WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The International Monetary Fund stated on Saturday that it had “fruitful technical conversations” with Sri Lankan officials regarding the request of the IMF-supported loan programme for this crisis-stricken country.

In a statement, the Fund stated that discussions had included Sri Lanka’s need to develop a “credible and coherent strategy” for macroeconomic stability. It also stressed the need to improve its social safety net to protect vulnerable people and those who are most at risk during this crisis.

Masahiro nozaki, IMF Sri Lanka Mission chief, stated that “The IMF Team welcomed the authorities’ plan to engage in collaboration with their creditors.”