Sri Lanka: Price Changes and the Poor

Author/Editor:

Anne Marie Gulde

Publication Date:

May 1, 1991

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

This paper examines the short-run impact of Sri Lanka’s recent structural adjustment program on the poorest segments of society. While the ultimate goal of all macroeconomic adjustment programs is to overcome structural rigidities and put the economy on a sustainable growth path, some of the measures implemented, such as the liberalization of food and energy prices, cuts in subsidies and other budgetary spending, and exchange rate changes, may cause significant increases in relative prices faced by the poor. On the other hand, there are offsetting income effects even in the short run, such as adjustments in wages and output prices and retargeting of subsidies.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1991/046

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

May 1, 1991

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451973709/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA0461991

Pages:

26

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