Addressing Parliament, the Deputy Minister disclosed that Sri Lanka’s total public sector debt stood at approximately US$ 102.2 billion by the end of March 2026. This figure encompasses the debt of the central government alongside the liabilities of provincial councils, local government authorities, and state-owned enterprises.
Dr. Fernando emphasized that a country's debt sustainability must be evaluated based on its structural capacity to repay the loans, rather than fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. He maintained that accurate debt interpretations should be analyzed in US dollar terms internationally, affirming that the government has successfully managed its debt metrics under both local and international measures.