presidents of Sri Lanka

The Indian government has awarded a Sri Lankan newspaper publisher for his efforts to uplift the Indian-origin Tamil community in the island nation. Sivakumar Nadesn is the second Srilankan to win India's top honour Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award.

Indian government confers top honour on Sri Lankan newspaper publisher, Sivakumar Nadesan

Indian cricket team captain Hardik Pandya was not a pleased man after his side surrendered the advantage in the series on Thursday. Pandya was especially not happy with the bowlers and pointed at Arshdeep Singh to get his basics right.

Indian cricket team captain Hardik Pandya was not a pleased man after his side surrendered the advantage in the series on Thursday. Pandya was especially not happy with the bowlers and pointed at Arshdeep Singh to get his basics right. During the post-match presentation ceremony, Pandya reflected on the extras bowled by his bowlers and called the players to tighten up their basics of the game. "Going for runs is fine but no balls aren't. Not blaming or being hard but he (Arshdeep) needs to go back and make sure these basic errors don't happen at this level. It's not about blaming but no ball is a crime," Pandya told Murli Kartik. The left-arm medium pacer had an off day in the field as he bowled as many as five no-balls during his two-over spell. Singh leaked 37 runs and became the first bowler in T20I history to bowl three no-balls on the trot. "Both bowling and batting - powerplay hurt us. We made basic errors which we shouldn't do at this level. Learning should be the basics we can control. You can have a bad day but shouldn't be going away from basics," added Pandya. Read more: IND vs SL 2023, 2nd T20I: Sri Lanka narrowly escape Axar Patel's late blitz to level series in Pune India were scratchy from the beginning after putting the visitors to bat first at the MCA Stadium in June. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis put on an 80-run partnership in under nine overs before Chahal made the first breakthrough. After the wicket, India managed to claw their way back into the game as the Sri Lankan innings appeared going nowhere at the end of the 16th over as the scoreboard read 138/6. However, skipper Dasun Shanaka stepped onto the plate and single-handedly changed the course of the match. Striking at 254.55, the right-handed batter smoked six sixes and two fours en-route to his 22-ball 56. Courtesy of his magnificent knock, Sri Lanka managed a steep-looking score of 206 for six in 20 overs. Chasing the total, India got off to the worst possible start four wickets fell in the powerplay. Despite a salvo from Axar Patel at the fag end of the innings, India fell short of the target by 16 runs. Read more: EXCLUSIVE - Right people around me helped me taste success – Varun Kapur, ex-World No 1 in Junior Rankings The decider of the series will be played in Rajkot on Saturday, January 7th. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'He needs to go back...': Hardik Pandya has advice for this bowler after loss against Sri Lanka

IND vs SL 2nd T20 Playing XI &amp; preview: The second Twenty20 encounter between India and the Sri Lanka Cricket Team will take place on January 5, 2023, on Thursday. The game will be contested at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, and it will begin at 7:00 PM. The match's toss will take place 30 minutes before to the start of the game, at 06:30 PM. Hardik Pandya will serve as the captain of the Indian squad in the game.

The complete India vs. Sri Lanka 2nd T20 Squad Players List can be seen here. For India, the T20 Captain is Hardik Pandya and for Sri Lanka, it is Dasun Shanaka.&nbsp;

<h2>When and Where to Watch IND vs SL 2nd T20 Live Streaming?</h2>

The live telecast for Indian Sri Lanka third Twenty20 encounter can be watched on Star Sports Network and Disney Hotstar. The match timings will be 7:00 PM.&nbsp;

IND vs SL 2nd T20 - Probable playing XI's at India vs Sri Lanka second T20&nbsp;&nbsp;

India playing XI: Shubman Gill, SA Yadav, HH Pandya(C), SV Samson, Shivam Mavi, Yuzvendra Chahal, HV Patel, Umran Malik,&nbsp;Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan

Sri Lanka playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, B Rajapaksa, C Asalanka, D Shanaka(C), M Theekshana, D Madushanka, K Rajitha,&nbsp;D de Silva, W Hasaranga, C Karunaratne, K Mendis

Where will IND vs SL 2nd T20&nbsp;be held? 
IND vs SL 2nd T20 will take place in&nbsp;Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, at 7:00 PM IST 
India from 5th Jan 2023.

