United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, met with Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe today to discuss Sri Lanka's ongoing efforts to secure the second installment of its International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. During their meeting, Ambassador Chung extended her congratulations on the recent staff-level agreement between Sri Lanka and the IMF, marking a crucial milestone in the country's quest for financial stability and economic recovery.

The IMF staff-level agreement has been welcomed as a vital step in addressing Sri Lanka's economic challenges, and Ambassador Chung's presence underscored the United States' continued support for the nation's endeavors. The agreement is seen as a significant development, as it could potentially pave the way for Sri Lanka to access the second installment of the IMF program, providing much-needed financial support to bolster its economic resilience.

In her discussions with Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe, Ambassador Chung reinforced the importance of fairness in Sri Lanka's debt restructuring process, emphasizing the need for equal and equitable treatment of all creditors. This insistence on fairness forms a cornerstone of the United States' commitment to promoting economic landscapes that value transparency, integrity, and inclusivity. The ambassador stressed that such principles are vital in ensuring long-term stability and growth within Sri Lanka.

"Transparency from every party involved is crucial," Ambassador Chung emphasized, highlighting the necessity for all stakeholders to maintain open and honest communication throughout the debt restructuring process. This commitment to transparency is viewed as an essential element in building trust and confidence among creditors and the international community.

The United States has been closely monitoring Sri Lanka's economic situation and has consistently expressed its support for a fair and equitable resolution of the country's financial challenges. Ambassador Julie Chung's meeting with Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe reaffirms the United States' dedication to assisting Sri Lanka in achieving economic stability and growth through ethical and transparent means.