Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa met an International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation at the Opposition Leader's Office in Parliament today (23) to discuss Sri Lanka's economic stability following the conclusion of the current Extended Fund Facility programme.
The high-level meeting brought together key representatives from both sides as the IMF continues its structured engagement with the country.
Mission Chief Evan Papageorgiou led the IMF delegation alongside Resident Representative Martha Woldemichael and other officials.
A Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) delegation including Parliamentarians Harsha de Silva, Kabir Hashim, and Harshana Rajakaruna accompanied the Opposition Leader.
The engagement took place ahead of the scheduled seventh review in October 2026 and the eighth review in March 2027.
Focus on post-2027 economic strategy
Both parties examined the structural framework necessary to protect the nation from future external shocks once the present financing facility expires in March 2027.
The discussions centred on debt sustainability, foreign exchange reserves, fiscal conditions, and external sector performance.
They evaluated specific economic targets required by the end of the current arrangement to ensure sound public finances and manageable external debt burdens.
Premadasa questioned the IMF regarding the exact quantitative indicators that would mark a successful transition away from IMF financial assistance.
He requested details on the specific circumstances that might require a successor financing programme beyond the current cycle.
Protecting vulnerable citizens and businesses
Premadasa argued that tax policies and fiscal consolidation measures must not impose an unfair burden on working class citizens and low-income households.
He said that the progress of IMF reforms should be evaluated through real improvements in poverty reduction, employment, and everyday living costs rather than top-level macroeconomic figures alone.
He highlighted the severe debt challenges confronting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises across the island.
Premadasa urged international lenders to support policies that protect local entrepreneurship and bolster domestic production capacity.
He called for reliable, timely household data to enable evidence-based policymaking that actively tracks social welfare impacts.
He asserted that true economic recovery requires a shift from basic stabilization toward inclusive growth that elevates household incomes across all segments of society.
The Opposition Leader stressed that macroeconomic discipline remains vital, but must directly translate into tangible economic security for the general public.
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