evidence: The news this week of the International Monetary Fund deal raises both hope and questions on the economic trajectory of the country and the reforms ahead. Tough issues remain to be resolved on democratic governance, reconciliation, the postponement of local elections, and the right to peaceful protest among several civil liberties and human rights. [...] More than the $3 billion that we receive from the facility, the value of IMF support is far greater. The credibility that is attached to the IMF program helps unlock other sources of financing from development partners and the global market in general. Such financing is essential to build Sri Lanka's foreign reserve. [...] President Wickremesinghe: I was the only person who said that we still need the help of the IMF. I said that in 2020. I told them to go to the IMF in 2021. And again, I pleaded with the then-president, don't delay. Go to the IMF. That didn't happen. In 2002 when we are negative growth, as prime minister, I ensured they turned the economy around the next year. In 2015 when we came into power, again we had economic problems, but from 2016 to 2018, we were able to achieve the main goal of a surplus in the primary budget.