When will IND vs SL 2023 2nd T20&nbsp;match be Started? – Date and Time 
&nbsp;IND vs SL 2nd T20 match will be played on 5th Jan 2023 at 7:00 PM IST

What are the venues for the IND vs SL 2nd T20? – Venue 
IND vs SL 2nd T20 will take place in&nbsp;Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune.

India vs Sri Lanka T20 Squad 2023

India vs Sri Lanka T20 India Squad 2023: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Ishan Kishan (Wicket Keeper), Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar,&nbsp;Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar

India vs Sri Lanka T20 Sri Lanka Squad 2023: Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Wanindu Hasaranga (Vice Captain), Ashen Bandara, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamika Karunaratne, Dilshan Madushanka, Kasun Rajitha, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Thushara,&nbsp;Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva

IND vs SL 2nd T20 Playing XI & preview: The second Twenty20 encounter between India and the Sri Lanka Cricket Team will take place on January 5, 2023, on Thursday.

IND vs SL 2nd T20 Playing XI & preview: The second Twenty20 encounter between India and the Sri Lanka Cricket Team will take place on January 5, 2023, on Thursday. The game will be contested at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, and it will begin at 7:00 PM. The match's toss will take place 30 minutes before to the start of the game, at 06:30 PM. Hardik Pandya will serve as the captain of the Indian squad in the game. The complete India vs. Sri Lanka 2nd T20 Squad Players List can be seen here. For India, the T20 Captain is Hardik Pandya and for Sri Lanka, it is Dasun Shanaka. When and Where to Watch IND vs SL 2nd T20 Live Streaming? The live telecast for Indian Sri Lanka third Twenty20 encounter can be watched on Star Sports Network and Disney Hotstar. The match timings will be 7:00 PM. IND vs SL 2nd T20 - Probable playing XI's at India vs Sri Lanka second T20 India playing XI: Shubman Gill, SA Yadav, HH Pandya(C), SV Samson, Shivam Mavi, Yuzvendra Chahal, HV Patel, Umran Malik, Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan Sri Lanka playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, B Rajapaksa, C Asalanka, D Shanaka(C), M Theekshana, D Madushanka, K Rajitha, D de Silva, W Hasaranga, C Karunaratne, K Mendis Where will IND vs SL 2nd T20 be held? IND vs SL 2nd T20 will take place in Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, at 7:00 PM IST India from 5th Jan 2023. When will IND vs SL 2023 2nd T20 match be Started? – Date and Time IND vs SL 2nd T20 match will be played on 5th Jan 2023 at 7:00 PM IST What are the venues for the IND vs SL 2nd T20? – Venue IND vs SL 2nd T20 will take place in Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. India vs Sri Lanka T20 Squad 2023 India vs Sri Lanka T20 India Squad 2023: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Ishan Kishan (Wicket Keeper), Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar India vs Sri Lanka T20 Sri Lanka Squad 2023: Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Wanindu Hasaranga (Vice Captain), Ashen Bandara, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamika Karunaratne, Dilshan Madushanka, Kasun Rajitha, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Thushara, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva

IND vs SL 2nd T20 Playing XI & preview: India vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20 prediction, squad, date, time, live, venue

Ex-Sri Lanka's president Gotabaya Rajapaska visits private zoo in Dubai. Have a look!

It has also reduced retirement age from 65 to 60. Molly Gambhir tells you why.

Gravitas: Sri Lankan government has frozen hiring. Here's why

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka began a fresh austerity drive as the country aims to reduce its expenses and secure the IMF bailout. Now Colombo has temporarily frozen all government recruitments as new taxes and high electricity prices kicked in this week.

