This paper tests a version of Barro’s tax-smoothing model, which assumes intertemporal optimization by a government seeking to minimize the distortionary costs of taxation, using Pakistan and Sri Lankan data for 1956-95 and 1964-97, respectively. The empirical results indicate that...

Economic conditions are improving in Sri Lanka, and are likely to show strong growth. The current account remains strong, and tourism arrivals are rapidly improving. Monetary conditions are stable, and the central bank's policy stance is appropriate. Reforming the board of investment will...

Sri Lanka’ performance under the Stand-by Arrangement is encouraging, but fundamental vulnerabilities remain. Executive Directors emphasized the need for strict adherence to program targets and steadfast implementation of the reform agenda. They commended deficit reduction and planned fiscal...

The macroeconomic stability of Sri Lanka is analyzed. Reflecting high domestic inflation relative to trading partners, the real effective exchange rate appreciated by 2 percent. Infrastructure development is a central element of the government’s medium-term development strategy. Further...

This paper evaluates Sri Lanka’s Request for Emergency Assistance. The Sri Lankan authorities have requested a purchase in an amount of SDR 103.35 million under the IMF’s policy for emergency assistance related to natural disasters. In line with IMF policy for Poverty Reduction and Growth...

This paper assesses Sri Lanka’s First and Second Reviews Under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) and Requests for Waiver of Performance Criterion and for Extension of the Arrangement. The program supported by the current SBA approved in April 2001 achieved its initial objective of halting reserve...

After weakening in 1999, GDP growth has increased strongly in 2000, led by exports. The savings-investment gap has increased from 13⁄4 percent of GDP in 1998 to 31⁄4 percent of GDP in 1999, widening further to 7 percent of GDP in 2000. Agriculture has grown by 41⁄2 percent in 1999,...

This paper examines Sri Lanka’s Request for a Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF), and a Request for an Extended Arrangement. In line with the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) and building on the progress made under the Stand-By Arrangement...

This Selected Issues paper focuses on the fiscal position of Sri Lanka. The standard analysis shows that, prior to the adjustment announced in the 2002 budget, fiscal policy was clearly unsustainable, leading to a rising debt-to-GDP ratio. The paper looks at external debt and complements the...

This paper assesses Sri Lanka’s 2002 Article IV Consultation and Final Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). Performance under the SBA has been satisfactory, although there are pressures on the budget. All the quantitative performance criteria for end-April 2002 were met and the...