Sri Lanka will continue engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), newly appointed Central Bank Governor, Professor W D Lakshman told a media conference in Colombo on Friday
Before coming to power, front runners of the present Government were highly critical over IMF conditions agreed upon by the former regime.
Secretary to the President, Dr. P. B. Jayasundera reported to have been told a group of foreign correspondents in Colombo, “Sri Lanka is likely to start talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on a possible deal in line with the new administration’s policies in January”.
Sri Lanka successfully completed the sixth review, enabling the next disbursement of supporting funds. “Whether we want to get the last tranche or whether we want a different co-operation arrangement will have to be discussed,” he said.
The Finance Ministry said in a statement after Fitch Ratings revised Sri Lanka’s Outlook to ‘Negative’, the Government will continue its engagement with multi-lateral lending agencies.
The current IMF program will have its final review by February next year and the authorities are certain that the performance targets for this year will be duly met.
Professor Lakshman told media that Sri Lanka will engage with the IMF and other international multilateral agencies while remaining within the framework of Sri Lanka’s National policy.
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