IMF delegation meets Speaker, MPs ahead of key review

April 2, Colombo, (Daily Mirror) - A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) met with the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Party Leaders of the Sri Lankan Parliament in preparation for the upcoming Fifth and Sixth Review Mission scheduled from 26 March to 8 April 2026.

The delegation, led by Mr. Evan Papageorgiou along with senior IMF economists, held discussions with Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, who expressed appreciation for the IMF’s continued support during Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. He highlighted the Tenth Parliament as a strong and inclusive legislature, noting its two-thirds majority and representation of diverse communities, including persons with disabilities.

The Speaker reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme and stressed the importance of maintaining sound fiscal and monetary policies. He pointed to key legislative frameworks, such as the Public Financial Management Act and the Anti-Corruption Act, as essential for fiscal discipline, good governance, and transparency. Plans to establish a Parliamentary Study Centre to strengthen the capacity of Members of Parliament and local government representatives were also discussed, with the Speaker seeking IMF support for these initiatives.

Mr. Papageorgiou noted Sri Lanka’s strong performance under the EFF programme, emphasizing Parliament’s role in sustaining reforms and policy oversight. Discussions also touched on the potential economic impact of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the implementation of post-Cyclone Ditwah recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The IMF delegation subsequently met Party Leaders in a session presided over by Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih. MPs including Ravi Karunanayake, Dr. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, and Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna participated, exchanging views on post-cyclone recovery, global economic uncertainties, tariff adjustments, inflation management, external sector pressures, and the need for sustained structural reforms to maintain macroeconomic stability.

The IMF delegation also participated in a guided parliamentary tour. Assistant Secretary General Mr. Hansa Abeyratne and a group of parliamentary officials were present at the meetings.