IMF & AKD Meet For Second Day Of Talks; President Focuses on Citizen Relief

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake engaged in a discussion with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the Presidential Secretariat today (04), marking the second day of talks with the President. 

Director of the IMF's Asia Pacific Department Krishna Srinivasan, Senior Mission Chief Dr. Peter Breuer, along with other senior IMF representatives and the Sri Lankan delegation attended the discussions. 

President Dissanayake aims to achieve the objectives of the program in partnership with the IMF, seeking alternative approaches that will alleviate the burden on the citizens. said the PMD.

On Thursday (3), President Anura Kumara Dissanayake engaged directly with IMF delegation for the first time as the Head of State.

The President was accompanied by key Sri Lankan officials, including Central Bank Governor Dr.Nandalal Weerasinghe, Secretary to the Treasury Mahinda Siriwardena, Dr. Harshana Sooriyapperuma, Senior Advisors to the President Prof. Anil Jayantha and Duminda Hulangamuwa.

President Dissanayake reaffirmed the government’s broad agreement in principle with the objectives of the IMF programme but emphasized the importance of achieving these objectives through alternative means that relieves the burden off the people.

The President stated that the government plans to provide relief to those who are struggling due to high VAT and income taxes.

The IMF appreciated President Dissanayake’s willingness to commit to the programme’s goals and agreed to discuss the alternative approaches proposed by the Sri Lankan government.

Additionally, the two parties discussed the initiation of the third review of the programme. While there have been delays due to upcoming General Elections, President Dissanayake assured the IMF of the government’s dedication to continuing the programme without disruption and facilitating the third review process.

Source: PMD