IMF says ready to resume talks once situation settles

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it is hoping for a resolution to Sri Lanka’s political turmoil that would allow a resumption of talks for a rescue package, after thousands of protestors thronged to Colombo and took over the President’s House and his office and called for his resignation.  

“We are closely monitoring the ongoing developments in Sri Lanka. We hope for a resolution of the current situation that will allow for resumption of our dialogue on an IMF-supported programme, while we plan to continue technical discussions with our counterparts in the Finance Ministry and Central Bank of Sri Lanka,” 

the IMF said in a brief statement.  “We are deeply concerned about the impact of the ongoing economic crisis on the people, particularly the poor and vulnerable groups and reaffirm our commitment to support Sri Lanka at this difficult time, in line with the IMF’s policies,” it added.