As IMF reforms continue, Central Bank pushes for financially savvy population

A 'dual strategy' to merge macroeconomic stability with microeconomic empowerment

- BY SANATH NANAYAKKARE

Sri Lanka is forging a new path toward sustainable economic recovery by combining top-down IMF-backed reforms with bottom-up financial empowerment.

This dual approach aims to create not just macroeconomic stability but also microeconomic resilience, ensuring that policy gains translate into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.

As Sri Lanka secures another critical tranche of IMF funding - $350 million under its Extended Fund Facility (EFF), the Central Bank rolled out a nationwide financial literacy initiative, signaling a commitment to long-term growth anchored by a financially savvy population.

The latest disbursement brings total IMF funding under the $2.9 billion bailout programme to $1.74 billion, reinforcing confidence in the country's reform trajectory.

The IMF has commended Sri Lanka's progress, citing improved growth projections (3.5% for 2025), controlled inflation (now below target levels), stronger foreign reserves, and successful electricity pricing reforms.