IMF to Advise Sri Lanka on Recovery Blueprint After Cyclone Ditwah

COLOMBO (News 1st): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced that a staff mission will arrive in Colombo from January 22 to 28 to assess the full economic, infrastructural, and social impact of Cyclone Ditwah.

The visit is positioned as a critical step in determining how the Fund can support Sri Lanka’s recovery and resilience-building efforts—potentially influencing fiscal strategy, public investment priorities, and future engagement under the IMF‑supported program.

Evan Papageorgiou, IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, said the team will hold detailed discussions with government authorities and relevant stakeholders “on the size and scope of the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah,” noting that the findings will inform subsequent deliberations under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

“The mission underscores the IMF’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka as it deals with the economic and humanitarian challenges caused by the recent cyclone,” Papageorgiou stated. 

As part of the visit, IMF staff will also explore support options, including resuming the EFF‑supported program, providing policy advice, and extending technical assistance to help the country strengthen resilience and pursue sustainable growth pathways.