Sri Lanka has no alternative other than IMF – CBSL chief

Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe. (Photo: CBSL)
There is no alternative other than taking assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for reviving the country’s economy, The Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said.
He also said that tax revisions and other reforms combined with debt restructuring are parts of the stabilisation process.
The CBSL Governor made these comments during an interview with the Director General of President’s Media, Danushka Ramanayake.
Noting that 80% indirect tax and 20% direct tax should be evolved to 60% and 40%, respectively, in order to provide relief to low-income groups, the CBSL governor proposed to continue the tax regime for at least one year.
Speaking further, he said the tax income of Sri Lanka is only behind Iran and Venezuela both with oil reserves.

Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Death penalty for three in major heroin trafficking case May 16, 2025
- Sri Lanka sees strong growth in tourist arrivals in early May 2025 May 16, 2025
- Two men arrested at BIA with Rs. 210 million worth of gold hidden in vehicle parts May 16, 2025
- Sri Lanka President approves anti-corruption units in provincial, local bodies May 15, 2025
- Pillayan challenges his arrest, detention before Supreme Court May 15, 2025