Sri Lanka hopes for ‘good news’ from Jaishankar's two-day visit starting Thursda
The Hindu
Sri Lankan officials, who are close to the visit's planning, said the Indian minister's trip was crucial in obtaining the IMF facility
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's two-day visit here starting Thursday is anticipated with much hope given Sri Lanka's crucial negotiations with the IMF to secure a USD 2.9 billion bridge loan for a bailout to come out of the economic crisis.
His visit comes two days after President Ranil Wickremesinghe Tuesday announced in Parliament a breakthrough in talks with India to restructure Sri Lanka's debt, saying the discussions have been successful.
"We are working to get our economy on the right track. Now we have to get India and China to consent to this debt restructuring. We are continuing discussions... and I am pleased to announce to this House that the discussions are successful," said Wickremesinghe, who also holds the finance ministry portfolio.
Similar sentiments were expressed by his junior minister Shehan Semasinghe who said there will be "good news from India and China."
Sri Lankan officials, who are close to the visit's planning, said the Indian minister's trip was crucial in obtaining the IMF facility.
"It is hoped that India would express its willingness to restructure its debt in line with the IMF expectations," an official, who did not want to be named, told PTI.
During the visit, Jaishankar will call on President Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and also hold discussions with Foreign Minister M.U.M. Ali Sabry on the entire gamut of close India-Sri Lanka partnership and steps to strengthen it in all spheres.
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