Transport Minister Bimal Rattnayake claims Sri Lanka will exit the IMF program by 2027, announcing bold infrastructure developments and increased public sector support under President Anura Kumara’s leadership. Amid criticism over inexperience, the government is building long-awaited bridges, expanding subsidies, and raising salaries all while planning a strategic exit from global financial oversight.
Transport and Highways Minister Bimal Rattnayake announced that the government has successfully worked with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to strengthen public service delivery and restore development momentum.
Despite critics who questioned the government’s experience, Rattnayake emphasized that under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s leadership, Sri Lanka is overcoming challenges and driving forward progress. He made these remarks during an inspection tour of the Manampitiya, Kotaliya, and Gallella bridge projects on the Polonnaruwa–Batticaloa main road on July 2.
Rattnayake highlighted that past leaders failed to fulfill promises made after the tragic Manampitiya bus accident which killed eleven people when a private bus plunged into the Kotaliya Oya to build safer bridges in the area. However, the current administration has allocated Rs. 1,034 million to build four bridges, including Manampitiya, Kotaliya, and Gallella.
He also noted that, unlike past governments, the present administration has delivered fertilizer subsidies to farmers and fishermen and raised salaries for public sector workers.
Rattnayake further stated that the government has no intention of remaining dependent on the IMF indefinitely. During discussions, the President directly told the IMF leadership that Sri Lanka intends to exit the program by December 2027.
Also present during the tour were Deputy Housing Development Minister T.B. Sarath, Polonnaruwa District MP Padmasiri Bandara, and several senior Road Development Authority officials.
