President to keynote CA Sri Lanka’s ’Economic Dialogue - IMF and Beyond’ forum tomorrow

• Several top Ministers, State Ministers, Treasury Secy., CBSL Chief, Advisors to President to be among panel at top event targeted at private sector 

In its standing as the national body of accountants, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) will hold a CEO discussion titled ‘Economic Dialogue - IMF and Beyond’ on 30 March from 10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. at the Galle Face Hotel.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe will deliver the keynote. The event will bring together a distinguished portfolio of participants, including business leaders and C-suite executives from various industries.

Adding further value to the forum, the State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, is expected to deliver the guest speech and provide additional insights into the Government's vision for the country's economic recovery and the steps being taken to overcome the crisis.

Overall, the CEO Discussion Forum promises to be a valuable event for Sri Lanka's economic recovery and the insights and recommendations generated at this forum are expected to inform decision-making by policymakers and business leaders, contributing to Sri Lanka's long-term economic growth and sustainability.

The forum will draw to a close after a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring an impressive roster of Government officials, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana and Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, members of the Opposition as well as representatives from the Chambers and Professional Institutions, in order to ensure a broad range of perspectives and insights are shared.

The main panel will also include Foreign Affairs Minister M.U.M. Ali Sabry, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, Investment Promotion State Minister Dilum Amunugama, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Senior Economic Advisor to the President Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga and Economic Advisor to the Ministry of Finance Deshal De Mel.

CA Sri Lanka said the panel discussion will analyse the economic crisis, including the IMF program's implementation and impact. The current tax system will also be discussed with a focus on improving anti-corruption measures and reducing wasteful spending. The professional community in Sri Lanka is particularly interested in these topics and the panellists will explore them in-depth.

As one of Sri Lanka's most prominent political figures, President Wickremesinghe's address is expected to provide valuable insights into the Government's vision for the country's future. President Wickremesinghe is expected to discuss in detail the corrective steps that Sri Lanka must take to overcome the economic crisis it currently faces. The President's address is anticipated to provide a roadmap for Sri Lanka's economic recovery, including measures to restore macroeconomic stability, ensure debt sustainability, and safeguard financial stability.

CA Sri Lanka said as the country continues to navigate its way out of the economic crisis, the insights and recommendations provided by President Wickremesinghe will be crucial in informing decision-making by policymakers, business leaders, and other stakeholders. The CEO Discussion Forum offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage with the President and other key stakeholders in a meaningful dialogue about Sri Lanka's economic future.

The CA Sri Lanka said it is taking a proactive role in helping the professional community understand the future of Sri Lanka's economy by holding this CEO discussion to facilitate a productive conversation among key stakeholders, including business leaders, policymakers, and economics experts.

It aims to promote a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Sri Lanka's economy and potential solutions to overcome them. Participants will engage in lively discussions about various aspects of the country's economic recovery, including the role of the IMF in supporting Sri Lanka's economic policies and reforms.

CA Sri Lanka said Sri Lanka's economic policies and reforms will receive support from the IMF Board through a 48-month extended arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) worth approximately $ 3 billion. The EFF-supported program aims to achieve several objectives, including the restoration of macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, ensuring financial stability, and enhancing structural reforms to unlock Sri Lanka's growth potential. The program's measures will prioritise the protection of vulnerable individuals and improving governance.

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