Foreign Minister Ali Sabry says some fellow South Asian countries have applauded Sri Lanka for its quick recovery from its economic crisis.
Minister Ali Sabry said Pakistan has sought advice from Sri Lanka’s Central Bank and Treasury to help address issues faced in its economy.
“Pakistan Interim PM Yusuf Raza Gilani has requested Sri Lanka to send a team from our Central Bank and Treasury to seek advice on fixing its economic issues,” he said.
Minister Ali Sabry further said Bangladesh PM, Sheikh Hasina said she was criticised for loaning US$ 200 million to Sri Lanka, but Sri Lanka has proven the critics wrong by repaying the loan.
“During a discussion with our President last September, the Bangladesh PM said many had criticised her move to loan money to Sri Lanka, stating that Bangladesh cannot afford it and Sri Lanka will not be able to repay it. She said however, Sri Lanka not only repaid the loan, but paid it with interest as well, proving all the critics wrong,” he said.
The Foreign Minister said that PM Sheikh Hasina also revealed that Bangladesh gave the loan amidst such a situation as this was the first time Sri Lanka had sought help of such a level of seriousness.
Minister Ali Sabry said the world looks at Sri Lanka with awe for having dealt with its economic crisis successfully in a short period.
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry made the statements while addressing the Parliament on Thursday. (Newswire)