IMF turning a blind eye to NPP corruption: Opp.

The media was informed that the IMF cannot escape responsibility for the government's actions, especially since Sri Lanka, facing significant economic challenges, is receiving loans from the IMF at interest rates exceeding 8%. Ranawaka, a former parliamentarian, emphasized that the funds from the IMF are not the same as JAICA-type soft loans, adding that these loans further burden the nation. Prof. Peiris and Ranawaka alleged that the IMF has chosen to overlook serious and escalating accusations, particularly regarding coal and fuel scams that have led to substantial financial losses. They argued that the government made decisions that favored specific businessmen close to them, rather than the country. Both Prof. Peiris and Ranawaka elaborated on how some individuals and companies were granted special privileges to import expensive vehicles, helicopters, and even aircraft, wasting valuable foreign reserves for the benefit of friends. Ranawaka specifically named two companies that gained from government actions while asserting that those in the profitable coal and fuel sector profited immensely. They noted that the IMF disbursed the latest USD 695 million despite ongoing serious allegations against the government.