An International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation held discussions with Party Leaders in Parliament on Sri Lanka’s current economic landscape, including post-cyclone recovery challenges and global economic uncertainties, as the country prepares for the upcoming fifth and sixth review of its reform programme, Parliament media Division said yesterday

The delegation, led by Evan Papageorgiou, Deputy Division Chief of the International Monetary Fund, met with parliamentary leaders during a session presided over by Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih. Members of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake, Dilith Jayaweera, M. L. A. M. Hizbullah and Ramanathan Archchuna were among those present.

The discussions centred on key economic concerns, including tariff adjustments, inflation management, pressures on the external sector and the need to sustain structural reforms to ensure long-term macroeconomic stability.

Earlier, the IMF delegation also met with Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne and the Deputy Speaker as part of consultations ahead of the IMF’s fifth and sixth review mission to Sri Lanka, scheduled from March 26 to April 8.

During the meeting, Speaker Dr. Wickramaratne expressed appreciation for the continued support extended by the IMF during Sri Lanka’s economic recovery process. He said the Tenth Parliament represented a strong and inclusive legislature, holding a two-thirds majority and reflecting the country’s diversity, including representation for the disabled community.

The Speaker reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility programme and stressed the importance of maintaining sound monetary and fiscal policies.

He also highlighted recent legislative measures, including the Public Financial Management Act and the Anti-Corruption Act, noting that they were central to strengthening fiscal discipline, improving governance and enhancing public financial transparency.

Special emphasis was placed on strengthening mechanisms to combat bribery and corruption while ensuring greater accountability in public finance management.

Dr. Wickramaratne also outlined plans to establish a Parliamentary Study Centre aimed at enhancing the capacity of Members of Parliament and local government representatives and sought IMF support for capacity-building initiatives.

Mr. Papageorgiou said Sri Lanka’s performance under the Extended Fund Facility programme remained strong and noted that the country was on a positive economic trajectory.

He underscored the critical role played by Parliament as the guardian of legislation and policy oversight and encouraged continued parliamentary support to sustain the reform momentum.

The discussions also touched on the possible economic impact of ongoing tensions in the Middle East, as well as relief, recovery and reconstruction efforts following the recent Cyclone Ditwah.

The IMF delegation also participated in a guided tour of Parliament during the visit.

Assistant Secretary-General Hansa Abeyratne, along with a group of parliamentary officials, was also present at the meetings.

Agrarian Service Centres will remain open on public holidays to facilitate the distribution of fertiliser to farmers in areas where Yala season paddy cultivation has commenced, the Department of Agrarian Development said.

In a statement, Commissioner General of Agrarian Development Dhammika Ranatunga said arrangements had been made to keep Agrarian Service Centres in the relevant areas operational throughout public holidays and weekends to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fertiliser to farmers.

He said the Government had decided that fertiliser required for paddy cultivation would be issued exclusively through Government-run Agrarian Service Centres.

The move follows concerns over possible disruptions to the fertiliser supply chain arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as well as attempts by certain parties to hoard fertiliser stocks.

Ranatunga said the distribution of fertiliser had already commenced in areas where Yala season paddy cultivation is currently underway.

According to the Department, a 50 kilogramme bag of Urea fertiliser is being sold through Agrarian Service Centres at a price ranging between Rs. 9,900 and Rs. 10,200.

Officials said the measures were aimed at ensuring farmers receive an uninterrupted supply of fertiliser during the ongoing Yala cultivation season.

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 03 April 2026, valid for 04 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district.

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 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.