A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), led by Senior Mission Chief Peter Brewer, engaged in discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and key ministers of the new government at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon (18). The meeting focused on advancing the IMF’s economic recovery program in Sri Lanka.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reiterated his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the IMF to revitalize Sri Lanka’s economy, emphasizing the mandate entrusted to his government. The IMF delegation congratulated the President and his team on their decisive election victory, expressing optimism about working closely with the new administration.
The President underscored that the success of the IMF program hinges on fostering public trust in the government’s governance. He stressed the responsibility of his administration to act decisively and transparently in alignment with the public’s expectations.
Highlighting the urgent needs of citizens, President Dissanayake urged the IMF to adopt a balanced approach to economic recovery. He assured that his government would prioritize social welfare programs, with a focus on eradicating child poverty, combating malnutrition, and supporting individuals with special needs. The President emphasized that these allocations would be effectively utilized under his leadership.
The IMF delegation acknowledged that past allocations for social services had not been fully optimized and provided recommendations for ensuring the efficient use of resources moving forward.
Tackling Corruption and Strengthening Governance
Governance and anti-corruption measures were central to the discussions. President Dissanayake affirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption, a key component of the mandate granted by the people. He outlined plans to introduce stringent regulations and strengthen legislative and institutional frameworks to enhance transparency and accountability.
The meeting represented a constructive step in fostering cooperation between the IMF and the Sri Lankan government, laying the groundwork for economic recovery and long-term stability.
Attendees included President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Minister of Finance and Labor Professor Anil Jayantha Fernando, Member of Parliament Harshana Suriyapperuma, and officials from the Ministry of Finance. The discussions underscored the government’s dedication to addressing pressing economic challenges while ensuring equitable welfare for all citizens.
