IMF Managing Director to Visit Sri Lanka Next Month

COLOMBO (News 1st). The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will send its Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva to Sri Lanka next month, a visit aimed at reviewing the country’s economic program and demonstrating the Fund’s full solidarity following recent natural disasters, IMF Asia and Pacific Department Director Krishna Srinivasan announced during his mission to the island.

Srinivasan, currently in Sri Lanka with one of the largest IMF delegations to visit the country, said the Managing Director’s upcoming trip will serve two purposes: to acknowledge the progress made under the reform program, and to express direct support to the people affected by the recent catastrophe.

“She’ll be here both to look at the success of the program and to express the solidarity we have with you,” he told President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Wednesday (28).

The January 2026 visit marks Srinivasan’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, but his first time traveling outside Colombo. Spending two days in areas beyond the capital gave him what he described as a deeper, more human perspective of the country.

“For the first time, I went to parts of Sri Lanka outside Colombo,” he said. “This is a very beautiful country and has huge potential in terms of what it can achieve.”

He highlighted three key reflections from his journey.

1. A very beautiful country and huge potential in terms of what it can achieve

2. Witnessing disaster devastation firsthand

“In many parts, I saw flooding. I saw roads which need to be repaired,” he said, offering condolences to families affected. “Our sympathies are with you and with the people of Sri Lanka for the lives lost and for the impact of the disaster.”

3. Public appreciation for government reforms

In conversations with communities outside the capital, Srinivasan said he repeatedly heard support for the government’s reform efforts, especially around governance improvements.

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

Srinivasan revealed that the regional meeting, which brought IMF representatives from across Asia, ad been planned months earlier.

However, after the disaster, some suggested canceling the event.

“But I said no, we want to express our solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka,” he emphasized.

He reiterated that the IMF team has been in continuous discussions with Sri Lankan authorities and remains committed: “We are with you. Our full support is with you.”