Former Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya has lauded the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sending help to the island nation and calling India “big brother” as it grapples with the worst economic crisis since independence.
Sanath Jayasuriya told ANI, “You know as a neighbor as always, the next big brother of our country is helping us… We are very grateful to the Government of India and the Prime Minister (Modi). So, It is not very easy for us to even survive at this moment, things are going on… trying.”
The Sri Lankan rupee is falling sharply against the dollar and foreign debt is increasing. of Sri Lankan government There has also been a major drop in income due to the decline in tourism, which has led to gas and fuel shortages, leading to massive power cuts.
As New Delhi extends financial aid to Colombo, India has announced another USD 1 billion loan to Sri Lanka to help shore up the island nation’s sinking economy. The US$ 1 billion line of credit to Colombo will help control their food prices and fuel costs.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka may face a diesel shortage by the end of this month, as India’s $500 million line of credit for procuring the fuel is rapidly running out amid unprecedented shortage of foreign reserves.
People have been protesting for weeks over prolonged power cuts and lack of gas, food and other basic supplies.
According to officials, fuel shipments to Sri Lanka started arriving in late March due to the urgency of the situation, although they were due to start from April 1.
He said three more Indian shipments are due on April 15, 18 and 23 and the facility will be completely phased out unless the Sri Lankan government seeks further extension from India.
Diesel is widely used in the country for public transport and thermal power generation.
*With inputs from agencies
download
The app will get 14 days of unlimited access to Mint Premium absolutely free!