Former Prime Minister and current Member of Parliament Ranil Wickremesinghe has stated that he has received information that the government has delayed the closure of the country due to difficulties in paying for fuel imports.

Mr. Wickramasinghe said that the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister had requested the United Arab Emirates to obtain a loan to Sri Lanka through a loan scheme, adding that they would not do so even if his request was granted.

He added that the money for diesel has now been paid and therefore it will be received before the first day but if the diesel does not arrive by that day, the re-opening of the country will be postponed.

He made these comments during an online discussion.