Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), is scheduled to visit Colombo next month to assess the progress of Sri Lanka’s IMF-supported program and to express solidarity with the country following recent natural disasters, according to Krishna Srinivasan, Director of the IMF Asia and Pacific Department.

During a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the 28th, Srinivasan emphasized that the visit will highlight the IMF’s ongoing commitment to Sri Lanka during this critical period. “Our Managing Director will be coming to Colombo next month. She will be here both to look at the success of the programme and to express the solidarity we have with you,” he stated.

Srinivasan, currently on his fourth visit to Sri Lanka, noted that this trip marked his first venture outside Colombo, allowing him to witness firsthand the effects of recent flooding and infrastructure damage in the affected areas. “I saw for the first time the impact of natural disaster. I saw flooding. I saw roads which need to be repaired. Our sympathies are with you and with the people of Sri Lanka for the lives lost and for the impact of the disaster,” he remarked.

Describing the disaster as an unexpected external shock occurring at a challenging time, Srinivasan reaffirmed the IMF’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts. He mentioned that IMF staff are currently engaging with Sri Lankan authorities as part of ongoing discussions related to the program.

Srinivasan also noted the strong public appreciation for the government’s efforts, particularly in governance reforms. “There’s huge appreciation for what the government has done for the people, notably in the area of governance reform,” he stated.

He further revealed that a large IMF delegation is currently in Sri Lanka for a pre-scheduled regional meeting, which the Fund chose not to cancel following the disaster as a gesture of solidarity. “We are with you. Our full support is with you,” Srinivasan emphasized.