Sri Lanka not finalizes domestic debt optimization strategy: official

Shehan Semasinghe

COLOMBO, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe on Sunday cautioned against premature speculation regarding domestic debt optimization, emphasizing that a strategy for optimization has not yet been finalized.

Speaking to media in Colombo, Semasinghe stressed the government's commitment to ensuring the stability of the banking and financial sector.

He urged responsible and diligent discussions on the matter, as premature speculations could potentially undermine market confidence.

Semasinghe highlighted the progress made in engaging with bilateral creditors for debt restructuring efforts.

The state minister expressed optimism that these engagements would lead to favorable agreements that contribute to overall stability.

Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe also reassured the public about the safeguarding of public bank deposits and the stability of the banking system in any reorganization of domestic debt.

Addressing a public forum, Weerasinghe emphasized that financial sector stability was a key objective of the central bank, and measures would be taken to ensure the protection of public deposits and the overall stability of the banking system.