The International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation made detailed inquiries from the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, regarding the current situation for investment in the Northern Province, opportunities available for pursuing investments, progress achieved, obstacles encountered and delays faced.
A discussion between the IMF delegation, which has arrived in the country to conduct discussions on the seventh review of Sri Lanka’s IMF programme and the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, was held yesterday – on Saturday evening 12 September 2026, at the Governor’s Secretariat.
At the beginning of the discussion, the Governor welcomed the IMF representatives and briefed them on the general situation in the Northern Province, development progress and the key challenges faced by the Province.
During the discussion that followed, the IMF representatives inquired from the Governor about the situation for promoting investments in the Northern Province, the progress achieved so far, obstacles to attracting investments and delays caused by various factors.
The Governor pointed out that following the assumption of office by the government led by His Excellency the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, priority has been given to controlling bribery and corruption, and that a favourable environment for investments has been created. He also explained the investment opportunities available in the Northern Province and the measures taken so far to develop them.
In addition, a detailed discussion was held regarding the social welfare programmes implemented by the government. Welfare measures covering various sections of society, their impact and their links with the livelihoods of the people were also discussed.
Furthermore, the IMF representatives held detailed discussions with the Governor on various matters, including reconciliation activities, the impact of global crises on the development of the Northern Province, and migration from the country.
Meanwhile, the representatives also inquired from the Governor about the opinions and perspectives held among the people of the Northern Province regarding the IMF.
The Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province Sivapathasundaram Sathiyaseelan also participated in the discussion.
