Sri Lanka turns towards the IMF to enhance its foreign reserves

Sri Lanka facing one of the worst financial crises will finally turn towards the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a facility of US $ 800 million. According to informed sources, Sri Lanka will receive this facility during August or September. The country needs this money to enhance its foreign reserves that have fast dwindled over the past few months. The IMF facility is available to countries facing economic problems owing to the rampant Covid 19 pandemic. Moreover, Sri Lanka will have to pay back a One billion US dollar sovereign bond that reaches its maturity shortly. The country needs another 1200 million US dollars to overcome the present financial difficulty faced by Sri Lanka.   Another batch of Pfizer vaccines received The government-owned Pharmaceutical Corporation received this morning another batch of 26,000 doses of "Pfizer" vaccines. Airport sources said. The consignment flown in by Qatar Airways arrived at the Katunayake Airport early this morning. The consignment stored at the Katunayake Airport Cargo Village freezer facility, subsequently transported to the State Pharmaceutical Corporation Central Warehouse in Colombo. Up to date, Sri Lanka has received 52000 vials of the Pfizer vaccine.   Chilaw UC chairman arrested. Two suspects, including the Chairman of the Chilaw Urban Council, arrested for allegedly assaulting two youth in Chilaw last night. Police said. Police said the two youth admitted to the Chilaw Hospital for treatment. The suspects were to be produced before the Chilaw Magistrate's Court today.