Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena held a discussion with International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation headed by Negotiation Panel Head Peter Breuer at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo yesterday (26).
The Prime Minister briefed the IMF delegation about the steps taken by the government to face the unprecedented economic challenges faced by the country and to mitigate the hardships faced by the lower income groups. While elaborating the measures taken to reduce non-essential imports and increase export productions, he stressed the need for welfare for the poorest segments of the society.
IMF Negotiation Panel Head Peter Breuer, said his delegation would hold discussions with the government, opposition and other stakeholders and report to the IMF Board.
IMF Mission Chief Dr Masahiro Nozaki said as the Prime Minister pointed out a safety net for economically vulnerable groups is an essential requirement when plans are formulate to restructure debts and revive the economy.
IMF delegation included Negotiation Panel Head Peter Breuer, Deputy Head Masahiro Nozaki, IMF Sri Lanka Permanent Representative Tubagus Feridhanusetyawan.
Secretary to the Prime Minister, Anura Dissanayake, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe and Deputy Governor Chandranath Amarasekara, who is IMF Alternate Executive Director also took part in the discussion.