Sri Lanka appeals to investors to roll over bonds maturing this year

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka has appealed for international investors to roll over bonds maturing this year, according to an AFP report.

This is a further indication of the island nation’s dire financial situation, the report claimed.

Government spokesman Udaya Gammanpila said capital and interest repayments on foreign debt this year was $6.86 billion.

“We encourage investors to roll over (bonds) and if they do that, it would be a great help for our country,” Gammanpila was quoted as saying at the weekly cabinet briefing.

Gammanpila stressed that the country had honored its debt commitments last year, according to AFP.

Sri Lanka’s has imposed restrictions on foreign exchange and banned non-essential imports, including most vehicles.