Artist Sangeeth Wijesuriya says he was informed by a Government Minister that International Monetary Fund (IMF) regulations would not permit a proposed US$ 23 million donation to be brought into Sri Lanka following the election victory of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Speaking during an interview with Hari TV, Wijesuriya said he had actively campaigned for President Dissanayake during the Presidential Election and had publicly stated that overseas supporters were prepared to financially assist Sri Lanka if the new administration came to power.
He said he was deeply encouraged when discussions first emerged with individuals willing to contribute funds to support the country, especially amid long-standing public concerns over corruption and misuse of state resources.
According to Wijesuriya, a group of four individuals based in countries including Australia and the United Kingdom had later expressed willingness to provide around US$ 23 million as financial assistance to Sri Lanka.
He clarified that the proposed funds were not intended as investments, but rather as support aimed at helping the country’s recovery.
However, Wijesuriya said they were later informed by a Government Minister that existing IMF-related regulations and financial frameworks would not allow such a direct transfer of funds into the country.
He stated that the explanation given was that the proposed transaction could not be accommodated under the current financial arrangements linked to the IMF programme.
Wijesuriya further said many Sri Lankans living overseas remain emotionally connected to the country and would be willing to contribute financially if a proper and transparent mechanism was established.
He also defended his earlier public comments regarding overseas financial support, saying he had spoken honestly based on the information available to him at the time.
