A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) held discussions with Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, focusing on Sri Lanka’s current economic situation and its economic outlook beyond the existing Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement.

The discussions covered the implementation of the ongoing IMF-supported programme and the economic conditions that would be necessary for Sri Lanka to maintain stability beyond March 2027, when the current EFF programme is scheduled to conclude.

Key areas discussed included the external sector, foreign exchange reserves, debt sustainability, the fiscal position, economic growth and Sri Lanka’s external financing requirements.

The meeting also focused on the economic conditions Sri Lanka would need to achieve by the conclusion of the current programme, including sustainable debt management, prudent public financial management and stronger prospects for sustainable economic growth.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stressed that fiscal consolidation and economic adjustments should not place a disproportionate burden on working people and vulnerable households.

He emphasized the need to maintain macroeconomic stability and fiscal discipline while giving greater consideration to the economic difficulties faced by households and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Premadasa further stated that the impact of the IMF-supported reform programme should be assessed not only through macroeconomic indicators, but also by examining its effects at the household, individual and business levels.

He highlighted the importance of a people-centred approach to economic policymaking, with particular attention to poverty, affordability, inflation and household incomes, especially among low- and middle-income families.