A discussion was held between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the future work related to the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) between the International Monetary Fund and Sri Lanka at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (21).
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that since economic stability has now been achieved in Sri Lanka under the current government, the program to take Sri Lanka to the international arena will be accelerated by achieving economic growth and seizing new economic opportunities on that strong foundation.
The President, who briefed the IMF representatives on the current economic challenges facing Sri Lanka, also reminded them of the need to provide necessary relief to the people of the country in the 2026 budget, despite those challenges.
Discussions were also held on the provision of facilities including tariff concessions to attract investors by creating an investment-friendly environment in the country, and the President expressed confidence that Sri Lanka would continue to receive the support of the International Monetary Fund to maintain the stability and continuity of the Sri Lankan economy.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who expressed his gratitude for the support provided to Sri Lanka by the International Monetary Fund so far, emphasized that he would work to provide all the benefits of the economic growth that the country enjoys to the people.
The representatives of the International Monetary Fund, who appreciated the commitment made by the President-led government in taking Sri Lanka forward economically, also agreed to provide the necessary support to maintain the stability of the economy and take Sri Lanka forward globally.
Representing the International Monetary Fund, the Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, Evan Papageorgiou, Sandesh Dhungana, Ursula Wiriadinata, Dinar Prihardini, Samson Kwalingana, Ozlem Aydin and the Resident Representatives of the International Monetary Fund, Martha Woldemichael and Manawi Abeywickrama, also participated in this event.
Representing Sri Lanka, the Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Russell Aponso, Senior Economic Advisor to the President, Duminda Hulangamuwa, Director General of the Fiscal Policy Department, Dr. M.K.C. Senanayake, Senior Deputy Governor of the Central Bank K.M.A.N. Daulagala, Alternate Executive Director Professor P.K.G. Harishchandra, Deputy Governor, Secretary to the Monetary Policy Board Dr. C. Amarasekara, Director of Economic Research Dr. J.S. Jegajeevan were present.