The United Nations warned on Friday that Sri Lanka’s cash-strapped economy could deteriorate into a severe humanitarian disaster, with millions already in need of assistance.
“We are concerned that this might turn into a full-blown humanitarian emergency, and we are taking steps to address that issue,” UN humanitarian agency spokesman Jens Laerke told reporters.”
According to him, the UN and its partners are seeking $47 million to meet the immediate needs of the 1.7 million people who are the most vulnerable and affected by the catastrophe. Months of daily blackouts, huge lines for gasoline, and record inflation have made living in the 22 million-strong South Asian island nation a nightmare.
The government has already defaulted on its $51 billion international debt, and traders have been unable to purchase appropriate amounts of food, fuel, and other basic products due to a serious scarcity of foreign currency. He noted that Sri Lanka’s biggest economic crisis since independence in 1948 was already taking a heavy toll, noting that agriculture and livelihoods had been seriously impacted.
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