President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has said the government is prepared to enter into a new programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) if an agreement can be reached to support Sri Lanka’s economic growth.
He made the remarks while addressing the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2026, held in Colombo on October 12.
The President also revealed that the government plans to retain ownership of the East Container Terminal at the Colombo Port while establishing a company to manage its operations, with plans to offer shares in the company to a private investor.
Dissanayake noted that Sri Lanka had made progress in its credit ratings but stressed that further improvements were necessary. He also highlighted the need to increase the country’s foreign reserves to the expected level.
According to the President, a significant degree of macroeconomic stability, which was the primary objective of the first four-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme with the IMF, had now been achieved.
He said the government’s next priority was to preserve that stability while moving towards economic growth.
The President reiterated that the government was willing to reach an agreement with the IMF on a new programme focused on economic growth, provided a suitable agreement could be reached.
