China has called on commercial and multilateral creditors to take part in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring under the principle of fair burden-sharing.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin has expressed these sentiments at the MFA’s Regular Press Conference held today (01).

Mr. Wang was responding to a query on whether the Chinese MFA had any comment on the IMF approving a $3 billion loan program for Sri Lanka.

“We think this is good news and believe this will better help Sri Lanka address the crisis and get out of the difficult situation. The Export-Import Bank of China has provided financing support documents to Sri Lanka to help it truly address the debt issues swiftly and effectively, which fully speaks to China’s sincerity and effort to support Sri Lanka in achieving debt sustainability. China stands ready to work with relevant countries and international financial institutions and continue to play a positive role in helping Sri Lanka navigate the situation, easing its debt burden and helping it achieve sustainable development. In the meantime, we call on commercial and multilateral creditors to take part in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring under the principle of fair burden-sharing,” he has said.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has instructed all relevant officials to suspend the issuance of excise licenses for liquor sales in areas within the Maharagama Divisional Secretariat.

Prime Minister Gunawardena, who is the chairman of the Maharagama Regional Coordination Committee, had said this during a committee meeting yesterday (20).

Accordingly, the Premier instructed the officials to suspend the issuance of permanent and daily excise licenses, including those permits issued daily for events such as music shows, carnivals and various other occasions.

The relevant statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Media Division is as follows :

Recovering from the challenging situation that the country is currently facing, requires a significant emphasis on the accountability of public officials in matters such as financial control, anti-corruption measures, and adherence to the rule of law, pointed out Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of the Presidential Staff – Mr. Sagala Ratnayake.

Mr. Ratnayake said this during a discussion held yesterday (20) at the Ministry of Finance Auditorium with representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Heads of Government institutions.

During the meeting, the representatives of the International Monetary Fund appreciated the Sri Lankan Government’s efforts in addressing the existing problem and properly assessing the current situation. They also emphasized the significance of working with dedication in financial management and implementing new economic reforms.

The representatives stressed that it is crucial to prioritize new reform programs rather than dwelling on past mistakes. They also highlighted the importance of exploring the support that the International Monetary Fund can offer to address the challenges in various fields and to prioritize reform efforts accordingly.

Mr. Mahinda Siriwardana, the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, emphasized the crucial role of new economic reforms in propelling the country forward. He stated that public financial reforms and other related areas will be prioritized to effectively address the issues in the financial management sector.

During the meeting, the Heads of Government institutions involved in the process shared their perspectives. 

Mr. Sagala Ratnayake reiterated the significance of convening such meetings in the future to monitor the progress of relevant programs and obtain reports. He stressed the need for the commitment of all Heads of government institutions to ensure the success of these activities.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the International Monetary Fund, the Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, as well as secretaries of ministries, Heads of Government institutions, and other officials.