India was ready to grant US$ 2.6 bn to SL

In case of IMF’s refusal
India was ready to grant US$ 2.6 bn to SL
by Saman Indrajith
Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama yesterday (20) told parliament that India was ready to provide US$ 2.6 billion to Sri Lanka in case the IMF had not granted its loan facility.
He said that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had even told the IMF on one occasion that India would supply that amount of funds it did not approve the standby credit facility for Sri Lanka.
"Such was the kind of friendship this government has developed with neighbouring countries," he said.
The government would never forget the assistance and backing of regional governments, such as India and Pakistan, Sri Lanka received during desperate times.
"Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had telephoned the Indian representatives of the IMF and instructed them to support Sri Lanka’s case.
Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh himself had said that if the IMF would not approve the loan facility to Sri Lanka, India would give it," Dr. Amunugama said.