Visiting First Deputy Managing Director (FDMD) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr. Gita Gopinath, called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo today.
Commenting on the meeting, Dr. Gita Gopinath said they held a discussion focused on Sri Lanka’s strong performance on economic reforms and the importance of maintaining momentum.
Taking to ‘X’, Dr. Gita Gopinath further said that continued commitment to these reforms is vital for lasting stability and prosperity for all Sri Lankans.
Dr. Gita Gopinath is on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka, the first time since 2005 that a serving FDMD of the IMF visits Sri Lanka.
The IMF official also attended the conference on “Sri Lanka’s Road to Recovery: Debt and Governance”, jointly co-hosted by the Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the IMF, today, as the guest of honour.
“The IMF will remain a steadfast partner as Sri Lanka pursues stable and inclusive growth that improves the lives of all citizens and future generations. This time must be different. As President Dissanayake has said, let us ensure this is the last IMF program Sri Lanka will need. We agree, and believe this is possible if Sri Lanka stays the course,” she said, addressing the event.
Speaking at the high-level policy forum in Colombo, Dr. Gita Gopinath further said, “Let us be clear: none of the achievements thus far would have been possible without the courage and sacrifice of the Sri Lankan people. The crisis was costly and painful, particularly for the poor.”
Acknowledging the government’s recent implementation of a series of difficult but necessary reforms, such as adjustments in taxation, the removal of unsustainable subsidies, and the restoration of cost-reflective energy pricing, Dr. Gita Gopinath said, “These are difficult measures.”
“They test the social fabric. And yet, they are the foundation of a more resilient future. That is why we must now turn our focus from crisis response to sustainable recovery. There is a lot that is still needed,” she added.
Reaffirming the IMF’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s journey toward stable and inclusive growth, the IMF’s First Deputy Managing Director emphasised that this moment must mark a turning point in the country’s economic trajectory. (Newswire)