Opposition Leader Meets IMF Delegation
25-Sep-2026.
A key meeting between a delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa was held at the Office of the Opposition Leader in Parliament.
The main objective of the meeting was to discuss Sri Lanka’s current economic situation, the programmes being implemented with the support of the IMF and the country’s long-term economic outlook beyond the current Extended Fund Facility arrangement.
The two sides focused on Sri Lanka’s economic recovery prospects beyond March 2027, including the country’s external environment, foreign exchange reserves, debt sustainability, fiscal position, economic growth and the conditions required to maintain economic stability beyond the current Extended Fund Facility programme.
Special attention was also given to measurable economic conditions that Sri Lanka should achieve by the end of the current programme, including sustainable debt policies and fiscal conditions, manageable external financing requirements and improved prospects for sustainable economic growth.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stressed to the IMF representatives that fiscal consolidation and economic reforms should not impose a disproportionate burden on working people and vulnerable families.
He also called for greater attention to the real economic conditions faced by households and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises while maintaining macroeconomic stability and fiscal discipline.
Sajith Premadasa further pointed out that the IMF-supported economic reform programme should not be assessed solely through overall macroeconomic indicators, but also through its impact at the level of households, individuals and businesses.
He emphasised the need for a people-centred approach that gives greater attention to poverty, affordable prices, inflation and household income, particularly the economic pressures faced by low- and middle-income families.
The Opposition Leader stressed that, following economic stabilisation, the country should move towards sustainable and inclusive economic growth by attracting greater investment, creating employment opportunities, increasing household incomes and providing stronger economic security for the people.
He also highlighted the importance of establishing a credible economic framework beyond March 2027 that can maintain macroeconomic stability while strengthening Sri Lanka’s capacity to withstand future external shocks.
