The Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa has stated at the Cabinet meeting held tonight (13) that imports will have to be further restricted due to the shortage of dollars in the country.

However, the Minister of Finance has stated that priority will be given to the importation of inputs for fuel, pharmaceuticals, essential food items and industries.

He said he was in talks with allies, including India, Japan, and China, to overcome the dollar deficit and hoped for a positive response from those countries.

He has also stated that his talks with the Indian government during his recent visit to India have been successful

Meanwhile, he said he was also in talks with the International Monetary Fund.