Harsha urges IMF to support governance alongside financial assistance

MP Dr. Harsha de Silva, who chairs the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF), warmly welcomed IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva during her recent visit to Sri Lanka. He expressed gratitude for the IMF's assistance during the country’s financial crisis. In Parliament, Dr. de Silva pointed out that Sri Lanka bounced back from the crisis quicker than many nations, crediting this recovery to bipartisan support that allowed the IMF program to proceed without political hurdles. “As the Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance, I urge the IMF to maintain this strong partnership,” he stated. He added that the IMF should focus not only on the financial matters already discussed but also address governance issues, which are equally crucial. Dr. de Silva stressed the importance of putting aside partisan politics to aid national recovery and enhance institutional governance.