In a recent development, Sri Lanka’s main opposition party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has issued a clarification regarding its decision to abstain from participating in a meeting with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation. SJB spokesperson and Member of Parliament, Dr. Harsha de Silva, emphasized that the party had not sought a meeting with the IMF.

Speaking to the media, Dr. Harsha de Silva explained that the SJB had specifically requested a meeting with Sri Lanka’s international creditors, not the IMF, as conveyed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the proposed gathering.

Accusing the government of misinterpretation, Dr. Harsha de Silva clarified that his earlier statement had aimed at requesting a meeting with international creditors to discuss the crucial process of foreign debt restructuring. He highlighted the distinction between the IMF and international creditors, asserting that the two are separate entities. Questioning the necessity of engaging with the IMF after the government had already signed a preliminary agreement, he stated, “Why would we discuss with the IMF after the preliminary agreement has already been signed by the government?”

Dr. Harsha de Silva underscored the SJB’s primary concern – ensuring that any agreement reached with international creditors is both beneficial and adaptable to future leaders elected to power. Expressing the potential consequences of a failure to adhere to the agreement, he warned, “If the newly elected leader fails to carry out the requirements of the agreement made with international creditors at present, then Sri Lanka will be pushed into a second economic crisis in the future.”

Reiterating the party’s stance, Dr. Harsha de Silva emphasized that the SJB’s request for a meeting with international creditors and opposition parties aimed at achieving a collective understanding and consensus on the foreign debt restructuring agreement.