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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Larry Elliott Economics editor

Hedge funds holding up vital debt relief for crisis-hit Sri Lanka, warn economists

Sri Lanka defaulted on its $51bn debt last year.
Sri Lanka defaulted on its $51bn debt last year. Photograph: Ishara S Kodikara/AFP/Getty Images

Some of the world’s most powerful hedge funds and other investors are holding up vital help for crisis-hit Sri Lanka by their hardline stance in debt-relief negotiations after the Asian country’s $51bn (£42bn) default last year, according to 182 economists and development experts from around the world.

In a statement released to the Guardian on Sunday, the group said extensive debt cancellation was needed to give the economy a chance of recovery and that Sri Lanka would be a test case of the willingness of the international community to tackle a looming global debt crisis.

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