A special discussion on preparations for Sri Lanka’s third mutual evaluation on international compliance with Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) standards was held this morning (06) at the Presidential Secretariat, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The discussion focused extensively on preparations for the third mutual evaluation, scheduled to be conducted from 26 October to 06 November 2026. Progress in implementing the relevant recommendations and action plan at ministerial and institutional levels was also reviewed.
President Dissanayake emphasised the need to identify the risks faced by Sri Lanka and introduce the necessary legal provisions and institutional reforms to mitigate those risks. He stressed that these measures should not be viewed as actions being undertaken due to pressure from external parties, but as essential steps required for the country and its institutional system.
The coordination activities relating to this evaluation process are being carried out by the Financial Intelligence Unit established at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Officials also briefed the President on the recommendations relating to technical compliance and effectiveness under the evaluation process.
The discussion also covered matters such as operationalising the Proceeds of Crime Act, the implementation of the Companies Act and the amendment of the Trusts Ordinance.
The President emphasised the need for the Government and the institutional system to work with full commitment over the next three weeks to address any shortcomings or delays in implementing the relevant recommendations. He also stressed the importance of maintaining continuous discussions with the relevant teams on work already completed, institutional reports and emerging issues, while proceeding with adequate preparation.
President Dissanayake further emphasised that successfully completing this third evaluation process, which will help strengthen Sri Lanka’s credibility within the international financial system, is an essential national priority. He stated that the active participation of all public and private sector institutions is expected to achieve this objective.
The President also expressed his appreciation to all parties, including the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, for their dedicated efforts towards this process in recent times.
Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Engineer Eranga Weeraratne, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russell Aponsu, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyyacontha (Retd.), Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration Ayesha Jinasena, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Ravi Seneviratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development K. A. Vimalenthirajah, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government S. Aloka Bandara, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya (Attorney-at-Law), Deputy Governor of the Central Bank K. J. P. Sirikumara, Former Senior Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Nelumani Daulagala, Head of the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Central Bank Dr Subhani Keerthiratne and former Supreme Court Judge Buwaneka Aluwihare, among others, participated in the discussion.
