Government will initiate negotiations with IMF immediately: President

• Will not hesitate to implement necessary constitutional, economic and political reforms   
• Committed to creating a law-abiding nation and fostering a disciplined society  

By Ajith Siriwardana

Claiming that achieving stability and confidence in the current economy is crucial, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said yesterday that the government will begin negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) immediately and proceed with activities related to the extended credit facility.   

Addressing the nation, he said to advance Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring programme, the government will negotiate with relevant creditors to expedite the process and secure necessary debt relief.   

“We are confident that we can gain the support of both the people of this country and the international community, and we believe that through this collective support, we can achieve success,” he said.  

The President said the government will not hesitate to implement the necessary constitutional, economic, and political reforms.   

“We are launching a permanent programme to build a unified Sri Lankan nation that respects diversity, fully ending the era of division based on race, religion, class, and caste.   

We have already taken significant steps to appoint efficient and honest officials to oversee these initiatives. We are advancing steadily toward the desired changes, ensuring that public service remains intact and citizens are not adversely affected,” he added.   

He said the government is committed to creating a law-abiding nation and fostering a disciplined society while ensuring the social security of all citizens. “This revives the principle that everyone is equal before the law. We believe that public service plays a crucial role in nation-building. To that end, we will establish a public service that instills pride in the community and aligns with the government’s goals. Our commitment is to create an efficient, honest, and people-focused public service,” he said.   

President Dissanayake said the government will implement practical programmes to alleviate the heavy burdens faced by the people.   

“We are committed to creating a system that upholds social justice for all, and we will do so with the highest sense of responsibility,” he said.   

The government will hold a strong belief in the sovereignty of the people and are committed to safeguarding their democratic rights, he said.   

I understand that some may feel uncertain due to doubts about us, but I am determined to earn your trust through my actions. I welcome your constructive criticism and encourage you to join us in building the future together. Our doors are open to all who are genuinely and positively committed to the progress of our nation,” the President added.   

“We are confident that we can gain the support of both the people of this country and the international community, and we believe that through this collective support, we can achieve success,” he said.

The President said the government will not hesitate to implement the necessary constitutional, economic, and political reforms.

“We are launching a permanent programme to build a unified Sri Lankan nation that respects diversity, fully ending the era of division based on race, religion, class, and caste.

We have already taken significant steps to appoint efficient and honest officials to oversee these initiatives. We are advancing steadily toward the desired changes, ensuring that public service remains intact and citizens are not adversely affected,” he added.

He said the government is committed to creating a law-abiding nation and fostering a disciplined society while ensuring the social security of all citizens. “This revives the principle that everyone is equal before the law. We believe that public service plays a crucial role in nation-building. To that end, we will establish a public service that instills pride in the community and aligns with the government’s goals. Our commitment is to create an efficient, honest, and people-focused public service,” he said.

President Dissanayake said the government will implement practical programmes to alleviate the heavy burdens faced by the people.

“We are committed to creating a system that upholds social justice for all, and we will do so with the highest sense of responsibility,” he said.

The government will hold a strong belief in the sovereignty of the people and are committed to safeguarding their democratic rights, he said. I understand that some may feel uncertain due to doubts about us, but I am determined to earn your trust through my actions. I welcome your constructive criticism and encourage you to join us in building the future together. Our doors are open to all who are genuinely and positively committed to the progress of our nation,” the President added.