Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka must remind the United States of its obligations as a member of the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) during the ongoing tariff negotiations between the two countries.
“We have never told the US, who is a member of the OCC. US has signed on to the EFF and their time limits. They must help us now, otherwise they are in breach of the agreement,” he said.
“They’re preventing us to repay the bond holders, and we must now tell the bond holders to go to the US and get the money,” he added.
The OCC comprises countries with eligible claims on Sri Lanka, including the United States, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Wickremesinghe made the remarks at the launch of a book by former presidential economic advisor Sarath Rajapathirana, which explores policy challenges facing Sri Lanka.
He added that Sri Lanka has lagged in globalisation due to an anti-trade stance and politically motivated opposition campaigns. (Islandnews)
