Sri Lanka, Feb. 25 -- In a candid interview with the Sunday Observer, Former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake and the Colombo District Leader of the United National Party (UNP), acknowledged the need for International Monetary Fund (IMF) assistance while criticising the organisation's demands and called for a more "human" approach. He also spoke regarding the recent salary hike of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) employees and stated that it cannot be justified on any grounds.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: Are you happy with the way the country is progressing in terms of economic recovery? And is going to the IMF the only solution to our woes?

A: I am relatively happy that the situation is being brought under control. But the m...