Former State Minister of Finance in previous government Shehan Semasinghe has commended President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s approach in Budget 2025, highlighting its commitment to a liberal economic framework.

In a post on X, the former minister stated that the budget prioritises a neoliberal framework, fully aligning with the policy direction set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He further noted that the budget is an unaltered continuation of the economic strategies initiated by the previous administration.

Criticising past political decisions that, in his view, undermined opportunities for economic progress, the former minister expressed appreciation for the current government’s adherence to IMF-backed policies, indicating continuity rather than a shift in economic direction.