Business

IMF Staff Level Agreements are not a matter any administration can afford to take lightly

Published

1 year ago

2024/08/26

Thilina Walpola

Professor Priyanga Dunusinghe

What can Sri Lanka do if IMF leaves the negotiating table?

Professor Priyanga Dunusinghe at University of Colombo queries

By Sanath Nanayakkare

We cannot expect that IMF will always be there to support Sri Lanka if the country begins tinkering with the set of economic policies and reforms it needs to implement in exchange for financial assistance from the IMF, Priyanga Dunusinghe, a Professor in Economics in the Department of Economics at the University of Colombo said on 24th August 2024.

He said so in response to a question posed at him during ‘Paththaren Eha’ discussion televised live on Independent Television Network (ITN).

“The Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme depends on Sri Lanka’s economic situation and policy priorities, as well as the IMF’s technical assessment of the country’s financial and economic outlook. IMF Staff Level Agreements are very technical, so Sri Lankan authorities should not attempt to deviate from them for political reasons. What can Sri Lanka do if the IMF leaves the negotiating table”, he queried.

Further speaking he said:

“The IMF has made a careful analysis of Sri Lanka’s debt stock and has shown the country the way to manage its debt repayment under a ‘debt sustainability programme’. The macroeconomic targets were given to Sri Lanka by the IMF mainly based on this programme. You would have heard from time to time that IMF and Sri Lankan authorities came to Staff Level Agreements. Such an agreement is arrived at after lengthy debates and discussions between the two sides on technical points, fiscal situation and hard data. You asked me whether this agreement can be amended.

Yes, a new government coming to power can consider amendments to the agreement. But there arises the issue whether such amendments can be made without affecting the fiscal targets in the existing framework. For example, if tax revenue as a percentage of GDP is to be increased to 15.3% by 2027, it has got to be achieved, otherwise we won’t be able to continue working with the IMF programme. Alternate ways can be discussed as to how this tax share can be mobilized. But if someone suggests we abolish VAT and we collect taxes from tax evaders instead, the IMF knows that it can’t be done within the stipulated time frame. The IMF programme is crafted by experts based on data and analyses and timelines. If someone goes to the IMF and says the agreement needs to be amended, then the data which has already been used in the current programme would have to be proven erroneous.

Furthermore, the fact that we are entering into re-negotiations will mean that our credibility will be at stake. If that happens not only the IMF, the World Bank, the ADB, the bilateral and multilateral creditors also will begin to lose faith in us. Secondly, are there any countries in the world that amended IMF agreements and came out of their economic troubles? Greece attempted to do this, but it didn’t work. It is now said Greece will not be able to restore its pre-crisis level which prevailed in 2008, until 2031. This is the outcome of tinkering with the IMF programme. This is true for Argentina, Ecuador and other similar countries. So, attention must be paid to these international experiences when trying to make amendments to the IMF programme”

“Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, a key player for over three decades in Indian economic reforms visited Sri Lanka some time back. When asked about amending the IMF agreement he said,” Trying to amend the agreement is imprudent. What you need to do is; show the IMF that you are acting upon achieving the given targets as quickly as possible because going into re-negotiations will reflect badly on staff level agreements and would have adverse consequences on Sri Lanka. Dr. Ahluwalia even said that such a move could draw flak from IMF officials.”

Professor Dunsinghe said that the IMF reform programme has been painful to the people, but it is now starting to bear fruit and urged Sri Lankans to move ahead on the difficult path to benefit from it.

“Within 2 years, Sri Lanka was able to come out of the crisis. Locally, this feat is not acknowledged due to political differences. But internationally, it is recognized as an unprecedented achievement. Sri Lankan people will have to wait until the plant becomes a tree and the tree gives its yield. We are an impatient nation that always rushed to eating the leaves before the fruits were borne. So, it will be useful to keep in mind that if we rush to eat the leaves again, we will miss the fruits.”

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Business

Sri Lanka sets bold target to slash cash use, seeks unified Fintech regulator

Published

2 hours ago

2026/01/12

Thilina Walpola

Channa de Silva, Chairman of the Fintech Forum, Sri Lanka

The inaugural Sri Lanka Fintech Summit 2025 concluded with industry leaders and regulators establishing two critical national priorities: a bold target to reduce physical cash usage and a push for consolidated regulatory oversight.

