Sri Lanka economically strong - IMF

COLOMBO: IMF representatives who met President Mahinda Rajapaksa have said they were satisfied with the present economic situation in Sri Lanka.

Monetary Reformative activities and multi-purpose economic policies, adopted by the Government and the mutual relations between the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank were also commended by them.

They said if Sri Lanka is able to resolve the North-East conflict and restore peace, it would definitely be able to achieve tremendous economic development.

The President explained to the representatives that every effort is being made to liberate the East from the clutches of the terrorists and thereafter to develop infrastructure facilities, agriculture and the tourist industry which would enhance the living standards of Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim people living there.

The Government is fully committed to evolve a political solution acceptable to all parties. The All Party Conference is engaged in an effort to arrive at such an acceptable resolution.

Weekly discussions are held by the Council of Eminent Persons, on the national economy and the policies agreed upon by the council is implemented accordingly, the President said.

Monetary Fund representatives accompanied by the Deputy Chief of the Asia Pacific Department, Olin Liu, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundara also participated.