IMF reaffirms support for Sri Lanka in progressing globally with a stable economy

A discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was held yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat, regarding the future review of the Extended Credit Facility between the IMF and Sri Lanka.

Dissanayake noted that Sri Lanka has achieved a level of economic stability under the present administration and emphasised that building on this foundation, the government is prepared to accelerate efforts to integrate Sri Lanka into the global economy through sustainable growth and pursuit of emerging economic opportunities.

Dissanayake also outlined the country’s present economic challenges and reiterated the importance of incorporating measures to ease the burden on the public in the 2026 budget, despite these constraints.

The discussion further focused on facilitating investment through policy reforms and tariff concessions aimed at fostering an investor-friendly environment. Dissanayake expressed confidence that Sri Lanka would continue to benefit from the IMF’s support in ensuring long-term economic stability and consistency in policy direction.

He expressed his gratitude for the support extended to Sri Lanka by the IMF so far and emphasised that he is committed to ensuring that all the benefits of the country’s economic growth are delivered to the people.

The representatives of the IMF, commending the commitment of the government under the leadership of Dissanayake to advancing Sri Lanka’s economic progress, also agreed to extend the necessary support to maintain economic stability and further Sri Lanka’s global advancement.

The IMF delegation included Mission Chief for Sri Lanka Evan Papageorgiou along with Sandesh Dhungana, Ursula Wiriadinata, Dinar Prihardini, Samson Kwalingana and Ozlem Aydin. Resident Representatives Martha Woldemichael and Manavee Abeyawickrama were also present.

The Sri Lankan officials in attendance included Labour Minister and Economic Development Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Secretary to President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Central Bank Governor Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Secretary to Treasury Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Senior Additional Secretary to President Russel Aponsu and Senior Economic Advisor to President Duminda Hulangamuwa.