The International Monetary Fund (IMF) emphasized that Sri Lanka’s upcoming presidential elections are for the people to decide. 

During a press briefing, Julie Kozack, the IMF’s Spokesperson, explained that discussions on the next review of Sri Lanka’s economic program will take place after the elections, once a new government is in place.

Kozack reiterated that achieving the objectives of the current program is crucial for Sri Lanka to recover from one of its worst economic crises. 

She highlighted the country’s progress but cautioned that challenges remain, and safeguarding recent economic gains is vital. 

Kozack also provided updates on Sri Lanka’s ongoing debt restructuring efforts, noting milestones like domestic debt restructuring and agreements with key creditors, including China’s Exim Bank. 

While the IMF’s role is limited to providing an overall debt sustainability assessment, actual negotiations are between Sri Lanka and its creditors.

She reaffirmed that the IMF will work with the government chosen by the people, ensuring that the economic program stays on track to help the country fully emerge from its crisis.

The Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Ministry welcomed the approval of a USD 100 million policy-based loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support transformative reforms in Sri Lanka’s water supply and sanitation sector.

This programme aims to enhance the sector’s sustainability, climate resilience and efficiency, building on the Ministry’s efforts to ensure equitable access to clean water and improved infrastructure in response to climate change.

The ADB’s Water Supply and Sanitation Reform Programme includes two sub-programmes, designed to establish policies and strategies at the national level and to ensure the effective implementation of these reforms through the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB).

These reforms target critical issues such as fragmented water resources management, inadequate climate adaptation and governance challenges.

The reforms introduced under this programme include the adoption of a Climate Change Resilience Roadmap, climate-resilient project appraisal frameworks, business efficiency action plans, a private sector participation framework, an investment framework and water safety plans.

The project will enhance the performance of the NWSDB and ensure equitable water allocation, gender-sensitive service delivery and long-term sustainability.

(dailymirror.lk)

(This story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

President’s Counsel M. A. Sumanthiran, representing the Ilangai Tamil Arasu Party (ITAK), has confirmed that the party’s decision to support Sajith Premadasa remains unchanged.

This statement comes amid calls from Mavei Senadhiraja and M. Sreedharan to reconsider the party’s stance.

Sumanthiran emphasized that the decision was made following proper procedures and has now been accepted by all party members.

“Mavei Senadhiraja and Sreedharan had stated that we should reconsider the decision taken by the party. But we have stated that there is no need to reconsider it. It is a decision taken by our party according to the proper method. Now both of them have accepted that. Therefore, they have accepted that the future work should be discussed again with Sajith Premadasa,” he said.

Regarding the possibility of dealing with Anura Kumara Dissanayake if he becomes president, Sumanthiran expressed readiness.

“Yes. We are ready for it. We worked together in the good governance government. Even if we are in the opposition when they come to power, there are many things to deal with them. Especially against fraud and corruption,” he stated.

(newsfirst.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by newsfirst.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)