Friday Apr 03, 2026
Friday Apr 03, 2026
Friday, 3 April 2026 00:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The visiting staff delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday met with leaders of the Opposition parties in Parliament to get their views on issues of mutual interest.
The meeting was presided over by Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih and comprised MPs Ravi Karunanayake, Dilith Jayaweera, Dr. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, and Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna. For some reason, other party leaders, including those from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), were absent, including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.
IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka Evan Papageorgiou and Sri Lanka Resident Representative Martha Woldemichael, along with other members, were present.
Representing the Sarvajana Balaya, MP Jayaweera conveyed the strong public perception that the current IMF-backed Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program has placed a significant economic burden on ordinary citizens, particularly the average Sri Lankan.
“Many feel that the cost of adjustment is being disproportionately borne by the people,” Jayaweera opined.
He further emphasised the concern that the program appears to prioritise the interests of creditors over the broader interests of the country. There is little visible evidence of a clear pathway towards sustainable economic growth or a comprehensive strategy for national wealth creation.
In response to Papageorgiou’s position that the program had been successfully initiated by the previous Government and that the current administration is demonstrating improved fiscal discipline, Jayaweera stressed that was precisely the issue.
“The public had expected a Government that claims to follow ‘so-called Marxist policies’ to deliver meaningful relief. Instead, the current approach is perceived as placing additional strain on the average citizen,” argued Jayaweera.
