Influence of unreformed international financial institutions and creditor interests in debt solutions in low- and middle-income countries plagued by delay and ineffective when undertaken.
Sri Lanka
Finance
News
Between a rock and a hard place: How can IMF provide support amidst debt restructure deadlock?
IMF’s lending into arrears policy can be a way to break out of the debt restructure deadlock and provide the much-needed financing for countries in debt distress.
Finance
Analysis
IMF debt sustainability analysis in times of compounding crises: Still unfit for purpose
New IMF debt sustainability framework fails to alleviate concerns over transparency and overoptimism in midst of large-scale debt crisis, as countries face severe austerity and private lenders wait for bailouts.
Finance
News
Highly indebted countries face further cuts to public spending to service debts, as IMF austerity bites
Debt Justice's new report highlights urgent need for international debt workout mechanisms, as countries are forced to prioritise debt payments.
IFI governance
Analysis
Great Expectations a year on: IMF moving the needle on inequality but not yet the gear
One year after Oxfam study, IMF making progress on inequality agenda but still needs a fundamental shift
Conditionality
Analysis
The political cost of IMF programmes
As Jordan is engulfed in social unrest and political upheaval, questions are raised around the relationship between IMF conditionality and trends in instability.
Conditionality
Analysis
The IMF, Gender Equality and VAT
BWP briefing explores gender dimensions of IMF’s key fiscal policy advice on resource mobilisation in developing countries, in particular on Value-Added Tax.
Rights
Analysis
World Bank, IMF: Helping peace or creating conditions for war?
Recent involvement in countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq has put World Bank and IMF post-conflict operations in the spotlight. While some believe multilateral finance is essential, others argue that the Bank and the Fund are acting primarily as pawns of powerful diplomatic and economic interests.
Other news
IFI governance
Background
IMF strategy on social spending: New direction or band-aid?
Notes from Civil Society Policy From event from April 12 2023, titled "IMF strategy on social spending: New direction or Band-Aid?"
Infrastructure
Background
Energy sector trends
Sponsors: Bretton Woods Project, Mott Foundation, Heinrich Boell Foundation-North America, Latindadd, Pacific Environment, International Rivers,…
Land
News
Sri Lankan small farmers slam World Bank
Local farmers and agriculture activists in Sri Lanka have slammed World Bank intervention in the agricultural sector, saying it has caused the eradication of small-scale cultivation and resulted in high food prices, in particular rice and wheat.
Conditionality
News
PRSP dangers exposed again
Civil society groups in Sri Lanka reject claims that the PRSP represents a comprehensive consultation process.
Conditionality
News
Sri Lanka rushing reforms to please IMF, WB
Sri Lanka has launched a “fast-track” legislative process to intensify economic and social reforms, in order to secure new IMF and World Bank loans.
Accountability
News
President abused power in IMF deal
In August, Sri Lanka’s President Chandrika Kumaratunga was impeached on charges of violating the constitution.
Conditionality
News
Sri Lankan appeal on aid transparency
Sri Lankan NGOs wrote to their President in May urging him to open up the annual Aid Group meeting at the end of May.
Conditionality
News
Bank reforms leading to “social disaster” in Sri Lanka
MONLAR, a network of Sri Lankan people’s organisations, has written to the World Bank pointing out that social and equity issues have been overlooked, and democracy has been infringed in its pursuit of structural adjustment in Sri Lanka.