I’ve been heading discussions with IMF since mid-22 concerning SL’s BoP, fiscal & foreign exchange crisis.

We negotiated a staff-level agreement with IMF by September 22, & worked with India, China & The Paris Club to obtain their assurances last January.

— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) March 7, 2023

I spoke with IMF MD Kristalina Georgieva & US Sec of the Treasury Janet Yellen. Letter of assurance from Exim Bank of China was received. I, together with the Governor of CB, signed the agreement & sent it to IMF—a response is expected this month, followed by funds from WB & ADB.

— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) March 7, 2023

Any violation of the agreement with IMF could result in SL's collaboration with all financial institutions being discontinued. Annual payments of approximately Rs.6-7b of loans are due until 2029; thus, SL needs IMF to lead agreed debt sustainability discussions with creditors.

— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) March 7, 2023

The agreement with the IMF is a crucial step in restoring our economy. It's not a question of whether we should or shouldn't go for it, but simply that we must.

— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) March 7, 2023

I request influential groups, political parties, voluntary organisations, trade unions, professionals & everyone else to support economic reforms to move forward. If you disrupt the ongoing progress, the consequences will be dire, as unrest could lead to unprecedented woes.

— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) March 7, 2023

LKR is appreciating. If country faced a state of anarchy on July 9, we’d be in dire straits. I'm grateful to military & police for upholding peace—by maintaining public order,we’ve come so far to having fuel, power, & $ in reserves—we can’t allow sinister forces to destabilise SL

— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) March 7, 2023

I invite the opposition to join me in stabilising the economy. GDP should be evaluated by June. We can then accordingly decide on holding General and Presidential Elections. I will table the IMF agreement in parliament upon approval & house can approve or offer an alternative.

— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) March 7, 2023

I will submit a new draft on the Government's way forward and road map. After Parliament reaches an agreement, I will present long-and mid-term plans. I thank the National Assembly and Parliament committees for their reports. We were able to complete the work within eight months.

— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) March 7, 2023