The external debt of the federal government as of end of June 2024 totaled up to USD 37.5 billion, according to the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report issued by Sri Lankas Finance Ministry.Total financial obligation service payments from 1st January to 30th June in 2024 was amounted to USD 503.0 million, of which USD 275.1 million was in lieu of principal payments and the balance USD 227.9 million for the interest payments, it said.In line with the interim policy of the debt grinding halt embraced by the Government, the maintenance of the external financial obligation of afflicted loans gotten from bilateral and business creditors have actually been momentarily suspended for an interim duration beginning from 12th April, 2022.
Appropriately, the primary amount of USD 5,670 million and interest of USD 2,527 million have actually been collected as unpaid debt service by the end of June 2024, the report added.