President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with an IMF delegation yesterday, including Asia Pacific Department Director Krishna Srinivasan and Senior Mission Chief Dr. Peter Breuer, to discuss the status of Sri Lanka’s ongoing IMF programme.
Accompanied by key officials, such as Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Treasury Secretary Mr. Mahinda Siriwardena, Dr. Harshana Sooriyapperuma, and Senior Advisors to the President Prof. Anil Jayantha and Mr. Duminda Hulangamuwa, the President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the programme’s objectives.
During the discussions, President Dissanayake emphasized the necessity of achieving these objectives through alternative means that ease the burden on citizens. He announced the government’s plan to provide relief to those affected by high VAT and income taxes.
The IMF expressed appreciation for the President’s commitment to the programme and agreed to consider the alternative approaches proposed by the Sri Lankan government.
Additionally, the two parties addressed the initiation of the programme’s third review. Despite potential delays due to the upcoming General Elections, President Dissanayake assured the IMF of the government’s dedication to advancing the programme without disruption and facilitating the review process.