International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva will travel to Sri Lanka next month to review the country’s economic reform programme and express the IMF’s support in the aftermath of recent natural disasters, according to IMF Asia and Pacific Department Director Krishna Srinivasan.
Speaking during an official mission to Sri Lanka, Srinivasan said the visit will focus on recognising progress achieved under the IMF-supported programme while also engaging directly with communities affected by the recent catastrophe. He conveyed this message to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a meeting on January 28.
Srinivasan, who is leading one of the largest IMF delegations to visit the country, said this marks his fourth visit to Sri Lanka and his first that extended beyond Colombo. He spent two days in areas outside the capital, noting that the experience provided a more personal understanding of the country’s current challenges.
He observed flood-affected regions and damaged infrastructure during his travels and extended sympathies to the people impacted by the disaster, including families who lost loved ones.
According to Srinivasan, there is strong public recognition of the government’s reform efforts, particularly in improving governance, based on feedback he received while visiting local communities.
He also explained that the regional IMF meeting in Sri Lanka, which brings together representatives from across Asia, had been planned well in advance. Despite calls to cancel the event following the disaster, the IMF decided to proceed as a sign of solidarity.
“We want to show that we stand with Sri Lanka,” Srinivasan said, reaffirming the IMF’s continued support for the country and its people.
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