The Sri Lankan government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are poised to sign an agreement today, September 26, regarding the disbursement of the second tranche of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) approved for the country.

The final meeting in a series of discussions between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the visiting IMF team is scheduled for today. These deliberations have been ongoing since September 14, primarily focusing on the program review for the Extended Fund Facility.

Upon the conclusion of today's meeting, both parties will formalize the agreement concerning the disbursement of the second tranche of the IMF's financial support, an integral component of the bailout package.

The first review of the Extended Fund Facility for Sri Lanka was initiated on September 14, with prominent Sri Lankan government officials participating in the discussions. The Sri Lankan delegation included Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe, President's Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, Finance Ministry Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana, and Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe.

The IMF delegation was led by Peter Breuer, Senior Mission Chief, and featured key figures such as Katya Svirydzenka, Deputy Mission Chief, as well as several experts from the IMF.

This agreement and the disbursement of the second tranche of the Extended Fund Facility are expected to provide crucial financial support to Sri Lanka's economic recovery efforts and facilitate the implementation of vital reforms aimed at enhancing the nation's fiscal stability and overall growth prospects.