photo source: ANI
Colombo [Sri Lanka] August 11: Delegates of the European Union, got in talks with the acting president of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday. The delegation assured to help and get over the economic meltdown through a bailout package from IMF.
European Union delegation met with Srilankan President, assured support to overcome the economic crisis, and asked for human rights & freedom of expression in return.
In return, the delegates asked Sri Lanka to shed special attention on three key processes The Human Rights Council, GSP+ & the bailout package from IMF.
“We agree bringing Sri Lanka back on track requires joint & inclusive action on foreign affairs,” the delegation said while emphasizing the GSP+ & Human rights, NewsWire reported.
After the meeting, the EU delegation to Sri Lanka tweeted “Had a constructive meeting w/Pres.@RW_UNP Today is a partner in challenging times”
The European ambassadors also showed their concern over the maintenance of Human Rights & Freedom of speech & expression in the tweet, it further read: “For us, the protection of civil rights & #human rights, above all freedom of expression & right to dissent is of utmost importance. We agree bringing back on track requires joint & inclusive action.”
Sri Lanka Economic meltdown
A worsening economic crisis and government default on international debts have plagued Sri Lanka since the start of 2022. Some 5.7 million people “need urgent humanitarian assistance,” the UN has said.
The island country is witnessing huge numbers of protests since November last year.
The protests forced the resignations of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on May 9 and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on July 13 after he fled the country.
Explained
After the government’s play with agricultural reforms & banning agrochemicals in October, last year shortages of food started hitting the island country. Which added to the pandemic-induced economic crisis, rising foreign debt, depleted foreign exchange reserves, and a devaluing currency.
The low agriculture rate in the Maha season made things worse.
The country eventually tried to import fertilizers from China but the discovery of harmful pathogens halted it.
All of these things along with the debt trap, which Sri Lanka found itself in made the country experience the worst slump in its history.
Ever since countries like India & Europe are trying to help it get back on track.
