An IMF delegation met with Sri Lankan officials to review the progress of the ongoing IMF programme. Both parties assessed the achievements so far and discussed the next steps, including measures required for the release of the fourth tranche of the 2.9 billion dollar financing package. The IMF delegation commended the significant reforms taking place in Sri Lanka, which have enhanced the country’s positive economic outlook under the current government.

The IMF team included Senior Mission Chief Dr. Peter Breuer, Resident Representative Dr. Sarwat Jahan, and Economist Ms. Manavee Abeyawickrama.

During his election campaign last month, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake frequently spoke about renegotiating the IMF deal to ease the burden on the poor, which he argued was a consequence of the agreement signed under the previous administration.

In March last year, the IMF approved a 2.9 billion dollar bridge financing package for Sri Lanka, to be disbursed over a 48-month period. The third tranche of approximately 336 million dollars was released in June this year following the successful completion of the programme review by the IMF.