The government claims no secret discussions are being held with the International Monetary Fund.
Speaking during the weekly Cabinet media briefing in Colombo today, Co-Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalaka Godahewa said the team of individuals that manage the economy has been completely revamped by the President.
Minister Godahewa said certain policy decisions were reached through the changes made adding however the government will not halt any on-going discussions.
The Minister said the government announced restructuring of all International Sovereign Bonds prior to commencing discussions with the IMF.
He said the government obtained special technical and legal advice when dealing with the matter adding concerns were raised over China not being in favour of debt restructuring due to previous instances.
The Co-Cabinet Spokesman however claimed China displayed a positive outlook on debt restructuring during yesterday’s discussion between the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong and Minister of Finance Ali Sabry.
Meanwhile, NewsRadio made inquiries into whether Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is preparing to resign from his post after making a special statement during tomorrow’s Parliamentary session.
Co-Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalaka Godahewa said they have not been informed of such a statement thus far.
He however said the Prime Minister can at any moment make a statement after informing the Speaker of the House.
The Minister added he is unable to confirm the content of such a statement adding however the present Cabinet of Ministers will continue as usual.
The Co-Cabinet Spokesman claimed the Premier will step down and the Cabinet will be dissolved if the opposition and other political parties representing Parliament reach a decision to form an interim government.
Commenting on Parliamentarian Basil Rajapaksa’s statement that Mahinda Rajapaksa will be appointed as the Prime Minister if a national consensus government is established, Minister Godahewa said he is unable to provide a direct an explanation adding only MP Rajapaksa can provide a clarification.
The Minister is of the view that MP Basil Rajapaksa meant the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna will nominate Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister of the national consensus government as they hope all parties will unite to form the new government.
The Minister claimed there is no issue in such a proposal adding all political parties can propose their own candidate for the post of Premier and other Ministerial portfolios.
