UNP leader doubts whether lockdown will be lifted on Oct 1

• The lockdown will not be lifted on Oct. 1  due to reports of a delay in purchasing diesel
• The most pressing concern is addressing the dwindling foreign  reserves in the country

By Yohan Perera 

Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday expressed doubt  that quarantine curfew will  be lifted on October 1 2021 but will be extended further given the situation pertaining to fuel supply.  

Speaking during a panel discussion organised by the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka, Mr. Wickremesinghe said the lockdown will not be lifted on Oct. 1 due to reported delays in purchasing diesel.  "  Re-opening of the country could be delayed till mid-October because of the delay in purchasing diesel for domestic use," he said. 

Pertaining to the issue of debt management in Sri Lanka, he said the most pressing concern is addressing the dwindling foreign  reserves in the country.

" The  regional foreign exchange reserves are projected to increase over the course of the year, however, Sri Lanka's foreign exchange reserves are on a downward trend," he said in this regard.