The Samagi Jana Balawegaya says in order to obtain foreign assistance, the government must reveal the country’s economic and political reforms.
Addressing a media briefing today, Parliamentarian Lakshman Kiriella said no country has agreed to provide loan assistance to Sri Lanka as attempts have not been made to spread awareness on reforms that have been made by the government.
MP Kiriella noted although the government has been approaching various nations and organisations pertaining to foreign assistance, support sufficient to solve the prevalent issues has not been secured.
The MP added all loans received thus far were ‘retail loans’ that did not make a significant impact in solving economic issues.
Parliamentarian Kiriella said the heads of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and USAID issued statements requesting Sri Lanka to provide proposals for political and economic reforms in order to grant assistance.
The SJB Parliamentarian noted the country’s expenditure is three times its revenue adding that the international community will not provide assistance under such circumstances.
When questioned by media regarding loans granted to Sri Lanka by countries such as India during the last few days, MP Kiriella stated assistance received in recent times were granted on humanitarian grounds and could not be used to help the country recover from the current crisis.
He stated such assistance was not granted to the government for the development of the nation but to ensure the survival of its citizens.
