The President engaged in direct talks with the IMF delegation today

In a significant meeting today, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake engaged directly with the IMF delegation included the Director of the Asia Pacific Department, Krishna Srinivasan and Senior Mission Chief Dr.

Peter Breuer to discuss the progress of Sri Lanka’s on-going IMF programme. The President was accompanied by key Sri Lankan officials, including Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe.

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.