The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reached a staff level agreement with Sri Lankan authorities, paving the way for the next tranche, for US$ 333 million, of the four-year Extended Fund Facility.

“We are pleased to announce that the IMF team reached staff-level agreement with the Sri Lankan authorities on the third review under the 4-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement. The arrangement was approved by the IMF Executive Board for a total amount of SDR 2.3 billion (about US$3 billion) on March 20, 2023.

“The staff-level agreement is subject to the approval by IMF management and the IMF Executive Board, contingent on: (i) the implementation by the authorities of prior actions including the submission of a 2025 budget consistent with program objectives; and (ii) the completion of financing assurances review, which will focus on confirming multilateral partners’ committed financing contributions and whether adequate progress has been made with the debt restructuring to give confidence that the restructuring will be concluded in a timely manner and in line with the program’s debt targets.

“Upon completion of the Executive Board review, Sri Lanka would have access to SDR 254 million (about US$333 million), bringing the total IMF financial support disbursed under the arrangement to SDR 1,016 million (about US$1,333 million).

“Sri Lanka’s ambitious reform agenda supported by the EFF is delivering commendable outcomes. The economy expanded on average by 4 percent y-o-y in the four quarters ending in June 2024. High-frequency indicators point to continued expansion across all sectors. Average headline and core inflation remained contained at 0.8 and 3.8 percent during the third quarter. Gross official reserves increased to US$6.4 billion at end-October 2024 with sizeable foreign exchange purchases by the Central Bank. Public finances have strengthened following substantial fiscal reforms.

“Program performance was strong, with all quantitative performance criteria and indicative targets (IT) for end-June 2024 met, as well as the ITs for end-September 2024, except for the IT on social spending. Most structural benchmarks due before October-2024 were either met or implemented with delay; some benchmarks are delayed because of the election cycle.

“The new government’s commitment to the program objectives has enhanced confidence and ensures policy continuity. Sustaining the reform momentum is critical to safeguarding the hard-won gains of the program and putting the economy on a path towards lasting recovery and stable and inclusive growth. Since the crisis has affected Sri Lanka’s entire population, it will be important to ensure that the benefits from economic growth are shared appropriately.

“Maintaining macroeconomic stability and restoring debt sustainability are key to securing Sri Lanka’s prosperity and require persevering with responsible fiscal policy. Continued revenue mobilization efforts and spending restraint are needed to prepare the 2025 budget in line with program parameters. Revenue administration reforms and efforts to improve tax compliance will help to ensure that the burden stemming from the crisis is shared proportionately to taxpayers’ ability to contribute. Avoiding new tax exemptions will help reduce fiscal revenue leakages, corruption risks and build much needed fiscal buffers, including for social spending and to support Sri Lanka’s most vulnerable. Maintaining cost recovery in fuel and electricity pricing and resolving legacy debts will help minimize fiscal risks arising from state-owned enterprises.

“The government has an important responsibility to protect the poor and vulnerable at this difficult time. It is important to redouble efforts to meet the program’s minimum spending target on social spending and to improve targeting, adequacy, and coverage of social safety nets, particularly Aswesuma.

“While inflation has decelerated faster than expected, continued monitoring is warranted to ensure sustained price stability and support macroeconomic stability. Against ongoing global uncertainty, it remains important to continue rebuilding external buffers through strong reserves accumulation.

“Sri Lanka’s recent Agreement in Principle with bondholders is an important milestone putting Sri Lanka’s debt on a path towards sustainability. The critical next steps are to complete the commercial debt restructuring, finalize bilateral agreements with official creditors along the lines of the accord with the Official Creditor Committee and implement the terms of the other agreements. This will help restore Sri Lanka’s debt sustainability.

“The new government’s mandate will reinvigorate governance reforms addressing corruption risks, rebuilding economic confidence, and making growth more robust and inclusive.

“The IMF team held meetings with His Excellency President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Honorable Labor Minister and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Honorable Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Senior Economic Advisor Duminda Hulangamuwa, Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Secretary to the Treasury Mr. K M Mahinda Siriwardana, and other senior government and CBSL officials. The team also met with Parliamentarians, representatives from the private sector, civil society organizations, and development partners.

“We would like to thank the authorities for the excellent collaboration.”

The National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) mandated the implementation of mosquito control programmes at all examination centres for the 2024 GCE Advanced Level examination. Accordingly, candidates have been instructed to bring mosquito repellent to the exam centres.

Health officials have issued a warning on the spread of a viral fever in the community. Common symptoms include fever, chills, sore throat and cough. They urge individuals to seek prompt medical attention if these symptoms last for longer than three days.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, addressing the Ministry of Finance staff after assuming duties as Minister, emphasized the importance of meeting public expectations to restore hope for a prosperous future. He lauded the Ministry’s role in overcoming the economic crisis and urged officials to focus on accountability and self-discipline.

Thirty-five new MPs have asked for housing facilities at the Madiwela Housing Complex, according to an informed source. The source said that these MPs had submitted their applications at the moment. Housing facilities in this complex are provided for those living outside the 40-kilometre radius of Colombo. In the complex, there are facilities to provide housing for 110 MPs.

A complaint has been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) against controversial statements made by first time Jaffna District MP Dr. Archchuna Ramanathan. Civil activist Gunarathne Adikari speaking to media after filing the complaint said that the statements and behaviour of the new MP were unacceptable.

The Government of China contributed Rs. 1.5 billion in aid to Sri Lanka's Northern and Eastern Provinces in 2024, according to the Chinese Embassy in Colombo.

For the first time in Sri Lanka, the government is to establish a mechanism to supervise and advice ministries in the implementation of policies, a source said.

A tense situation was reported at the UNP party headquarters in Sirikotha when a group of UNP supporters arrived to hand over a document on reviving the party.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva said today that an NPP MP has told him that the Parliament canteen will not be closed but the government will see that no one will abuse the facility.

Two fishermen were seriously injured and hospitalised after a parcel floating on the sea exploded while they were checking it off the coast of Mannar.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and the Examinations Department have initiated a joint programme to mitigate potential disasters during the 2024 Advanced Level examinations.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed the inaugural session of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka today. Following are 11 key points from the President’s Government Policy Statement;

Speaker Dr. Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala informed Parliament that nomination of Sajith Premadasa, leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has been accepted as the Opposition Leader of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka.

Jaffna District Independent MP Archuuna Ramanathan refused to move away after he sat on the Opposition Leader's seat inside the chambers despite requests by Parliament staff to move.

National People's Power (NPP) Gampaha MP Dr. Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala was elected as the Speaker of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka a short while ago. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya proposed his name, and the nomination was confirmed by Vijitha Herath.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake adjourned the Sri Lankan Parliament until 9:30 a.m. on December 3. The adjournment followed the President’s delivery of the government’s policy statement during the inaugural session of the 10th Parliament earlier today.

The Ministry of Health has initiated an investigation into the tragic death of a pregnant woman and her unborn child at the Mannar District General Hospital. According to police reports, the deceased, a 27-year-old resident of Mannar, was admitted to the hospital for childbirth on Monday night. In addition, the Mannar Police have also launched their own investigations into the incident.

The Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) of the Parliamentary Opposition expressed hope for power devolution, land rights including the release of military-occupied private land, and justice for alleged war era crimes which stem from the conflict, following the election of a new Government.

The Secretary-General of Parliament, Kushani Rohanadheera clarified that a Member of Parliament is not paid a salary but is entitled to an allowance.

Former Minister Harin Fernando, arrested this morning (20) by the Badulla Police for alleged election law violations, has been granted bail. He was ordered to provide two surety bails of Rs. 500,000 each.