(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said that instead of continuing the traditional systems, Sri Lanka is focusing on implementing new tools expecting a quick economic reformation. He said that while having a discussion with Ms.Kanni Wignaraja, UN Assistant Secretary General, Regional Director UNDP Asia Pacific,today at the Ministry premises which aimed to better appreciate country priorities and explore further opportunities for UNDP support to Sri Lanka.
This discussion mainly focused on getting the IMF support and whether there are areas which delay the process. State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe hereby explained how the government works for the IMF approval with regard to the debt treatment and all other necessary reformations on public expenditure. Explaining the government provided welfare benefits, State Minister said how the transparency is being established to make sure the mostly needed ones are getting the benefits. He further explained how the official creditors support the debt treatment and how Sri Lanka is preparing the detailed explanation with regard to this process.
This discussion further focused on the potential areas for future support on economic development and the financing from UNDP. Additionally, UNDP has expressed their willingness to provide technical support in capacity building in government authorities.
“In this transition period, the government mainly focuses on how to de-stress people. Economic crisis has become a huge burden for all. Therefore, we are doing many changes within a very short period and that will surely result our people to be benefitted more. within the mentioned period of time, all of us are expecting your support and also the support from all the other countries to get the needed approvals from the IMF.” State Minister added.
Mr.R.M.P.Rathnayake Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, Mr. Ajith Abeysekera Director General of Department of External Resources, Ms. Malin Herwig Office in Charge UNDP Sri Lanka, Mr. Fadhil Bakeer Markar Team Leader – Policy and Engagement and Ms. Vagisha GunesekaraEconomisthave participated in this discussion.
