19/07/2022 (Agence Europe) – At their meeting on 18 July, the EU ministers of foreign affairs briefly discussed the situation in Sri Lanka, a country facing a severe financial crisis. According to the European External Action Service (EEAS) spokesman, Peter Stano, the EU stands ready to help Sri Lanka and its people. Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe renewed the state of emergency on 18 July while the Parliament is due to elect the next president on 20 July. Anger has been rising for several months among the population against a backdrop of food and fuel shortages. “We are currently analysing the different options for increasing our assistance and support”, he said. He added: “It is up to the authorities in power to pave the way for a solution to the current crisis”. (LM)