Signing of Implementation Letter on Debt Restructuring between the Government of the French Republic and the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in relation to External Debt Restructuring Process

In line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the OCC on 26 June 2024 for external debt restructuring of the country, the bilateral agreement on debt restructuring between the Government of France and the Government of Sri Lanka was signed on 16 June 2025.

Following the official signing of the bilateral Agreement, the Ministry of Finance of Sri Lanka as the authorized representative of the Sri Lankan Government should be concluded the implementation letters with the Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD), Bpifrance Assurance Export and the Banque de France as the authorized representatives of the Government of France in executing the provisions of the bilateral agreement.

In light of the above, the signing of the implementing letter with the Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) took place at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development on 24 July 2025. The said Implementation Letter was signed by Dr.Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, on behalf of the GoSL, and Mr. Yazid BENSAÏD joined as the Country Director of Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) on behalf of the Government of France. Subsequently, the Implementation Letters in respect of the Bpifrance Assurance Export and Banque de France were also signed.

With the signing of the above-mentioned Implementation Letters, it is marked the conclusion of the debt restructuring process between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of France. Consequently, the Government of Sri Lanka will enable to resumption of temporarily suspended loan financing and secure financing for new projects from all lender agencies of the Government of France to the successful completion of the development projects.