Sri Lankan rupee hits record low as political turmoil mounts

** The Sri Lankan rupee slumped to a
record low on Tuesday as escalating political turmoil sparked buying of U.S.
dollars by importers. Stocks climbed for a third straight session to hit a
nearly six-week closing high on retail investor buying, but foreign investors
exited after President Maithripala Sirisena sacked the prime minister
unexpectedly and swore in the ex-president.