MP Ravi K Calls for Successor to IMF Program Post-2027 📈

New Democratic Front MP Ravi Karunanayake has urged the Government to secure a successor arrangement to Sri Lanka's ongoing 4-year IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF), which concludes in March 2027. • IMF Continuation & Stability: Stated that despite being unpalatable, holding hands with the IMF remains crucial to guard against prolonged external shocks and ensure long-term stability post-2022 bankruptcy. • External Economic Shocks: Highlighted risks from Middle East conflict (escalated Feb 2026) threatening national recovery through rising import bills in energy (petroleum, gas, coal), fertiliser, and freight, along with losses in tourism, exports, and overseas employment. • Parliamentary Transparency: Called on the Govt to table comparative assessments, options, implementation schedules, and quarterly state-of-the-economy reports covering reserves, import cover, and 12-month external debt obligations. • Energy Strategy: Urged energy supply diversification, rapid expansion of renewable energy, and directing fuel subsidies to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation rather than foreign companies.