WION Dispatch: Sri Lanka freezes government recruitments in austerity drive

In a recent austerity drive on Monday, Sri Lanka froze the hiring for government jobs following a swell in taxes and electricity prices. The upsurge came as the administration attempted to secure financial escape from International Monetary Fund (IMF).

However, to secure the IMF bailout of $2.9 billion from the Washington-based creditor, Sri Lanka needs to achieve debt sustainability as the nation's economy has been in crisis since April.

Also Read|&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/world/eu-ukraine-to-hold-summit-on-february-3-in-kyiv-548899">EU-Ukraine to hold summit on February 3 in Kyiv</a>

Amid new measures, the Sri Lankan government has also banned non-essential capital expenditure. Officials need to authorise investments of over $6 million with the treasury.&nbsp;

Official data from Sri Lanka's public administration ministry said that 20,000 civil servants retired in December after President Ranil Wickremesinghe lowered the retirement age from 65 to 60. Thus, the new numbers were eight times more than usual.&nbsp;

Watch|&nbsp;Sri Lanka: Cash-strapped nation announces hiring freeze, Colombo begins new austerity drive

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New Year's day for the south Asia island nation came with corporate taxes to increase the state revenue. Electricity prices have gone up 65% after a 75% tariff increase in August.&nbsp;

After former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country and resigned amid the economic crisis, Wickremesinghe came to power. Despite improvements in Sri Lanka's situation following the restoration of food, fuel, and fertiliser supplies, the current President said the crisis was not over. "We need to reduce our debt burden if we are to move forward," said Wickremesinghe.&nbsp;

Key lenders, including China and India, have not yet announced a cut on their loans.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a recent austerity drive on Monday, Sri Lanka froze the hiring for government jobs following a swell in taxes and electricity prices. The upsurge came as the administration attempted to secure financial escape from International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In a recent austerity drive on Monday, Sri Lanka froze the hiring for government jobs following a swell in taxes and electricity prices. The upsurge came as the administration attempted to secure financial escape from International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, to secure the IMF bailout of $2.9 billion from the Washington-based creditor, Sri Lanka needs to achieve debt sustainability as the nation's economy has been in crisis since April. Also Read| EU-Ukraine to hold summit on February 3 in Kyiv Amid new measures, the Sri Lankan government has also banned non-essential capital expenditure. Officials need to authorise investments of over $6 million with the treasury. Official data from Sri Lanka's public administration ministry said that 20,000 civil servants retired in December after President Ranil Wickremesinghe lowered the retirement age from 65 to 60. Thus, the new numbers were eight times more than usual. Watch| Sri Lanka: Cash-strapped nation announces hiring freeze, Colombo begins new austerity drive New Year's day for the south Asia island nation came with corporate taxes to increase the state revenue. Electricity prices have gone up 65% after a 75% tariff increase in August. After former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country and resigned amid the economic crisis, Wickremesinghe came to power. Despite improvements in Sri Lanka's situation following the restoration of food, fuel, and fertiliser supplies, the current President said the crisis was not over. "We need to reduce our debt burden if we are to move forward," said Wickremesinghe. Key lenders, including China and India, have not yet announced a cut on their loans. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sri Lanka's new austerity drive: No government jobs

Sri Lanka: Cash-strapped nation announces hiring freeze, Colombo begins new austerity drive

Sri Lanka's former President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has applied for his US citizenship restoration after he failed to receive asylum in any nation. The ex-President fled the country in July 2022 amid economic turmoil and returned two months later to the south Asian island nation.&nbsp;

However, the United States government is yet to process his application, The Sunday Times newspaper reported.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan Constitution says that citizens with dual citizenship would not be allowed to be contest in presidential elections. Thus, Rajapaksa renounced his United States citizenship to run for president in the 2019 polls.

