Srilanka, Dec. 26 -- Former Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, a member of the United National Party (UNP) management committee, claims that the emergency financial aid Sri Lanka received from India and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) following recent disasters consists primarily of high-interest loans rather than relief grants.

He highlighted that out of the USD 450 million reconstruction package committed by India, USD 350 million is a loan, with only USD 100 million provided as a grant.

Senaratne further noted that the USD 206 million emergency disbursement approved by the IMF's Executive Board carries a commercial interest rate as high as 8%.

He argued that in times of national crisis, the government should secure loans at much ...