Former Deputy Leader of the United National Party and Member of Parliament, Ravi Karunanayake, stated that Sri Lanka should not blindly accept all conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), even if the country has entered into an agreement with the institution.
Addressing Parliament, Karunanayake recalled that during his tenure as Finance Minister in 2015, he submitted accurate and appropriate proposals on behalf of the government, rather than uncritically accepting everything the IMF suggested.
He emphasized that Sri Lanka does not need foreign experts to make sound decisions, asserting that the country already has capable officials—particularly within the Ministry of Finance. However, he noted that these officials are not given the opportunity to utilize their expertise.
Karunanayake further stressed that the government should focus on providing strong political leadership, engaging in constructive negotiations with the IMF, and working to attract foreign investors.
He also remarked that the current opposition would not resort to protests or display placards against foreign investors, unlike the current government when it was in opposition.
