President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called for faster implementation of anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) reforms as Sri Lanka prepares for its third Mutual Evaluation later this year.
Speaking at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday, the President urged public and private sector institutions to speed up preparations. According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), he said the evaluation will help maintain the country’s credibility in the international financial system.
The Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering will carry out the evaluation later this year.
The review will measure Sri Lanka’s compliance with the 40 Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). It will also assess how effectively the country has implemented them across 11 Immediate Outcomes.
Preparations gather pace
Central Bank officials said they have prepared for the evaluation since 2023. They have accelerated that work over the past two years.
Around 25 government institutions are taking part in the national assessment. The Central Bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit is coordinating the process, while the Presidential Task Force on AML/CFT monitors progress.
Officials reviewed the implementation of recommendations during the meeting. They also discussed challenges and agreed on measures to address them.
The President also sought updates on efforts to curb online gambling, related legislation and the Authority for the Management of Proceeds of Crime.
Officials told the President they have completed the establishment of the Authority. They are now recruiting staff before it begins operations.
The evaluation team’s on-site visit is scheduled for later this year.
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Last modified: August 5, 2026
