President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a key discussion with representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today (07) at the Presidential Secretariat. The meeting was aimed at reviewing Sri Lanka’s progress under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and exploring future strategies, particularly in light of the newly imposed US tariffs.
This preliminary dialogue was centered on the fourth review of the EFF program, an ongoing initiative between the Government of Sri Lanka and the IMF. The discussion focused on the progress made by Sri Lanka in meeting its targets under the program, as well as identifying the next steps to ensure continued economic recovery and stability.
Both parties also addressed the economic implications of the new tariff regime announced by the United States, a development that poses fresh challenges to Sri Lanka’s export sector and broader economic performance.
The IMF delegation was led by Sanjaya Panth, Deputy Director for Asia and the Pacific, and included Senior Mission Chiefs Peter Breuer and Evan Papageorgiou. They engaged with the Sri Lankan government representatives on the fiscal and structural reforms needed to strengthen the country’s economic resilience.
Representing Sri Lanka at the meeting were Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Harshana Suriyapperuma, Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Senior Economic Advisor to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa, and Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardena.
The participants reviewed Sri Lanka’s recent economic indicators and discussed ways to mitigate the potential risks posed by external economic pressures, including the possibility of adjusting fiscal policy and exploring alternative trade routes and partnerships.
President Dissanayake emphasized the importance of transparency and sustained reform as the country navigates this critical phase of its economic recovery. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining the momentum of ongoing fiscal consolidation and structural adjustment under the guidance of the IMF.
The discussion concluded with a mutual agreement to maintain close collaboration and to move forward with the fourth review of the EFF, with a shared goal of ensuring macroeconomic stability, safeguarding livelihoods, and building a foundation for long-term inclusive growth.
