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IMF delegation meets President Dissanayake
A visiting delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday (02) to discuss Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic reform programme and progress under the IMF-supported Extended Fund Facility.
During the discussions, attention was drawn to the current status of Sri Lanka in relation to the fifth and sixth review of the IMF programme, with the IMF delegation engaging the President on recent developments and progress achieved.
The IMF representatives commended the economic progress achieved by Sri Lanka under the present Government, particularly noting that the country has transitioned towards a more resilient economic footing through the achievement of growth targets, improved revenue management and the strengthening of foreign reserves.
Discussions also focused on how Sri Lanka could continue to advance within the IMF programme without undermining the economic stability that has been established thus far. It was further noted that the ongoing conflict situation in the Middle East poses an external challenge, the impact of which on Sri Lanka cannot be entirely avoided. However, the Government has been managing the situation prudently, taking measured decisions to address pressures on fuel prices and the energy sector, while ensuring that targeted relief is provided to vulnerable groups.
In the face of these external challenges, the IMF delegation also appreciated the Government’s programme aimed at safeguarding economic progress while effectively managing both the economy and the livelihoods of the people.
Responding to the IMF’s observations, President Dissanayake stated that Sri Lanka has met all targets set under the programme and has reached a position of relative stability. He highlighted the need to take all necessary measures to minimise the impact on the public.
The IMF delegation was led by Mission Chief Evan Papageorgiou and comprised Martha Woldemichael, Enrique Flores Curiel, Dinar Prihardini, Ursula Wiriadinata, Ozlem Aydin, Yorbol Yakhshilikov, Klakow Akepanidtaworn and Manavee Abeyawickrama.
The discussions were attended by senior Sri Lankan officials including P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, S. Jegajeevan from the CBSL, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma – Secretary to the Treasury and Ministry of Finance, A. K. Seneviratne – Deputy Secretary to the Treasury and M. K. C. Senanayake – Director General (Fiscal Policy). Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha Fernando also participated in the meeting.
Senior officials from the Presidential Secretariat, including Duminda Hulangamuwa, Senior Economic Advisor to the President, and G. M. R. D. Aponsu, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, were also present.
High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April
Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.
The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.
Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
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