PM Amarasuriya meets IMF mission chief on Sri Lanka’s IMF-supported programme

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met the IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, Mr. Evan Papageorgiou, and accompanying IMF representatives at Parliament on 22 September. The key objective was to share the experience and outcomes of Sri Lanka’s IMF-supported programme, with special emphasis on its seventh review.

The Prime Minister noted progress made in managing the economy amid challenges and emphasised the Government’s commitment to maintaining economic stability and strengthening resilience despite a sequence of external shocks.

Reflecting on the two years’ progress of the Government after assuming office, Dr. Amarasuriya noted that engagement with the IMF had been a positive experience, with open and transparent dialogue. She appreciated the IMF’s willingness to continue its support for the government’s efforts to move beyond economic stability towards sustained economic growth.

She also stressed the importance of effectively managing external factors and noted that future engagement with development partners should focus on achieving sustainable, accountable and inclusive growth.

Attention was also drawn to proposed amendments to the Anti-Corruption Act, with emphasis on maintaining the balance between the privacy and transparency of information reported to the CIABOC through asset declaration.

The meeting was attended by the IMF Resident Representative to Sri Lanka, Ms. Martha Tesfaye Woldemichael, Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, additional secretary to the Prime Minister Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and representatives from the Central Bank.