The Australian Government will gift a former Royal Australian Air Force Beechcraft KA350 King Air aircraft to the Sri Lankan Government, the President’s Media Division said.

The Aircraft is  to be used to enhance Sri Lanka’s sovereign aerial maritime surveillance capability, the PMD said.

The full statement of PMD is below.

Cyclone Mocha has intensified into a category-five storm, hitting the coastlines of Bangladesh and Myanmar.

The powerful cyclone brings heavy rain, winds up to 195kmph, and the risk of dangerous flooding in the Bay of Bengal area.

Storm surges of up to four meters could flood low-lying villages. Cox’s Bazar, the world’s largest refugee camp, is at risk.

Around 500,000 people have been evacuated, and the cyclone is expected to be the strongest in Bangladesh in nearly two decades.

Disruption, flooding, and damage have been reported in Sittwe, Myanmar.

Rescue efforts are hindered due to dangerous conditions.

Casualties and infrastructure damage have been reported in both countries.

Shelters are overcrowded in Cox’s Bazar, and a landslide warning has been issued.

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The Ministry of Finance said a report will be directed to the International Monetary Fund in June regarding the relaxation of import restrictions that are currently in effect.

State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said the relevant report is being formulated at present.

The State Minister said Sri Lanka will have to present the country’s plans in this regard by June, based on the staff-level agreement and the approval of the IMF Board of Directors.

He added thereafter any changes can be discussed based on Sri Lanka’s financial progress.

(newsfirst)