Rodrigo de Rato
Rodrigo de Rato

Press Release: Statement by IMF Managing Director Rodrigo de Rato on South Asia Earthquake Disaster
December 26, 2004

Sri Lanka and the IMF




Letter to Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, President of Sri Lanka
from Rodrigo de Rato, Managing Director of the IMF
December 28, 2004

Similar letters were also sent to Mahinda Rajapakse, Prime Minister, and Sarath Leelananda Bandara Amunugama, Finance Minister, Sri Lanka.

H.E. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga
President
Government of Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Dear Madam President:

Please allow me to express, on behalf of the International Monetary Fund, our deepest condolences to your government and the people of your country, especially affected families, for the terrible loss of life experienced as a result of the massive earthquake and tidal waves this past weekend.

As you begin the difficult task of dealing with the aftermath of these tragic events, we in the International Monetary Fund will explore all possible ways that our institution can assist you. In this regard, I have asked our staff to establish immediate contact with you and your colleagues. We will also be working together with other regional and international institutions to ensure a speedy and coordinated response.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

Yours sincerely,

Rodrigo de Rato