IMF Executive Board to Review Sri Lanka’s USD 200 Million Emergency Financing Request on December 19

The IMF Executive Board is scheduled to review Sri Lanka’s request for emergency financial assistance amounting to SDR 150.5 million (approximately USD 200 million) under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) on December 19, 2025, according to the IMF Executive Board calendar.

The request follows the widespread destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which severely affected several parts of the country, prompting Sri Lankan authorities to seek urgent financial support from the International Monetary Fund.

Earlier this month, IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka Evan Papageorgiou said the authorities had formally requested assistance equivalent to around 26 percent of Sri Lanka’s IMF quota, noting that the request was subject to Executive Board approval.

In a statement issued on December 5, the IMF extended its deepest sympathies to the people of Sri Lanka impacted by the cyclone and reaffirmed its close engagement with the authorities during the recovery period.

The IMF said it remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s efforts to recover, rebuild and enhance resilience, as the country undertakes urgent measures to address the economic and social fallout from the natural disaster.

Approval of the RFI would provide Sri Lanka with rapid access to emergency financing to help meet immediate balance-of-payments needs arising from the cyclone-related shock.

Source- ADA DERANA