The International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation, led by Senior Mission Chief Peter Breuer, met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and several key ministers today (18) to discuss the nation’s ongoing economic reforms.
During the discussions, President Dissanayake highlighted the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility with addressing the hardships faced by the public. He urged the IMF to adopt an approach that considers the immediate needs of Sri Lankan citizens while ensuring long-term economic stability, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
The President further stressed that the success of the IMF programme would depend on restoring public trust in governance. As part of this, the government is prioritizing reforms aimed at tackling corruption and improving transparency.
Taking to his official ‘X’ account, President Dissanayake shared that the talks also addressed critical issues such as child poverty, malnutrition, and support for differently-abled individuals. He emphasized the government’s commitment to implementing stringent reforms to improve living conditions while adhering to the IMF’s recommendations.
The meeting comes at a crucial time for Sri Lanka, which is navigating economic challenges following its bailout agreement with the IMF earlier this year. Reforms tied to this programme include measures to boost revenue, streamline public expenditure, and ensure social safety nets for vulnerable populations.