🛑 Debt Repayment Suspension Rejected Amid Cyclone Ditwah 🇱🇰

SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva strongly opposes calls to suspend Sri Lanka's external debt repayments post-Cyclone Ditwah, warning it risks the nation's fragile recovery and market access. • Key Concerns: • Suspending debt would jeopardize investor confidence and derail access to crucial climate financing for long-term reconstruction. • This proposal is a "2022 rerun" of arguments against engaging with the IMF, previously used by the now-ruling NPP. • Political Accusations: • Dr. de Silva accuses senior government figures (Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando) of reversing their positions on debt sustainability analysis (DSA) after elections, calling their previous promises to "re-do" restructuring a "lie" and a "sham to win votes." • He states that those who condemned the IMF framework in opposition are now following the same path in government. • Climate Adaptation & Financing: • Post-Cyclone Ditwah recovery needs climate-resilient infrastructure, requiring massive financing for both state and private sectors. • Maintaining international market credibility and credit ratings is essential to secure this funding, especially for climate adaptation and reconstruction. • Deviating from the agreed reform and debt restructuring framework would lead to loss of market access and credit rating upgrades, isolating Sri Lanka financially.