Former Deputy Leader of the United National Party and Member of Parliament, Ravi Karunanayake, has urged Sri Lankan public officials to engage in dialogue with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to address what he describes as unfair restrictions imposed on the country.
Speaking to the media, MP Karunanayake warned that failing to challenge these limitations would make it difficult for Sri Lanka to grow its export sector, which is essential for economic recovery.
“Strengthening exports is the only sustainable way to create jobs and stabilize the economy. If we don’t push back against these IMF-imposed constraints, we risk stagnation,” he said.
He also noted that the IMF appears to be treating other debt-stricken nations, such as Pakistan, differently, suggesting inconsistencies in the Fund’s approach.
Karunanayake emphasized that Sri Lanka must point out these disparities and call on the IMF to apply its policies more fairly and contextually to help address the country’s specific economic challenges.
