India keen to speed up power grid link talks with Sri Lanka
India is actively pursuing discussions with Sri Lanka to establish a power grid link, focusing on renewable energy for electricity trading. The project includes overhead and under-sea cables, with economic benefits being evaluated by PwC India and plans for a joint consultant for investment decisions. Key Points
Economic TimesPhonePe partners with LankaPay; enables UPI payments for users travelling to Sri Lanka
Users can scan LankaQR code to make secure and quick payments without carrying cash or calculating currency conversions. PhonePe on Wednesday announced a... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaIndia, Sri Lanka paid heavy price for Katchatheevu claims. Tiny island not worth obsessing over
India’s strategic interests don’t lie in securing control of a tiny island. Instead, the real challenge India faces is containing China’s growing influence in Sri Lanka. Key Points
ThePrintKatchatheevu row: Sri Lanka says island falls within its control as India ‘readies’ to reclaim island, says BJP
Sri Lankan minister claims Katchatheevu island falls within its control, 'no official communication from India yet'. BJP's Annamalai asserts India's efforts to reclaim territory. Key Points
mintSri Lanka may be back on the tourism map but its recovery is fragile
Just back on the economic recovery wagon, the country’s policymakers must proceed with care, given the risks the economy faces. Plenty could still go wrong. Key Points
mint
Year-end travel 2023: Have ₹1 lakh? Go to Sri Lanka
Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka is just a hop, skip, jump from India. It is extremely affordable and visa free for Indian nationals. | Travel Key Points
Hindustan TimesSri Lanka considers permission freeze for Chinese 'spy' ships
Sri Lanka will likely see presidential, general, and local government elections in 2024. The year will also bring an International Monetary Fund (IMF) review and is expected to be a year of recovery following the unprecedented economic crisis, which saw Sri Lanka declare bankruptcy last year. There is a pattern in Chinese activities through its ships in Sri Lankan waters and Colombo in the past succumbed to pressure from Beijing, given Lanka's indebtedness, said people familiar with the Chinese strategy. Key Points
Economic TimesSri Lanka Cricket: My life at risk, I may be killed today or tomorrow, says Sports Minister
Sri Lanka's Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe has claimed that his life is at risk for exposing corruption in the country's cricket administration. He has said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe and his chief of staff should be held responsible if anything happens to him. Key Points
Economic TimesHope ICC suspending SLC does not affect our schedule, U19 World Cup: Skipper Mendis
Sri Lanka cricket skipper Kusal Mendis hopes the International Cricket Council's suspension of the nation's cricket body won't affect the national team's fixtures and preparations for the men's U19 World Cup in January 2024. The suspension was imposed after the Sri Lankan parliament unanimously passed a resolution calling for the sacking of the country's cricket governing body. Key Points
Economic TimesUS invests in Adani-led Sri Lanka port project in bid for influence over Indian Ocean
US International Development Finance Corporation announces $553 millionto help develop deep water container terminal in Port of Colombo. 'One-of-its-kind' project, says expert. Key Points
ThePrint
US invests $553 million in Adani’s Sri Lanka port to curb China’s influence
The US will invest $553 million for a port terminal in Sri Lanka that Indian billionaire Gautam Adani is developing. The funding is seen to be to curb Beijings domination over Sri Lanka after Colombo splurged on Chinese port and highway projects before its economic meltdown last year. Key Points
Economic TimesBangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 2023 World Cup: BAN vs SL head-to-head, form guide
Bangladesh face Sri Lanka in their upcoming 2023 World Cup match, in New Delhi. Follow here head-to-head and form guide. | Cricket Key Points
Hindustan TimesUncertainty looms over Lanka-Bangla World Cup clash due to severe air pollution
The cricket World Cup match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is in doubt due to severe air pollution in the national capital. Both teams canceled training sessions due to the hazardous air quality, and the decision on whether to proceed with the match will be made by the umpires on the day of the game. Key Points
Economic TimesFM Nirmala Sitharaman appreciates SBI for successfully launching direct Lankan-Indian Rupee trade
India's Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has praised the State Bank of India (SBI) for launching a direct Sri Lankan Rupee-Indian Rupee trade, making it the first foreign bank in Sri Lanka to do so. Sitharaman inaugurated the second SBI branch in Jaffna during her official visit to Sri Lanka. The initiative aims to provide an alternative to importers of Sri Lanka, reducing dependency on the US Dollar. SBI is also expanding its remittance services in Sri Lanka through its digital platform. Key Points
