COLOMBO : A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat Thursday (02) to discuss Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic reform programme and progress under the IMF-supported Extended Fund Facility.
During the discussions, attention was drawn to the current status of Sri Lanka in relation to the fifth and sixth review of the IMF programme, with the IMF delegation engaging the President on recent developments and progress achieved.
The IMF representatives commended the economic progress achieved by Sri Lanka under the present Government, particularly noting that the country has transitioned towards a more resilient economic footing through the achievement of growth targets, improved revenue management and the strengthening of foreign reserves.
Discussions also focused on how Sri Lanka could continue to advance within the IMF programme without undermining the economic stability that has been established thus far. It was further noted that the ongoing conflict situation in the Middle East poses an external challenge, the impact of which on Sri Lanka cannot be entirely avoided. However, the Government has been managing the situation prudently, taking measured decisions to address pressures on fuel prices and the energy sector, while ensuring that targeted relief is provided to vulnerable groups.
In the face of these external challenges, the IMF delegation also appreciated the Government’s programme aimed at safeguarding economic progress while effectively managing both the economy and the livelihoods of the people.
Responding to the IMF’s observations, President Dissanayake stated that Sri Lanka has met all targets set under the programme and has reached a position of relative stability. He highlighted the need to take all necessary measures to minimise the impact on the public.
The IMF delegation was led by Mission Chief Evan Papageorgiou and comprised Martha Woldemichael, Enrique Flores Curiel, Dinar Prihardini, Ursula Wiriadinata, Ozlem Aydin, Yorbol Yakhshilikov, Klakow Akepanidtaworn and Manavee Abeyawickrama.
The discussions were attended by senior Sri Lankan officials including P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, S. Jegajeevan from the CBSL, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma – Secretary to the Treasury and Ministry of Finance, A. K. Seneviratne – Deputy Secretary to the Treasury and M. K. C. Senanayake – Director General (Fiscal Policy). Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha Fernando also participated in the meeting.
Senior officials from the Presidential Secretariat, including Duminda Hulangamuwa, Senior Economic Advisor to the President, and G. M. R. D. Aponsu, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, were also present.
