Sri Lankan leader seeks IMF help as economic crisis deepens
ABC News
Sri Lanka’s president says his government is in discussions with the International Monetary Fund, other agencies and countries on deferring loan repayments
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka -- Sri Lanka’s president said Wednesday that his government was in discussions with the International Monetary Fund, other agencies and countries on deferring loan repayments and requested people's support by limiting electricity and fuel consumption to cope with the worst economic crisis in memory.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his televised address asked the nation not to be discouraged and have faith in his steps to salvage the situation. His appeal comes amid widespread public anger at the severe shortages of essential goods including medicine, cooking gas, fuel and daily power cuts.
He said the government has initiated talks with international financial institutions and "friendly countries regarding repayment of our loan instalments.”
“Yesterday’s discussion with the International Monetary Fund was also held for this purpose,” he said.
