Delay in China’s positive response delays IMF bailout: Wijeyadasa

• SL needs IMF support to secure the confidence of the international community in the country’s economy

By Ajith Siriwardana  

The delay in China’s positive response in restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt has been the only obstacle in securing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout at the moment, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said.  

He told reporters that Sri Lanka needs the support of the IMF to secure the confidence of the international community in the country’s economy. The Minister said suggestions were made in late 2021 that Sri Lanka should seek IMF assistance and said “We were late to seek IMF assistance as the then Central Bank Governor refused to do so,” he said.