Sri Lankans Struggle to Afford Basics Despite Early Economic Recovery Signs Amid Harsh IMF Austerity

Sri Lankans like Jeewani Bandara are struggling to afford basic necessities despite early signs of economic recovery.
The IMF bailout program has imposed harsh austerity measures, leading to high taxes and reduced government benefits.
Social safety nets like the Aswesuma program have excluded many vulnerable Sri Lankans facing food insecurity.
Prices of essentials remain very high while wages stay stagnant, burdening ordinary citizens.
Uncertainty around upcoming elections poses risks of squandering recent fiscal gains through politically-motivated overspending promises.