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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed strong solidarity with Sri Lanka following the widespread destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah, announcing that it is actively considering additional support measures beyond the existing Extended Fund Facility (EFF).
Julie Kozack, Director of the IMF’s Communications Department, opened her briefing by extending heartfelt condolences.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the people of Sri Lanka for the effects of the devastating cyclone. Our hearts mourn the loss of life,” she said, also offering condolences to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam—countries similarly affected by severe flooding.
Kozack emphasized that the IMF is closely coordinating with Sri Lankan authorities, development partners, and regional counterparts to fully assess the humanitarian, social, and economic impact.
Large areas of Sri Lanka remain severely affected by flooding, with economic activity expected to slow due to the extensive damage caused.
The IMF is awaiting the completion of a rapid post-disaster damage assessment undertaken jointly by the Government of Sri Lanka and international partners.
“We are continuing to support Sri Lanka’s recovery, reform, and resilience under the EFF. Our staff is looking into options to further support Sri Lanka in the recovery process,” she said.
Despite the cyclone’s impact, Kozack confirmed that the IMF’s Board meeting scheduled for December 15 remains unchanged, following the staff-level agreement reached in October.
Further information on the scale of support will be provided once updated assessments guide the IMF’s decision-making.
In related developments, Sri Lanka is set to receive USD 350 million within the next two weeks as the sixth tranche of the Extended Fund Facility. The announcement was made at a high-level donor forum convened by the Ministry of Finance, where international development partners reaffirmed strong support for the nation’s recovery.
The forum—co-chaired by the Governor of the Central Bank and the Secretary to the Treasury—brought together diplomatic missions, multilateral institutions, and bilateral donors. Officials presented an overview of the cyclone’s extensive damage to housing, infrastructure, agriculture, and essential services, while discussing coordinated plans for both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation.