Also Read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-new-austerity-drive-no-government-jobs-548922">Sri Lanka's new austerity drive: No government jobs</a>

His lawyers have made a restoration request to the US government, specifically to the Department of State. However, the report also mentioned that the current status of the application is pending. Moreover, restoring US citizenship is a costly and time-consuming legal process.&nbsp;

Mass protests in Sri Lanka in 2022 toppled Gotabaya Rajapaksa's government, and he left for the Maldives on July 13, leaving the country&nbsp;in the worst financial crisis it has seen. From there, he travelled to Singapore and Thailand. He returned home on September 2, 2022.&nbsp;

Watch|&nbsp;Sri Lanka works towards securing IMF bailout, freezes recruitment in fresh austerity drive

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Since then, Rajapaksa and his 15 close family members have made multiple attempts to escape the country. Five months ago, a representative of the United States confirmed that they rejected Gotabaya's visa. Later, Sri Lanka's neighbouring nation India also refused Gotabaya's plane from landing in India.&nbsp;

However, his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchild are still US citizens and live there. The disgraced ex-President is currently in Dubai on vacation with his immediate family.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Sri Lanka's former President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has applied for his US citizenship restoration after he failed to receive asylum in any nation. The ex-President fled the country in July 2022 amid economic turmoil and returned two months later to the south Asian island nation.

Sri Lanka's former President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has applied for his US citizenship restoration after he failed to receive asylum in any nation. The ex-President fled the country in July 2022 amid economic turmoil and returned two months later to the south Asian island nation. However, the United States government is yet to process his application, The Sunday Times newspaper reported. The Sri Lankan Constitution says that citizens with dual citizenship would not be allowed to be contest in presidential elections. Thus, Rajapaksa renounced his United States citizenship to run for president in the 2019 polls. Also Read| Sri Lanka's new austerity drive: No government jobs His lawyers have made a restoration request to the US government, specifically to the Department of State. However, the report also mentioned that the current status of the application is pending. Moreover, restoring US citizenship is a costly and time-consuming legal process. Mass protests in Sri Lanka in 2022 toppled Gotabaya Rajapaksa's government, and he left for the Maldives on July 13, leaving the country in the worst financial crisis it has seen. From there, he travelled to Singapore and Thailand. He returned home on September 2, 2022. Watch| Sri Lanka works towards securing IMF bailout, freezes recruitment in fresh austerity drive Since then, Rajapaksa and his 15 close family members have made multiple attempts to escape the country. Five months ago, a representative of the United States confirmed that they rejected Gotabaya's visa. Later, Sri Lanka's neighbouring nation India also refused Gotabaya's plane from landing in India. However, his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchild are still US citizens and live there. The disgraced ex-President is currently in Dubai on vacation with his immediate family. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sri Lanka's former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa applies for US citizenship restoration

Sri Lanka works towards securing IMF bailout, freezes recruitment in fresh austerity drive

Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has reportedly reapplied for his U.S. citizenship. It is believed that the former President’s lawyers have appealed to the US State Department. Watch further to know more.

WION Dispatch: Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya reapplies for U.S. Citizenship

Food insecurity in Sri Lanka has increased dramatically due to two consecutive seasons of poor harvests, foreign exchange shortages, and reduced household purchasing power. Food insecurity has rose by 4% in Sri Lanka.

WION Dispatch: Food insecurity cripples Sri Lanka, led to 4% rise in October

Sri Lanka's former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa left for the United States with his family on Monday. Gotabaya Rajapaksa was forced out of office earlier this year following the country's economic crisis and unprecedented protests.

WION Dispatch: Sri Lanka's former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa leaves for US

Sri Lanka's former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa who was ousted from power following months of protest has reportedly left for the United States with family, according to a report. This is Rajapaksa's first foreign trip since returning to Sri Lanka more than 3 months ago. Watch to know more.

Sri Lanka's ousted ex-president Rajapaksa, family leaves for U.S.: Reports

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