IMF Staff Concludes Visit to Sri Lanka

IMF News, January 28, 2026

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IMF Staff Concludes Visit to Sri Lanka

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Bibliographic details

• Published: January 28, 2026

Mission overview

• IMF team led by Mr. Evan Papageorgiou visited Colombo from January 22 to 28.
• Purpose: hold discussions on the impact of Cyclone Ditwah and related policy responses.
• Press Release No. 26/022
• Date of statement: January 28, 2026

Main discussion topics and preliminary findings

• The team engaged with authorities and stakeholders to understand:
  • the economic and social impact of the cyclone, including damage to infrastructure and loss of livelihoods.
  • the fiscal response to the natural disaster.
  • implications for monetary policy and financial sector stability.
• Discussions included in-depth exchanges on:
  • the authorities’ policy intentions going forward.
  • their financing needs.
  • how the IMF can best support Sri Lanka’s recovery and reconstruction efforts under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement.

Authorities’ stated commitments

• Safeguard gains achieved on fiscal and debt sustainability.
• Strengthen public investment management including project reprioritization and implementation.
• Ensure spending is executed transparently and in compliance with the Public Financial Management Act.
• Continue strengthening social safety nets to protect the poor and vulnerable disproportionately affected by the cyclone.

Next steps and IMF support

• Plan to field an IMF mission at the earliest possible juncture to resume discussions on economic policies for the next review under the EFF.
• IMF reaffirmed solidarity with Sri Lanka and readiness to support the country in efforts to safeguard macroeconomic stability and promote resilience and sustainable growth.

Meetings and stakeholders engaged

• Meetings held with:
  • His Excellency the President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake
  • The Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
  • Honorable Labor Minister and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando
  • Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe
  • Secretary to the Treasury Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma
  • Senior Economic Advisor to the President Mr. Duminda Hulangamuwa
  • Other senior government and CBSL officials
  • Representatives from the private sector, civil society organizations, and development partners
• IMF team thanked the authorities for the excellent collaboration during the visit.

IMF communications contact (as provided)

• IMF Communications Department
• MEDIA RELATIONS
• PRESS OFFICER: Randa Elnagar
• Phone: +1 202 623-7100
• Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
• @IMFSpokesperson

Press Release No. 26/022 — January 28, 2026 — International Monetary Fund

Content in this bundle

• Press Release-English
  • Press Release-English (Markdown version)
  • Press Release-English (PDF)

References

• Sri Lanka and the IMF
• Press Releases
• PRESS CENTER
• https://www.imf.org/en/home