We have to be cautious of external influences: Shehan

COLOMBO (News 1st); We have to be cautious of external influences that may come our way when we enter into agreements with organizations such as the IMF, says State Minister Shehan Semasinghe.

Expressing his views regarding the Government seeking IMF assistance at an event held in Anuradhapura on Monday (13), State Minister Semasinghe said that the Government is not against any financial institution.

Speaking further, he stated that the Government is amiable with the International Monetary Fund, as well as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the development banks in other countries, all of which are working with the Government in a cooperative manner, he added.

However, the State Minister emphasized that the country also needs to look into the impact of these agreements on Sri Lanka, as on one hand while the Government has to solve many problems, it also needs to deal with other external influences that come along with this.

Speaking further, the State Minister said that the depletion of foreign reserves and lack of essential commodities will not create another crisis, and the Government will be able to manage it accordingly.