• Says Govt. to finalise program for IMF appraisal within two weeks
• IMF delegation expected in country after that
• Says war in Ukraine and global inflation expected to impact at least 70 countries
• Reveals G-7 and many other countries willing to assist SL

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday that he will make a special statement to Parliament next week on the economic situation in the country.

He also said talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are progressing satisfactorily and the Government hopes to finalise its program to be presented to the Fund within two weeks.

“I have spoken with the IMF and so have our officials. We have come up with a basic program which we hope to finalise within two weeks. Following which an IMF delegation will visit Sri Lanka. I am trying to expedite it as if we delay, we will lose the opportunity to get aid,” the Prime Minister said in a video statement.

He said that due to war in Ukraine and global inflation, over 70 countries are expected to face economic problems by the end of the year if the situation continues.

The Prime Minister said several countries have said they are willing to assist Sri Lanka but want to see a program in place first.

“The G-7 countries have said they are committed to help us find a solution. They have urged non-G -7 countries also to assist us. India, China and other countries have come forward to assist us,” he said.

Wickremesinghe said he had met with CEOs of Indian companies in Sri Lanka, and they too have said they will assist the Country and once economic stability is restored; several Indian companies will invest here. 

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