IMF Staff Country Reports

Sri Lanka : Selected Issues

Author/Editor:

International Monetary Fund. Asia and Pacific Dept

Publication Date:

June 20, 2018

Electronic Access:

Free Full Text. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Summary:

This Selected Issues paper discusses measures needed for structural transformation in Sri Lanka. The government has ambitious plans to achieve upper-middle-income country status in 2025 by transforming Sri Lanka into an Indian Ocean Hub for trade, investment, and services. Stable and transparent regulatory systems would make Sri Lanka’s business environment more attractive for long-term investment and support trade integration. Reviewing trade barriers and developing a phased and sequenced strategy for gradual removal of restrictions is a first necessary step toward enabling more competitive trade. In this regard, the authorities’ decision to gradually rationalize para-tariffs and set up automated approval systems is a welcome step. Ongoing open consultative processes on reform strategies can also help build public consensus in support of these important objectives.

Series:

Country Report No. 18/176

Subject:

Credit expansion Fiscal reforms Fiscal rules Gender Labor force participation Natural disaster assistance Risk management Selected issues Women