United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader and Member of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake said the government must prepare to steer Sri Lanka’s economy forward after the conclusion of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme in 2027.
Speaking to the media, Karunanayake said the rise in global oil prices, driven by crises in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, has had a significant impact on economies around the world.
He noted that ongoing global economic and political crises have affected countries in different ways, including their economic growth and debt burdens.
Karunanayake said that while international institutions continue to view the global situation as a serious crisis, Sri Lanka must also focus on finding solutions to its economic challenges.
He added that as Sri Lanka awaits the seventh tranche under the IMF programme, the government should carefully consider the country’s revenue, expenditure and recurrent costs, while also developing a clear plan to move the economy forward beyond April 2027.
He further stressed that Sri Lanka must be prepared to address future economic challenges once the IMF programme concludes.
