IMF Delegation Meets President Dissanayake
A visiting delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic reform program and progress under the IMF-supported Extended Fund Facility.
During the discussions, attention was drawn to Sri Lanka’s current status regarding the fifth and sixth reviews of the IMF program, with the IMF delegation engaging the President on recent developments and progress.
The IMF representatives commended the economic progress achieved by Sri Lanka under the present Government, particularly noting that the country has transitioned to a more resilient economic footing through the achievement of growth targets, improved revenue management, and strengthened foreign reserves.
Discussions also focused on how Sri Lanka could continue to advance within the IMF program without undermining the economic stability 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 program 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 program and has reached a position of relative stability. He highlighted the need to take all necessary measures to minimize 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 Labor 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.