• Says SL is currently facing a severe foreign exchange crisis

State Minister Nimal Lanza who is seen as a close supporter of Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa said the government should reach out to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to manage the economic challenges triggered by the pandemic.  

 Addressing a function to mark the 100,000 - project programme, he said Sri Lanka is currently facing a severe foreign exchange crisis.  

“When a country is confronting with such challenges, it is natural to seek the support of the IMF for advice,” he said.   

He said all countries are facing Covid induced problems, and they can be managed with the IMF help.   “The government launched 100,000 programmes in the country to revitalise the pandemic hit economy.    Commenting on the recent egging of a JVP rally, he said the government had no such intention to insult anyone since every party was entitled to democratic rights.  

• When a country is confronting with such challenges, it is natural to seek the support of the IMF for advice