President Anura Kumara Dissanayake engaged directly with an IMF delegation yesterday, including Director of the Asia Pacific Department Krishna Srinivasan and Senior Mission Chief Dr. Peter Breuer, to discuss the progress of Sri Lanka’s ongoing IMF programme.
The President was accompanied by key Sri Lankan officials, including Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Secretary to the Treasury Mr. Mahinda Siriwardena, Dr. Harshana Sooriyapperuma, and Senior Advisors to the President Prof. Anil Jayantha and Mr. Duminda Hulangamuwa.
President Dissanayake reaffirmed the government’s broad agreement in principle with the objectives of the IMF programme but emphasized the importance of achieving these objectives through alternative means that relieve the burden on the people. He stated that the government plans to provide relief to those struggling due to high VAT and income taxes.
The IMF appreciated President Dissanayake’s willingness to commit to the programme’s goals and agreed to discuss the alternative approaches proposed by the Sri Lankan government.
Additionally, the two parties discussed the initiation of the third review of the programme. Despite delays due to upcoming General Elections, President Dissanayake assured the IMF of the government’s dedication to continuing the programme without disruption and facilitating the third review process.