Further restrictions will have to be imposed on imports as a result of the dollar crisis in Sri Lanka, Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa has informed the Cabinet meeting held last evening (13).
According to Lankadeepa, he had further revealed that thereby, priority will be provided to the importation of fuel, medicines, essential food items, and industrial goods.
Stating that discussions are underway with India, Japan, China, and other countries to mitigate the dollar crisis, Minister Rajapaksa has stated that he hopes for a positive response from these countries.
Minister Basil Rajapaksa further said that discussions held with the Indian Government during his recent visit were successful, adding that discussions are also currently underway with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The Cabinet meeting was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday as President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is currently out of the country.
An intense discussion is reported to have taken place during the meeting on the existing dollar crisis in Sri Lanka.
Several Ministers had pointed out the need to obtain financial assistance from the IMF to resolve the dollar crisis, while several other Ministers had highlighted that Sri Lanka will have to agree to several conditions if an agreement is struck with the financial institution.
Despite various views being expressed during the Cabinet meeting held yesterday, a final decision had not been taken on whether or not to obtain the assistance of the IMF. (NewsWire)
