Opposition MPs who met a visiting delegation from the International Monetary Fund at the parliamentary complex urged the body to push the Sri Lankan government to grant tax and tariff relief.
Opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake said he requested the IMF to intervene in providing concessions to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), highlighting that many SMEs have been severely affected by policies favoring large businesses.
He also raised concerns over the recent electricity tariff hike, stating that the public is struggling to cope with rising costs. While the IMF delegation acknowledged the concerns, they emphasized the importance of maintaining cost-reflective power tariffs.
Meanwhile, MP Ramanathan Archuna called on the IMF to address corruption issues with the Sri Lankan government. Discussions reportedly included alleged irregularities in coal procurement and the controversial clearance of 323 containers without inspection.
The IMF delegation assured the MPs that these concerns would be taken up with the government for further consideration.
