By: Vibhuti Pathak
A new law has been introduced in Sri Lanka that is backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which allows the state to seize proceeds of crime as stated by Bandula Gunawardana at a cabinet briefing. It was proposed as part of efforts under the IMF programme to improve governance.
The law is part of the conditions Sri Lanka has to fulfil to take forward a £2.3 billion program with the IMF after its economy crumpled in the worst financial crisis in decades, caused by a severe fall in foreign exchange reserves.
Sri Lanka is also in the midst of restructuring about £9.5 billion in foreign debt with bondholders after defaulting in the month of May in the year 2022. “There is a dire need for this law,” Gunawardana told reporters.
“Sri Lanka’s economy is stabilising but it will only be really stable after we complete the debt restructuring process, which is at a crucial stage now. It is important that we continue down this path.”
The Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) will allow for the judicial freezing and forfeiture of proceeds of crime and establish a new authority to manage such seized assets. The governance diagnostic under the IMF program is the first undertaken by the global lender in Asia.
The governance diagnostic under the IMF program is the first undertaken by the global lender in Asia. Sri Lanka’s central bank said it is paramount that the country stick to its Extended Fund Facility agreement with the IMF and complete its debt restructuring process, in a new report released on Thursday.
Sri Lanka’s central bank said it is paramount that the country stick to its Extended Fund Facility agreement with the IMF and complete its debt restructuring process, in a new report released on Thursday.
Sri Lanka’s economy is projected to grow 3 per cent in 2024, recording positive growth for the first time in two years.
