Official hormal discussions on obtaining finacial assistance from the International Monetary Fund could be started next month in the light of the current economic crisis Co-Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said today.
He further stated that the government has approved the assistance of the International Monetary Fund as a matter of policy at the Cabinet meeting held yesterday (14) and further discussions will commence accordingly.
A regional head of the International Monetary Fund is currently in Sri Lanka. He visited the Ministry of Finance yesterday and met with the Minister of Finance. It is said that he has pointed out to the Minister and other government officials the serious situation in Sri Lanka according to the assessments of the International Monetary Fund.
Sources from the Ministry of Finance say that they are ready to take the necessary steps if an official intervention is requested in this regard. Their discussions lasted about an hour. The head of the IMF is scheduled to meet the President today.
Meanwhile, the government has taken the necessary policy decision from the Cabinet to seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund and steps will be taken to expedite the process accordingly, the sources said.
