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UNP requests clarification from cabinet of ministers over IMF

03 Feb 2022

The United National Party has requested that the Cabinet of Ministers issue a clarification regarding the International Monetary Fund (IMF). UNP Working Committee Member, Dinouk Colombage told the media that this past week there have been three statements regarding the Government seeking assistance from the IMF. “On the 1st of February the Cabinet Spokesman, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, stated that the Government was open to an IMF program to restructure the debt of the country. On the 2nd of February the Finance Minister, Basil Rajapaksa, told the media that they had requested expert advice on the current economic situation from the IMF. On the 3rd of February the Central Bank Governor, Ajith Nivard Cabral, tweeted that this was a routine technical assistance program.” Speaking further Colombage raised doubts over whether this was a technical program as the IMF consultation in the country took place in November-December last year. “Is the Central Bank Governor claiming that the Finance Minister is unaware of what measures are being taken by the Government?” Colombage added that there are now concerns over who oversees the economy of the country, “at a time when Sri Lanka is facing a financial crisis the Government must present to the public their plan to overcome the issues in the country. The Cabinet of Ministers must make a statement in regards to the IMF and what the correct situation is. The continued confusion and uncertainty is only adding to the hardship faced by the public.” The UNP has continually urged the Government to seek the assistance of the IMF in addressing the financial issues facing the country. If the Cabinet of Ministers are refusing to seek the support of the IMF they have the responsibility to present their plans to the public.


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