Elephant Ride

International lenders downgraded Sri Lanka's economic growth forecasts for this year after tsunamis devastated its coastline, but the island is banking on a flood of foreign aid to keep its head above the water.

The balance of payments, which were in deficit to the tune of 205 million dollars last year, is expected to swing to surplus thanks to foreign cash inflows after the December 26 tsunami, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka says.