Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has reaffirmed the government’s continued commitment to working closely with international partners as Sri Lanka forges ahead on its path to economic recovery.

PM Amarasuriya made the remarks during a high-level meeting with the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr. Gita Gopinath, held at Temple Trees yesterday.

During the discussion, Dr. Gopinath commended the transparent and proactive approach of the new government to debt restructuring, noting that the significant progress made so far has strengthened international confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic revival. 

She further highlighted Sri Lanka’s economic reform framework as a well-structured model that could guide other nations facing similar fiscal and structural challenges.

Both parties held extensive discussions on attracting greater foreign investment, particularly in strategic sectors such as energy, where sustainable and large-scale development is crucial for long-term resilience. 

Prime Minister Amarasuriya stressed that enhancing governance, strengthening institutions, and promoting transparency at all levels of government and public financial management remain top priorities for the administration. She reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that all economic recovery measures remain inclusive and centred on people’s welfare.

The meeting also focused on the need to bolster Sri Lanka’s social protection mechanisms and to accelerate reforms in the education sector to better equip the workforce to meet emerging challenges, which are vital for advancing social equity and achieving sustainable development goals.

Dr. Gopinath assured the Prime Minister of the IMF’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s ongoing reform programme and reiterated the institution’s readiness to provide the necessary technical and financial assistance to help the country maintain macroeconomic stability and foster long-term growth.

The discussion was attended by senior IMF officials, including Dr. Martin Kaufman (Advisor), Dr. Krishna Srinivasan, and Dr. Peter Breuer from the Asia Pacific Department. The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; senior officials from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka; and Mr. Dharshana M. Perera, Senior Director General of the Economic Affairs Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism. (Newswire)

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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)

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The First Deputy Managing Director (FDMD) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr. Gita Gopinath, is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from 15-16 June 2025. 

According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, this visit is significant, as it marks the first time since 2005 that a serving FDMD of the IMF visits Sri Lanka.

During this visit, Dr. Gopinath will be the guest of honour at 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, scheduled to be held on 16 June 2025. 

At the mid-point of the IMF-supported reform programme, the conference aims to reflect upon the lessons learnt from Sri Lanka’s experience in restoring macroeconomic stability, implementing debt restructuring and governance reforms, and to focus on the challenges ahead. 

Additionally, FDMD Dr. Gopinath is expected to hold bilateral discussions with the Sri Lankan authorities and several key stakeholders on the IMF’s engagement with Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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