COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Minister & MP Dr. Harsha De Silva has suggested to the government of Sri Lanka to restructure its debt.

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday (23), the opposition lawmaker said some businessmen are facing issues because banks are not issuing dollars for payments.

He further said that on Tuesday (22) a state bank had purchased dollars at Rs.199.99/- on the agreement that it will be re-sold at Rs. 189.09/- in 2022.

He warned the state bank will be compelled to purchase a dollar at Rs. 216/- and settle with the private bank at Rs. 182/- per dollar, pointing out that the state bank will be suffering a loss of over Rs. 30/- per dollar.

His comments came in response to the government’s claims that Sri Lanka was facing a dollar crisis as the Central Bank ordered importers to convert 25% of forex earnings through licensed banks, which was not being followed properly.

Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena told the Parliament to provide relief to the people, the government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa granted tax concessions.

Opposition lawmaker Kabir Hashim slammed the government for its failure to even have a reduced price for coconuts in Sri Lanka.

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