Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning
2026-02-19
Minister Anil Jayantha defended the government's procedural compliance, asserting that all actions were taken with proper approval and Cabinet notification, and that the Constitution was not violated. Regarding the IMF Managing Director's visit, he clarified that the primary focus was on Sri Lanka's achieved economic stability, responsible governance, and investor confidence, rather than on reserve accumulation as a precondition for recovery. He concluded that economic fundamentals have stabilized, creating conditions conducive to attracting investment.
Hon. Speaker, I clearly stated in my Answer that nothing was done without proper approval. The procedure was duly followed and, thereafter, notified under Cabinet approval. At no point was the Constitution violated.
Regarding the IMF Managing Director’s visit, the main focus was not what the Hon. Member suggests. The emphasis was on the stability we have achieved, the presence of a responsible government, and the building of confidence that Sri Lanka can emerge from this crisis—not on a narrative that our reserves must be increased as a precondition. I believe all fundamentals have now stabilized, creating the environment necessary to attract investment.