An invisible force prevented Gota from reaching out to IMF: Ali Sabry

• Everyone in the former President’s cabinet agreed to go to the IMF except MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana   

The government of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa actually decided to go to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for financial assistance, but an invisible force prevented the move, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry told Parliament.    

“Everyone in the former President’s cabinet agreed to go to the IMF except MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara. However, an invisible force prevented us. This is why there was a delay in seeking IMF assistance,” the minister said.   

“The IMF is like a doctor. It prescribes medicine, recommends a diet and provides other advice. We have sought IMF advice, but that does not mean we are following all the advice provided by the IMF,” he added.   

• We have sought IMF advice, but that does not mean we are following all the advice provided by the IMF