Mangala writes to G24

• Wants members to meet in Colombo to discuss common economic challenges 
• Optimistic united front can provide solutions   

Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera yesterday said that he had written to the chair of the G24, calling for the group of developing countries to gather in Colombo to discuss mutual economic and financial challenges.

“Sri Lanka was previously the chair of G24 and we are all facing similar challenges due to the appreciation of the dollar and higher fuel prices. Therefore I felt it would be positive for us to gather together to discuss these mutual problems and attempt to find solutions,” he said. 

The Group of 24, a chapter of the G-77, was established in 1971 to coordinate the positions of developing countries on international monetary and development finance issues and to ensure that their interests were adequately represented in negotiations on international monetary matters.