Due to IMF conditions Unable to cut fuel prices further – Minister

• Govt. prioritizes balancing income and expenditure

Sri Lanka will not be able to implement further reductions in fuel prices at this time due to conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to the Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Krishantha Abeysinghe.  
Speaking at a media briefing in Kandy, yesterday (1), the Minister emphasized that while the government is committed to providing relief, balancing the country’s income and expenditure remains a priority, and every effort must be made to manage resources effectively. 

These four Sri Lankans were caught in their attempt to cross the US border and were apprehended and deported to Panama where they were sent back to Sri Lanka.   
The US, under President Donald Trump has decided to dramatically overhaul the US immigration system.   
According to the US Department of State, President Trump has made it clear that under his administration, America will no longer be lied to nor taken advantage of.   
It is the responsibility of each nation to take back their citizens who are illegally present in the United States in a serious and expeditious manner, President Trump has said after winning his Presidency.   
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier, “First, we must curb mass migration and secure our borders. The State Department will no longer undertake any activities that facilitate or encourage mass migration. Our diplomatic relations with other countries, particularly in the Western Hemisphere, will prioritize securing America’s borders, stopping illegal and destabilizing migration, and negotiating the repatriation of illegal immigrants.”   
Amidst reports that there are some Sri Lankans among illegal migrants, the Sri Lankan authorities have requested that the Extradition Treaty between the US and Sri Lanka and other mechanisms be invoked in the deportation of any Sri Lankan caught as illegal migrant.   
Last year, 117 Sri Lankans were sent back from the US alone for the violation of immigration law of that country.   
“They were arrested under the immigration law of that country. They were sent back under the normal procedure,” a source said.   
The US authorities prioritize the deportation of convicted criminals and those facing criminal charges in the implementation of their policy under the new administration. 

Prof. Abeysinghe clarified that while the government would ideally like to lower the prices of all essential goods further, it is not feasible at the moment. “If it were possible to reduce the prices of all goods, we would be happy to do so. However, we must adhere to the conditions set by the IMF. Consequently reducing fuel prices in one go is not practical,” he said.  
The Minister emphasized the importance of focusing on renewable energy solutions and sustainability as a long-term strategy to address energy needs.  
Regarding the government’s recent efforts, Prof. Abeysinghe pointed out that the administration has already reduced fuel prices for the public in line with the available fiscal space. “After our government took office, we have lowered fuel prices in a way that the public feels the difference,” he explained.