## IMF Staff Concludes Visit to Sri Lanka

_IMF News, January 28, 2026_

## Source details

**Canonical URL:** [IMF Staff Concludes Visit to Sri Lanka](https://www.imf.org/en/news/articles/2026/01/27/pr-26022-sri-lanka-imf-staff-concludes-visit)

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## Bibliographic details
- Published: January 28, 2026

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### 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*

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## References

- [Sri Lanka and the IMF](http://www.imf.org/external/country/LKA/index.htm)
- [Press Releases](https://www.imf.org/en/news/searchnews)
- [PRESS CENTER](http://presscenter.imf.org/)
- [https://www.imf.org/en/home](https://www.imf.org/en/home)

_Source: https://www.imf.org/en/news/articles/2026/01/27/pr-26022-sri-lanka-imf-staff-concludes-visit_