Former Deputy Leader of the United National Party and Member of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake has called on the government to engage in direct negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure support for attracting much-needed investments into the country.
Speaking in Parliament, Karunanayake emphasized that Sri Lanka must proactively work with the IMF to create an environment conducive to investment. He warned that without the ability to offer tax concessions or ensure appropriate returns, Sri Lanka would struggle to compete with other countries in the region.
“If we fail to provide incentives, investors will simply turn away from Sri Lanka,” he cautioned.
Karunanayake urged government officials to engage in transparent and strategic discussions with the IMF, particularly to address the constraints preventing the provision of investor incentives.
Drawing from his own experience as a former Minister of Finance, Karunanayake said his views are informed by his direct dealings with the IMF, underscoring the importance of maintaining a balanced and assertive approach in such negotiations.
