Srilanka has urged Pakistan to expedite the pending financial assistance offered by the country amid a serious economic crisis. The proposal was made by Pakistan in February 2021 during the two-day official visit of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to Colombo. Sri Lanka is also facing a foreign exchange shortage, which has affected its capacity to import food and fuel. The shortage of essential goods forced Sri Lanka to seek assistance from friendly countries. The economic situation has led to huge protests with demands for the resignation of prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Source: Daily Nation April 15, 2022 13:49 UTC