PM highlights need for safety net to protect economically-vulnerable groups

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has highlighted the need to have a safety net to protect economically-vulnerable groups when Sri Lanka is carrying out structural reforms to revive its economy, possibly with the assistance of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Gunawardena met with the visiting IMF delegation led by Negotiation Panel Head Peter Breuer at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo last week.

The Prime Minister briefed the IMF delegation about the steps taken by the government to face the unprecedented economic challenges faced by the country and to mitigate the hardships faced by the lower income groups.
While elaborating the measures taken to reduce non-essential imports and increase export production, he stressed the need for welfare for the poorest segments of the society.

Breuer said his delegation would hold discussions with the government, Opposition and other stakeholders and report to the IMF Board.
IMF Mission Chief Dr. Masahiro Nozaki said as Prime Minister pointed out, a safety net for economically-vulnerable groups is an essential requirement when plans are formulated to restructure debt and revive the economy.

IMF delegation included Negotiation Panel Head Peter Breuer, Deputy Head Masahiro Nozaki, IMF Sri Lanka Permanent Representative Tubagus Feridhanusetyawan. 
Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe and Deputy Governor Dr. Chandranath Amarasekara, who is also the IMF Alternate Executive Director,took part in the discussion.