UNP leader doubts whether lockdown will be lifted on Oct 1

The lockdown will not be lifted on Oct. 1 due to reports of a delay in purchasing diesel The most pressing concern is addressing the dwindling foreign reserves in the country

Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday expressed doubt that quarantine curfew will be lifted on October 1 2021 but will be extended further given the situation pertaining to fuel supply.

Speaking during a panel discussion organised by the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka, Mr. Wickremesinghe said the lockdown will not be lifted on Oct. 1 due to reported delays in purchasing diesel. " Re-opening of the country could be delayed till mid-october because of the delay in purchasing diesel for domestic use," he said.

Pertaining to the issue of debt management in Sri Lanka, he said the most pressing concern is addressing the dwindling foreign reserves in the country.

"The regional foreign exchange reserves are projected to increase over the course of the year, however, Sri Lanka's foreign exchange reserves are on a downward trend," he said in this regard.

He said the economic recovery based on a resurgence of the tourism industry will lead to uncertainty, until airline ticket prices are reduced. "It is unlikely our tourist arrivals will recover as Sri Lanka is a budget tourism market where low cost packages with limited facilities are offered," he said.