A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) visited President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on February 2nd to discuss the ongoing economic reform initiatives in Sri Lanka, as well as the progress made under the IMF-supported Extended Fund Facility.
During their meeting, the IMF representatives evaluated Sri Lanka’s status in relation to the fifth and sixth assessments of the IMF program, engaging with the President on recent advancements and milestones achieved.
The IMF officials praised the economic improvements realized under the current administration, particularly highlighting the country’s shift toward a more robust economic framework, which has been bolstered by meeting growth objectives, enhancing revenue management, and strengthening foreign exchange reserves.
The discussions also explored strategies for Sri Lanka to continue its advancement within the IMF program while maintaining the economic stability that has been established. Additionally, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East was acknowledged as an external challenge, with its effects on Sri Lanka being unavoidable. Nevertheless, the Government has been addressing the situation judiciously, making calculated decisions to mitigate pressures on fuel prices and the energy sector, while ensuring that vulnerable populations receive targeted assistance.
Amid these external pressures, the IMF team recognized the Government’s efforts to protect economic progress while effectively managing both the economy and the well-being of its citizens.
In response to the IMF’s feedback, President Dissanayake affirmed that Sri Lanka has achieved all targets outlined in the program and has reached a state of relative stability. He emphasized the importance of implementing necessary measures to minimize any adverse effects on the public.
The IMF delegation was led by Mission Chief Evan Papageorgiou and included members Martha Woldemichael, Enrique Flores Curiel, Dinar Prihardini, Ursula Wiriadinata, Ozlem Aydin, Yorbol Yakhshilikov, Klakow Akepanidtaworn, and Manavee Abeyawickrama.
Senior officials from Sri Lanka present at the discussions included P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank, 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 took part in the meeting.
Additional senior officials from the Presidential Secretariat, such as Duminda Hulangamuwa, Senior Economic Advisor to the President, and G. M. R. D. Aponsu, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, were also in attendance.
