Meeting Between President and IMF Representatives

IMF Reaffirms Support for Sri Lanka in progressing globally with a stable economy

A discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was held this morning (21) at the Presidential Secretariat regarding the future review of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) between the IMF and Sri Lanka.

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

The President 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. The President 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.

President Dissanayake expressed his gratitude for the support extended to Sri Lanka by the IMF so far and emphasized 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 International Monetary Fund, commending the commitment of the government under the leadership of the President 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 Mr. Evan Papageorgiou along with Mr. Sandesh Dhungana , Ms. Ursula Wiriadinata, Ms. Dinar Prihardini, Mr. Samson Kwalingana , Ms. Ozlem Aydin. Resident Representatives Ms. Martha Woldemichael and Ms. Manavee Abeyawickrama were also present.

Sri Lankan officials in attendance included Minister of Labour & Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Secretary to the Treasury, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Mr. Russel Aponsu, Senior Economic Advisor to the President, Mr. Duminda Hulangamuwa , Director General, Department of Fiscal Policy, Dr. M. K. C. Senanayake, Senior Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, K.M.A.N. Daulagala, Alternate Executive Director Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Prof. P.K.G. Harischandra, Assistant Governor, Secretary to the Monetary Policy Board, Dr. C. Amarasekara and Director of Economic Research- Central Bank of Sri Lanka , Dr. J.S. Jegajeevan.