IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva to Visit Colombo Next Month

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

Speaking during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (28), Srinivasan said the visit would underscore the IMF’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka at a critical time.

“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 said.

Srinivasan, who is currently on his fourth visit to Sri Lanka, noted that this was the first time he travelled outside Colombo, allowing him to witness firsthand the impact of recent flooding and infrastructure damage in 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 said.

He described the disaster as an unexpected external shock that came at a difficult time, but reaffirmed the IMF’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts. He added that IMF staff are currently engaging with Sri Lankan authorities as part of ongoing programme-related discussions.

Srinivasan also said there was strong public appreciation for the government’s efforts, particularly in the area of governance reforms.

“There’s huge appreciation for what the government has done for the people, notably in the area of governance reform,” he noted.

He further revealed that a large IMF delegation is currently in Sri Lanka for a pre-scheduled regional meeting, which the Fund decided not to cancel following the disaster as a gesture of solidarity.

“We are with you. Our full support is with you,” Srinivasan emphasized.

Source: Adaderana