Colombo, Sep. 29 (Daily Mirror) - Amid claims that Sri Lanka will exit the current International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme in 2027, Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today that the Government has not taken a final decision on whether to continue or end the programme.
He said the decision would be made based on the global economic situation and Sri Lanka’s economic conditions at the time.
Responding to a question at the weekly Cabinet decision briefing, Jayatissa expressed confidence that Sri Lanka would receive the seventh and eighth tranches under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme.
He said Sri Lanka had already achieved several targets under the programme, while work was continuing to meet others.
“There are still several months available for us to achieve the remaining targets,” he said.
Meanwhile, an IMF staff team recently concluded a visit to Sri Lanka after discussions on recent economic developments, progress under the EFF programme and policy recommendations under the IMF’s 2026 Article IV consultation.
The IMF said discussions with the Sri Lankan authorities would continue with the aim of reaching a staff-level agreement in the near term, paving the way for the timely completion of the seventh review under the programme.
Adwani Tuesday, 29 September 2026 08:48 PM
"Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today that the Government has not taken a final decision on whether to continue or end the programme" Ending programme will be disastrous for the Government, since, still the Government has a very long way to steal from public funds, such as missing AUS Dollars, etc. to continue.
Sohan Tuesday, 29 September 2026 09:40 PM
You don't need to go with imf instead talk with India or China. Get about 5b usd loan. Lift too many restrictions for businesses and taxes. More businesses will come to SL.
Zarook Wednesday, 30 September 2026 09:12 PM
Tax free for rich people, stock market profits are tax free. Pohosath Unta Lassana Jeevithayak.
joshua Tuesday, 29 September 2026 10:45 PM
Confused lot Tuesday, 29 September 2026 11:13 PM
Yesterday Bimal was already exiting IMF. Today Nalinda is unsure. God save us.
Patcitz Wednesday, 30 September 2026 12:53 AM
Then, AKD’s exit is inevitable! Stifling the general public in the same way that the IMF imposes its dictates—under a regime that will never prevail anymore. And countdown the days.
Nihal Perera Wednesday, 30 September 2026 01:58 AM
Does he really know or aware what he is talking about. The gullible people will believe anything that government says or do and life goes on.
Judge Wednesday, 30 September 2026 05:52 AM
Whether people like or not, the fundamental principles of IMF must continue if a country like SL is to be developed. When you look at the fundamentals of such a program, they are about cost recovery of services, re-structure loss-making government institutions, weeding out rampant corruption, targeted help for vulnerable people, rather than universal help, strengthening the taxation system and closing loop holes, reforming the archaic legal systems, revamp the lethargic and bloated public service. They are very good programs. Without that SL is domed and will be developing country for the next 100 years.
Sri Lanka Dengue Cases 2026: Live Tracker and Latest Updates
How Much Have Prices Changed? Explore Sri Lanka in 2016 vs 2026
Updated:129mm of rain in a few hours: what it really means for Colombo
India amends visa rules for Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Video of Israeli tourist pushing Sri Lankan guide into sea sparks outrage
Bay of Bengal depression set to become severe cyclonic storm by tomorrow
Varuni Bogahawatta suspended following remand over unexplained vehicle payments
Crowds flock to IRD as TIN requirement takes effect
CEYPETCO increases Petrol and Diesel prices
Kumar Sangakkara opens up on Ryanair ’race storm’
Loading comments…