Anura continued Ranil’s IMF programme; Mahinda Samarasinghe

14-Aug-2026

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Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s contribution was indispensable in steering the country out of the economic crisis, while current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake extended his full cooperation to implement the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme without altering its agreed framework, former US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mahinda Samarasinghe said.

He made these remarks during a discussion with a private television channel.

He said that, when dealing with economic matters, the truth should be stated openly and objectively, setting aside political considerations and keeping the national interest in mind.

“My personal view is that Sri Lanka should adopt this approach when dealing with the IMF, because the IMF is the main reason why we are in a position to live with a degree of economic stability today,” he said.

“If Ranil Wickremesinghe had not been there, the country could not have been brought out of the economic crisis. This is the truth, and no one can deny it. I say this irrespective of politics.”

He recalled that Sri Lanka faced a severe economic crisis in 2022 and said that, while he was in the United States at the time, he discussed the situation with diplomatic officials and came to the conclusion that Sri Lanka had no alternative but to seek IMF assistance.

“I also held discussions with senior IMF representatives regarding the situation in Sri Lanka. They said they needed to meet then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Finance Minister directly. I conveyed this to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and he agreed,” he said.

The IMF representatives subsequently visited Sri Lanka and explained the actual economic situation and the challenges facing the country.

Within two weeks, Gotabaya Rajapaksa formally communicated his agreement to the IMF programme, he said.

“Following this, there was a change of government amid the protests. Given Sri Lanka’s unstable political situation, the IMF was considering suspending its programme for the country,” Samarasinghe said.

However, following Ranil Wickremesinghe’s appointment as interim President, the IMF proceeded with full commitment, he said.

“Through his strenuous efforts, the country emerged from the economic crisis within a short period. Another change of government took place in 2024. Current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also proceeded with the IMF programme effectively without making any changes to it.

“Therefore, claims that the IMF is against the country are merely political and election propaganda,” he said.