President meets IMF delegation ahead of next EFF review

Tuesday, 22 July 2025 01:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Outlines economic challenges; reiterates importance of incorporating measures to ease burden on people in 2026 Budget
Discusses facilitating investment through policy reforms, tariff concessions

President Anura Kumara Disanayake

President Anura Kumara Disanayake yesterday held key discussions with representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), focusing on the upcoming review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

During the meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat, Disanayake highlighted the economic stability achieved under the Government and expressed readiness 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.

Disanayake also 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 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 Evan Papageorgiou, along with Sandesh Dhungana, Ursula Wiriadinata, Dinar Prihardini, Samson Kwalingana, Ozlem Aydin. Resident Representatives Martha Woldemichael and Manavee Abeyawickrama were also present.

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

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