High-level IMF delegation meets new govt’s economic team, discuss reforms

A high-level delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) arrived in Sri Lanka today (2) to engage with the newly formed government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. 

The primary objective of the visit was to initiate discussions on the progress of the IMF program and necessary steps towards the release of the fourth tranche of the $ 2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), the President’s Office said.

The meeting, held at the Presidential Secretariat, featured cordial discussions between the IMF delegation and the economic team of the new government. Both parties reviewed the IMF programme thus far and outlined the way forward for future collaboration, the statement said.

“The IMF delegation expressed appreciation for the significant changes taking place in Sri Lanka, boosting the positive outlook on Sri Lanka under the present government,” it said. 

The IMF team included Dr. Peter Breuer, Senior Mission Chief; Dr. Sarwat Jahan, Resident Representative and Ms. Manavee Abeyawickrama, Economist.

Representing Sri Lanka were key members of the Economic Policy Council, including Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Chair of the Economic Policy Council & Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs & Finance, Mr. Sunil Handunnetti, Prof. Seetha Bandara Ranathunga, Mr. Sunil Gamage, Senior Advisor to the President Mr. Duminda Hulangamuwa, Dr. Nandasiri Kihimbiyahetti, Prof. O. G. Dayaratne Banda and Mr. Amarasena Athukorala. 

This meeting marks a crucial step in reinforcing Sri Lanka’s commitment to economic stability and securing continued support from the IMF, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

--PMD