Books and Analytical Papers > IMF Staff Country Reports

You are looking at 1 - 10 of 82 items for :

  • Type: Journal Issue x
Clear All Modify Search
International Monetary Fund. Asia and Pacific Dept
This Selected Issues paper aims at quantifying the economic benefits of comprehensive governance reforms through model simulations, supported by selected case studies in Sri Lanka. The paper provides an overview of the corruption vulnerabilities and governance weaknesses in Sri Lanka. Following the discussion of a theoretical framework that illustrates the channels through which governance reforms generate economic gains, the paper quantitatively simulates the macroeconomic impact of governance reforms using a dynamic general equilibrium model under alternative reform scenarios. A section in the paper complements the simulation with case studies. Support from the highest political level is crucial to ensure durable success of governance reforms. In countries with widespread corruption, many groups may feel that they are benefitting from it.
International Monetary Fund. Asia and Pacific Dept
This paper presents Sri Lanka’s 2024 Article IV Consultation and Second Review under the Extended Fund Facility, Request for Modification of Performance Criterion, and Financing Assurances Review. Performance under the program has been strong. All quantitative targets for end-December 2023 were met, except the indicative target on social spending. Most structural benchmarks due by end-April 2024 were either met or implemented with delay. Nevertheless, the economy is still vulnerable and the path to debt sustainability remains knife-edged. Sustaining the reform momentum and efforts to restructure debt are critical to put the economy on a path toward lasting recovery and debt sustainability. The Article IV Consultation focused on wide-ranging reforms to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, maintain price stability, safeguard financial stability, rebuild external buffers, and implement growth-oriented structural reforms, including by strengthening governance. The authorities need to press ahead with their efforts to address structural challenges to unlock long-term potential.
International Monetary Fund. Asia and Pacific Dept
This paper focuses on Sri Lanka’s First Review under the Extended Arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility, Requests for a Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criterion, Modification of Performance Criteria, Rephasing of Access, and Financing Assurances Review. Sri Lanka’s performance under the program was satisfactory. Macroeconomic policy reforms are starting to bear fruit and the economy is showing tentative signs of stabilization, with rapid disinflation, significant revenue-based fiscal adjustment, and reserves build-up. All but one-performance criteria and all but one indicative targets were met at end-June. Most structural benchmarks due by end-October 2023 were either met or implemented with delay. Notably, the authorities published the Governance Diagnostic Report, making Sri Lanka the first country in Asia to undergo the IMF Governance Diagnostic exercise. The authorities have made commendable progress toward restoring debt sustainability, raising revenue, rebuilding reserves buffers, reducing inflation, and safeguarding financial stability. Strong commitment to improving governance and protecting the poor and vulnerable remains critical.
International Monetary Fund. Legal Dept., International Monetary Fund. Fiscal Affairs Dept., International Monetary Fund. Monetary and Capital Markets Department, and International Monetary Fund. Finance Dept.
This technical assistance report on Sri Lanka discusses the Governance Diagnostic Assessment. In recent years, a confluence of shocks and policy missteps led to a deep economic and governance crisis. Sri Lanka continues to face severe economic, social and governance challenges. The authorities have requested IMF assistance to analyse governance weaknesses and corruption vulnerabilities that are macro-critical in their own right and stand in the way of achieving the objectives of the reform program. The report highlights immediate and short-term measures to address key corruption issues, as well as structural reforms that require more time and resources but are essential to strengthen governance and initiate lasting change. The recommendations are designed as a coherent approach to improving governance through a focus on: clarity of authority and responsibility for core functions; financial and operational independence of essential accountability and law enforcement institutions; transparency in government practices and performance, especially relating to the planning, spending, and accounting for the use of public funds and assets; inclusive, accessible, and rule-based means to enforce private agreements and challenge official behaviour; and efficient mechanisms for making information public and holding organizations and individuals to account for their performance and behaviour.