Antony Blinken assures Sri Lanka of support to promote American investments once IMF negotiations are over

Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe explained the current status of the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.

U. S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has assured crisis-hit Sri Lanka of support to promote American investments in the country after the completion of IMF negotiations, as he spoke with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to discuss the island nation's current economic and political challenges.

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The two leaders spoke over the phone on June 13. Mr. Wickremesinghe explained the current status of the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He further said Sri Lanka is willing to have closer cooperation with the U.S.

"It was a pleasure speaking to Secretary of State @SecBlinken. I briefed him on the current economic situation and requested for our countries to work closer. He assured his support to further promote the U.S. investments in Sri Lanka upon the completion of IMF negotiations," Mr. Wickremesinghe tweeted.

Sri Lanka has decided to seek the assistance of the Washington-based global lender to combat the worst economic crisis since its independence from Britain in 1948. The talks between Sri Lanka and the IMF commenced on April 18.

The U. S. State Department, in a statement, said, "The Secretary and Prime Minister discussed Sri Lanka’s current economic and political challenges. The Secretary affirmed the United States’ commitment to the Sri Lankan people during this challenging time and the importance of supporting reforms that address the concerns of all Sri Lankans, including on democratic governance and human rights."