Sampath Bank Economic Forum '26: Focus Shifts to Sustainable Growth 📈

• IMF EFF Programme Progress - Sri Lanka achieved ~85% of total IMF programme objectives under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). - Discussions continue for the seventh review; absence of a mission-stage staff-level agreement does not mean the programme is off track. - Key macroeconomic gains noted in sustained growth, lower inflation, improved tax revenue, positive primary balance, and debt restructuring progress. • Governance & Anti-Corruption Concerns - IMF raised concerns over proposed Anti-Corruption Act amendments that could weaken transparency (e.g., asset declaration access and redaction rules). - Preserving legislative integrity remains vital for maintaining public trust. • Central Bank & Economic Priorities - CBSL Governor emphasized data-driven monetary policy, flexible inflation targeting, and continuous reserve buffer accumulation to absorb external shocks. - Critical growth enablers include removing trade barriers, streamlining licensing, and accelerating digitalisation. • Key Sector Focus & Next Steps - Transition requires boosting investment, expanding exports, and improving global market access. - Strategic priority sectors outlined for national growth include tourism, IT/BPO industry, shipping & logistics, and rural agriculture. - Call for unified action across financial institutions, businesses, and policymakers to convert market shifts into sustainable economic development.