In a rare high-level engagement, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat, reaffirming the international lender’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and long-term growth.
The discussions focused on sustaining macroeconomic stability, advancing governance reforms, and strengthening rural livelihoods, particularly in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.
“Had an excellent meeting with Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Sri Lanka has come a long way. The government’s reform programme is delivering for the country and its people. I stressed the importance of staying the course to ensure strong and durable growth that delivers prosperity for all,” Georgieva said in a message shared on the International Monetary Fund’s official social media platform.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Media Division, the IMF Chief acknowledged that the government’s swift disaster response and commitment to anti-corruption reforms present a unique opportunity to accelerate development. More than US$ 200 million in IMF emergency financing has already been deployed to support recovery efforts.
Georgieva also emphasised the need to raise economic growth to 7–8 percent and to promote private sector investment to ensure broader economic inclusion.
President Dissanayake welcomed the IMF Chief, noting that international cooperation had played a vital role in stabilising the economy and improving living standards for vulnerable communities. He underscored the government’s focus on rural development, resettlement, and expanding economic opportunities beyond traditional agriculture.
Agricultural productivity and rural economic transformation were key topics during the talks, with attention given to diversifying employment opportunities in rural areas while preserving land ownership and cultural traditions. Collaboration with development partners, including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, was also discussed to support sectoral development and investment promotion.
Prior to the meeting at the Secretariat, Georgieva visited cyclone-affected communities in Gampola, including the landslide-hit Mawathura village in the Udapalatha Division. She toured damaged areas, interacted with survivors, and met local children, highlighting the importance of empowering the next generation. She commended the resilience of the affected communities and praised the government’s coordinated disaster response.
During the visits, she further stressed the need to boost housing, expand livelihood opportunities, and stimulate medium-term economic activity in the affected regions, emphasising that recovery efforts must remain sustainable and inclusive.
Local officials who accompanied her included Deputy Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha Fernando, Central Province Governor Sarath Abeykoon, and Chief Secretary G. H. M. Premasinghe.
