A delegation from the Jathika Jana Balavegaya (JJB) met with the IMF Mission in Sri Lanka at the Shangri-La in Colombo.

Former MP Sunil Handunnetti speaking to reporters following the meeting, said that the IMF mission had requested a meeting with the Economic Council of the Jathika Jana Balavegaya.

Handunnetti said that they raised concerns over the fact that a government with no mandate is attempting to address the issues in the country, adding that in order to alleviate the people from these issues, it was paramount to elect a government with a mandate.

He also went on to note that the IMF mission was not in possession of any documents to discuss the present status of the country’s debt restructuring program. 

According to JJB member Sunil Handunnetti, the IMF mission in the country was not invited for the meeting convened by the President to discuss the IMF program with opposition groups.

Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, representing the Economic Council of the Jathika Jana Balavegaya,emphasized the importance of transparency and governance in Sri Lanka, echoing sentiments regarding the need for corruption-free leadership capable of delivering tangible outcomes. 

The discussion primarily focused on the progress of governance and reform frameworks recommended by the IMF team. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding recent governmental actions, notably the appointment of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Chairman, which sparked scrutiny.

One significant topic of discussion was the status of International Sovereign Bond (ISB) outstandings and bonds. It was noted that while no concrete agreement had been reached, discussions remained ongoing. Both parties expressed a desire to see progress on these matters without allowing them to unduly influence pending elections.

Dr. Suriyapperuma also highlighted discrepancies in recent discussions between the government and the IMF, where the IMF had not been formally invited despite the talks being portrayed as IMF-led. 

Source – newsfirst.lk