Former UNP Deputy Leader and MP Ravi Karunanayake has questioned the government in Parliament over the impact of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme on the public and the country’s economy.
He asked whether the government believes that the sacrifices made by the public—including higher taxes, increased fuel and electricity tariffs, and the rising cost of living—have resulted in improved living standards and economic well-being.
Karunanayake also sought clarification on whether the programme’s expected outcomes, including economic growth, job creation, increased foreign investment, and export expansion, have been achieved. If not, he asked the government to explain the reasons for the shortfalls.
The MP further questioned whether the government had assessed the impact of IMF-backed reforms on small and medium-sized enterprises, self-employed individuals, salaried workers, and other vulnerable groups, and requested details of the findings.
He also asked whether the government believes Sri Lanka has now achieved sufficient economic stability and debt sustainability to continue its recovery without entering into another IMF programme.
In addition, Karunanayake called on the government to outline its alternative strategy for reducing the cost of living, maintaining economic stability, promoting growth, ensuring debt sustainability, and protecting public welfare if it decides not to pursue a future IMF programme.
