President to appoint committee to negotiate with ‘friendly nations‘ for funds

5 January 2022 09:18 am - 23 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is likely to appoint a Cabinet-level negotiation committee to hold discussions with ‘friendly countries’ seeking financial assistance ahead of the country’s external debt repayments this year.

Based on a proposal presented by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, the Cabinet Co-Spokesperson and Minister of Mass Media Dullas Alahapperuma yesterday said the Cabinet of Ministers has agreed to appoint a ministerial negotiation committee to engage in negotiations with ‘friendly countries’ of Sri Lanka and to allow President Rajapaksa to appoint members to the committee.

“The President is likely to announce it during the next Cabinet meeting,” he said.

However, he didn’t specify the list of ‘friendly nations’ the government is going to approach with this committee.

The government has been seeking currency swaps and credit lines from several countries, including India, China and some Middle Eastern countries.

Commenting on the repayment of US$ 500 million International Sovereign Bonds (ISB) maturing on 18th of this month, the Cabinet Co-Spokesperson and Minister of Plantation Ramesh Pathirana expressed confidence of repaying the full amount on time.

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Comments - 23

Sunil Wednesday, 05 January 2022 10:17 AM

No wonder we are being downgraded by Fitch.

Sunil Wednesday, 05 January 2022 10:17 AM

No wonder we are being downgraded by Fitch.

bimal Wednesday, 05 January 2022 10:25 AM

a committee to beg- you already have 6.9M committee members

Labby Wednesday, 05 January 2022 10:25 AM

What happened to the 3 billion dollar Reserve which the CB Governor boasted about last week? Why go around the world with a begging bowl if we have 3 billion and growing in reserves?

Kikazaru Wednesday, 05 January 2022 10:27 AM

When the pandemic broke out at the end of 2020, the man requested the lending banks to reschedule the loans. It fell on deaf ears. Now this. It is not small money Sri Lanka needs. Go to the IMF for a speedy recovery from this economic mess. There are no friend for money of this magnitude other than selling our assets.

Ranjan Wednesday, 05 January 2022 10:47 AM

Official Pottuwa Beggers, Robbers Commitee

Kikazaru Wednesday, 05 January 2022 10:48 AM

Right Royal begging. Talk. big!

Ishi Wednesday, 05 January 2022 10:49 AM

A committee for begging...... shame shame puppy shame....

Benjamin George Wednesday, 05 January 2022 10:50 AM

Why do we have foreign missions n several ministers for same purpose

Giritharan Wednesday, 05 January 2022 10:54 AM

Uganda, Seychelles

Johan Wednesday, 05 January 2022 11:00 AM

High level begging..

Gayan Wednesday, 05 January 2022 11:54 AM

We have been begging since 77.

Ralahamy Wednesday, 05 January 2022 11:54 AM

Friendly countries: please do not give the drug addict heroin. Do not perpetuate this government and their corruption.

Sadana Wednesday, 05 January 2022 12:33 PM

Who will be the minister of Begging?

Ravi Wednesday, 05 January 2022 12:59 PM

Why do we need a beggar like you as our President.

Sambo Wednesday, 05 January 2022 02:06 PM

Do we have any friendly countries left to help and a starving population.

Ram Wednesday, 05 January 2022 02:16 PM

Why appoint a committee? Get the politicians particularly your siblings to credit to the treasury our money robbed by way of commissions as stated by WR in a letter to Chinese Head

Kps Wednesday, 05 January 2022 07:15 PM

If you

Pantha Kumaran Wednesday, 05 January 2022 11:58 PM

Dear Mr President. why don't you ask the Tamil Diasporas for help. I assure you they will help to rebuild mother Lanka more than anybody. Your only problem is you don't want to give into Tamils reasonable request.

Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero Thursday, 06 January 2022 12:35 AM

Dear President Pl. appoint me to this honorable " Begging Committee " . Thanks

Spartacus Thursday, 06 January 2022 08:15 AM

Isn't Daisy Archie going

Beggar Thursday, 06 January 2022 11:51 AM

The members appointed should not have a 10% clause as a condition.

Waco Thursday, 06 January 2022 12:21 PM

Sri Lankan Ambassadors could easily do this task.

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President to appoint committee to negotiate with ‘friendly nations‘ for funds

Comments - 23

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