Colombo, Sri Lanka — President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with a high-level delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on October 3rd, addressing crucial economic challenges facing the nation. The discussions took place at the Presidential Secretariat and involved key figures from the IMF, including Krishna Srinivasan, Director of the Asia Pacific Department, and Dr. Peter Breuer, the Senior Mission Head.
Joining the President were several officials, including Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, and the President’s Senior Advisors, Professor Anil Jayantha and Duminda Hulangamuwa. The primary focus of the meeting was to review the progress of the ongoing program between the IMF and Sri Lanka.
President Dissanayake reaffirmed the government’s broad agreement with the IMF’s program objectives but emphasized the need for alternative approaches that would alleviate pressure on the Sri Lankan people. “We recognize the economic burden caused by high VAT and income tax, and our government is committed to providing relief to those affected,” he stated.
The IMF representatives expressed their appreciation for the President’s dedication to the program’s goals and indicated their willingness to discuss the alternative strategies proposed by the Sri Lankan government.
Both parties also discussed the initiation of the third review of the program, acknowledging potential delays due to the upcoming general election. However, President Dissanayake assured the IMF that the work would continue without interruption, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to economic stability and reform.
As the discussions unfold, the emphasis remains on finding solutions that not only satisfy the conditions set by the IMF but also prioritize the welfare of the Sri Lankan populace during these challenging economic times.
