Cash-strapped Sri Lanka records first deflation in 39 years

Census and Statistics Department data showed price drops in both food and non-food goods contributing to deflation in September, compared to inflation of 0.5 per cent in August.

Sri Lanka's new president called on September 25, for restarting talks with the IMF "immediately" over a $2.9 billion bailout that threw a lifeline to his bankrupt country but imposed painful austerity. (Photo by Sri Lanka's President Office / AFP)