Govt. must explain change in stance on domestic debt: SJB

• Says chance in Govt’s stance is a matter of grave concern 
• Accuses Govt. of conducting discussions with IMF in ‘cowardly and submissive’ manner
• Claims weak agreement has endangered country and people 
• Asks Govt. to stop misleading the people and reveal truth 

The main opposition party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday issued a statement calling on the government to provide clarification regarding its recent shift in position regarding the restructuring of domestic debt. 

“The President, the Minister of Finance and the Central Bank Governor continuously maintained that domestic debt will not be restructured according to the needs of the IMF. 

However, it is a matter of grave concern that the Government has changed its stance and is presenting proposals for domestic debt restructuring,” the party said. 

The SJB also accused the Government of carrying out its discussions with the IMF in the most ‘cowardly and submissive’ manner. The party called the agreement signed as ‘weak’ thus endangering the country and its citizens. 

According to the party, the government not only kept the initial agreement hidden from the parliament but also deceived the public by now attempting to implement policies that are in opposition to the ones promised to the people.

The SJB said while the IMF has provided aid to other countries without imposing a requirement of restructuring its domestic debt, Sri Lanka lost out on this opportunity as officials failed to commence discussions with the IMF at the correct moment in time. 

“Domestic debt restructuring will lead the country down a disastrous path in the future. The Government must now stop misleading the people and reveal the truth,” it noted.