IMF reaches agreement on Sri Lanka’s EFF 3rd review   

The IMF has reached a staff-level agreement with the Sri Lankan authorities on the third review under an economic reform programme supported by a 3-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement, subject to the completion of a prior action by the authorities and the approval of the IMF Executive Board.
This decision follows the constructive discussions with the authorities in Colombo and during the IMF annual meetings in Washington.  
“The Board is expected to consider Sri Lanka’s request for completion of the third review in December 2017, by which time the 2018 budget—consistent with the EFF-supported programme—is expected to be submitted to Parliament as a prior action,” an IMF official communiqué issued in Washington said.
Incorporating the new Inland Revenue Act, the 2018 budget should continue fiscal consolidation supported by stronger revenues. The Central Bank should stand ready to head off pressures on inflation and credit growth, while continuing to enhance exchange rate flexibility, it said.
“The authorities have been improving the country’s fiscal position and strengthened its international reserves, but more needs to be done in the area of SOE reforms.” Upholding the reform momentum will be important for addressing fiscal and external imbalances and meeting the government’s ambitious social and development objectives.
It said renewed effort toward bolstering competitiveness, improving social protection programs, and boosting private sector development will be important for making growth more robust and inclusive. (Bandula)