IMF weighs in on Sri Lanka’s debt crisis

IMF weighs in on Sri Lanka’s debt crisis

Sri Lanka (MNN) — Friday, the Sri Lankan government will detail the country’s economic difficulties in a call with International Monetary Fund creditors. Officials reach preliminary debt relief deal earlier this month.

Sri Lanka is facing its worst political and economic crisis since gaining independence from Britain in 1948. Political, economic and social unrest has peaked this summermaking fuel and food almost impossible to find.

“The International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank have promised to support Sri Lanka,” said Pastor Clarence of FARMS Lanka.

“It’s good because otherwise it will be more suffering for people.”

FARMS Lanka partners with FARMS International help believers in need. Pastor Clarence says church leaders are reporting a slight easing of pressure following the IMF aid announcement on September 1.

“It’s a little [easier] because at least everyone can get a quota [of fuel]. Recently, the government gave us a little more for travel to our stations,” he explains.

However, “the struggle is still there. There are anti-government protests, parliamentary chaos and political unrest.

Clarence, director of FARMS Lanka, brings relief to families in need.
(Photo courtesy of FARMS International)

Increased needs

Typically, FARMS Lanka helps believers out of poverty through a microcredit program that supports the local church. More information on this here. As the crises in Sri Lanka affect life at all levels, ministry leaders are now focusing on helping people survive another day.

malnutrition rate of children has increased by 460%,” says Pastor Clarence.

“Because of this, we are now supporting churches, especially Sunday school children, with rice, dahl and sugar.”

Pray that believers may find relief from the economic pressure and financial difficulties of this season. Ask the Lord to provide for them in miraculous ways.

“We do freelance work. Now there is no material to come [for people to produce goods,]said Pastor Clarence.

Additionally, “because of fuel prices, they cannot transport their goods or harvest to market” to sell for cash.

When Sri Lankan Christians see only challenges, pray for God to help them trust in Him.

Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Mohit Kulkarni/Pexels.

Robert P. Matthews