Sri Lanka on China-IMF agenda
China says it expects creditors, both countries and international financial institutions to work with Beijing to help Sri Lanka overcome the current financial difficulties.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said so when asked to comment on media reports pertaining to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) team visiting China, this week, to discuss faster progress on debt restructuring for countries, including Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has negotiated a USD 2.9 bn package from the IMF.
Mao said China has long-standing sound cooperation with the IMF and other international economic and financial institutions.
Concerning Sri Lanka’s debt issue, Mao said China attached high importance to Sri Lanka’s difficulties and challenges.
“We support the financial institutions in working out ways with Sri Lanka to properly solve the issue,” the Chinese spokesperson said.
“We also hope relevant countries and international financial institutions will work with China and continue to play a constructive role in helping Sri Lanka overcome the current difficulties, ease its debt burden and realize sustainable development.”.