Economic TimesUPI in Sri Lanka soon, talks on economic pact in progress: FM Sitharaman
Sitharaman said both nations are further deepening our civilisation ties with connectivity as the new focus area. As we enhance connectivity between our two countries, we build enduring bridges of experiences and opportunities for our peoples. We weave a future with shared prosperity, overcoming the challenges of the past, said the minister, who is on a visit to Sri Lanka. Key Points
Economic Times
ICC World Cup 2023: Sri Lanka breaks 48-year-old unwanted record in match against India
Sri Lanka created an unwanted record as they were bundled out for 55 runs. The collapse of Sri Lanka's batting meant they were bowled out for their lowest World Cup total breaking the earlier one which was in 1975 against West Indies in which they scored 86 runs. Key Points
mintICC World Cup: India steamroll Sri Lanka by 302 runs to storm into semis
In ICC World Cup match, Sri Lanka suffered a heavy defeat by 302 runs against India, leading to India's qualification for the semi-finals. Sri Lanka was unable to put up much of a fight and was dismissed for just 55 runs in 19.4 overs. Key Points
Economic Times200 yrs of Indian Tamils in Sri Lanka: Sitharaman & Tharoor to attend event marking painful history
New Delhi: Two hundred years ago, thousands of indentured Tamil labourers landed on the shores of Sri Lanka, and made the long, arduous journey to its central and southern hills to work in tea, coffee, and rubber plantations. Today, they’re one of the most marginalised communities in Sri Lanka. Brought by the British from India, […] Key Points
ThePrintBody of caregiver killed in Hamas attack in Israel repatriated to Sri Lanka
Ratnayaka, 49, was working as a caregiver in Israel when the attack occurred on October 7. She was one of the three Sri Lankan nationals reported missing in the early days of the attack. The other two, both males, were later found. Key Points
India TodayIndia's spying concerns to the fore again as Sri Lanka allows Chinese vessel to carry out 'research'
The Sri Lankan foreign ministry said on October 29 that a Chinese vessel has been granted permission to carry out marine research off the island's west coast under supervision. India has concerns that it could be a spy ship. Key Points
Economic Times
A Chinese vessel is docked in Sri Lanka again — why Beijing ‘research ships’ worry India
Shiyan 6, a Chinese research vessel on an 80-day expedition, entered Colombo port Wednesday. This comes a year after China’s Yuan Wang 5, a ‘spy’ vessel, sailed into Hambantota. Key Points
ThePrintIndia-Sri Lanka ferry service brings Tamils closer to Tamils. It’s smart economics too
PM Narendra Modi’s video message described the “vision of connectivity” with Sri Lanka that goes beyond the boat. It includes digital payments, fintech, and a joint energy grid. Key Points
ThePrintWatch: Fans in AUS-SL tie scamper for safety after WC hoardings fall onto stands
Australian stars Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell looked at the incident from afar with sheer shock. Fortunately, none of the spectators were injured. | Cricket Key Points
Hindustan TimesAustralia vs Sri Lanka, World Cup 2023 Match 14: Head-to-head record, form guide
Australia take on Sri Lanka in Match 14 of the ongoing World Cup 2023, in Lucknow. Here is their head-to-head record and form guide. | Cricket Key Points
Hindustan TimesNeighbours first: India resumes ferry service to Sri Lanka after more than four decades
The high-speed ferry, operated by the Shipping Corporation of India, has a capacity of 150 passengers. It can cover the distance of about 60 nm (110 Km) between Nagapattinam and KKS in about three and a half hours under good weather conditions, officials said. Key Points
Economic Times
South Africa vs Sri Lanka ICC World Cup 2023: When and where to watch match, live-streaming details and more
The Proteas and the Lankans have faced each other 80 times in ODI, where South Africa registered a win in 45 matches and Sri Lanka won in 33. A match was tied, while in one match decision could not be taken. Key Points
mintAsia Cup 2023: Rain may disrupt India-Pakistan match on Sep 2; check Kandy's weather forecast
Sri Lanka's central weather forecasting agency on Wednesday predicted rain in several provinces. It said the prevailing showery condition is expected to continue in the southwestern part of the Island during the next few days. Key Points
Business TodaySri Lanka 'processing' China's request for research ship docking that may raise security concerns in India
Sri Lanka is considering a request from China to allow a research ship to dock in the country, a year after a Chinese spy vessel's visit raised security concerns in India. The Chinese research vessel, 'SHI YAN 6', is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka in October for marine research activities. The country's foreign ministry is currently reviewing the application. Sri Lanka sees both India and China as important partners in its external debt restructuring, as it owes $3 billion to China among its total bilateral debt of $7.1 billion. Key Points
Economic Times