In a key decision, participants set a clear three-year goal to lower the ratio of cash in circulation to GDP from 4.5% to 3.5%. The strategy will focus on digitizing high-cash sectors like transport, utilities, and SME payments, while expanding digital access through post offices and cooperatives.

For the long-term health of the ecosystem, stakeholders agreed to lobby for the creation of a single, unified regulatory authority dedicated to fintech oversight. This aims to streamline approvals and provide clearer guidance for innovators.

“Our members needed to leave with concrete action points,” said Channa de Silva, Chairman of the Fintech Forum, Sri Lanka. The summit, designed as a series of closed-door roundtables with regulators including the Central Bank, produced actionable frameworks. “It was about defining KPIs, setting targets, and giving the industry a shared direction,” de Silva explained.

The outcomes signal a concerted shift from discussion to execution, aiming to build a more inclusive, efficient, and secure digital financial economy for Sri Lanka.

By Sanath Nanayakkare ✍️

Business

Kukus Group plans 18 outlets across three distinct Sri Lankan hospitality concepts

Published

2 hours ago

2026/01/12

Thilina Walpola

Lakmini Gurusinghe and Randila Gunasinghe

A new force in Sri Lanka’s food industry, Kukus Group, is gaining momentum with a clear vision to deliver authentic cuisine, high hygiene standards, and affordability. Founded by young entrepreneurs Nadeera Senanayaka, Lakmini Gurusinghe, and Randila Gunasinghe, the group has successfully launched its pilot outlet and is now preparing for a significant nationwide expansion.

The inaugural in Kotte has served as a successful proof of concept. Operating for five months, this modern street-food outlet has garnered a strong customer response, confirming market demand and providing the confidence to fund the group’s ambitious growth strategy.

The inaugural in Kotte

“The positive reception has been overwhelming and has solidified our plans,” said Lakmini Gurusinghe and Randila Gunasinghe. “Our Kotte outlet is the operational model we will replicate – ensuring consistent quality, disciplined operations, and excellent service across all future locations.”

The group’s expansion strategy is built on three distinct thematic brands:

Kukus Street: Targeting young urban customers, these outlets offer a vibrant, casual dining experience with a menu of Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, snacks, and BBQ, with most meals priced under Rs. 1,500. Services include dine-in, takeaway, and delivery.

Kukus Beach: Planned for coastal areas, beginning in the South, this concept will feature an urban-style beach restaurant and pub designed for relaxed social dining.

Kukus Bioscope: Celebrating Sri Lanka’s cinematic heritage, this dedicated restaurant concept will create a nostalgic cultural space inspired by the golden eras of Sinhala cinema, with the first outlet slated for Colombo.

The immediate plan includes transforming the flagship Kotte location into Kukus Pub & Bar, pending regulatory approvals. The long-term vision is to develop 18 outlets nationwide: 10 Kukus Street locations, 5 Kukus Beach venues, and 3 Kukus Bioscope establishments.

“Kukus Group is more than a hospitality brand; it’s a celebration of Sri Lankan flavors and culture,” the founders concluded. “Our mission is to build trusted, recognizable brands that connect deeply with communities and offer lasting cultural value alongside authentic cuisine. We are dynamic and excited to proceed with this strategic expansion,” they said.

By Sanath Nanayakkare

Business

Fcode Labs marks seven years with awards night

Published

2 hours ago

2026/01/12

Thilina Walpola

The Fcode Labs team at Awards Night 2025

Fcode Labs marked its seventh anniversary by hosting its annual Awards Night 2025 at Waters Edge, celebrating team achievements and reinforcing its organizational values.

The event featured keynote addresses from Co-Founders & CEOs Buddhishan Manamperi and Tharindu Malawaraarachchi, who reflected on the company’s annual progress and future strategy. Chief Operating Officer Pamaljith Harshapriya outlined operational priorities for the next phase of growth.

Awards were presented across three key categories. Prabhanu Gunaweera and Dushan Pramod received Customer Excellence awards for partner collaboration. Performance Excellence awards were granted to Munsira Mansoor, Thusara Wanigathunga, Thushan De Silva, Adithya Narasinghe, Avantha Dissanayake, Amanda Janmaweera, Sithika Guruge, and Sandali Gunawardena. The Value-Based Behaviour awards were given to Thilina Hewagama, Udara Sembukuttiarachchi, and Kavindu Dhananjaya for exemplifying company values.