IMF Chief calls for accelerated recovery and rural revival

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva at the Presidential Secretariat

• Stresses the need of staying the course to ensure strong and durable growth that delivers prosperity for all
• Emphasises the importance of raising growth rates to 7–8% and promoting private sector investment to achieve broader economic inclusion
• Agricultural productivity and rural economic transformation were key topics during the discussions with President Dissanayake
• Visits cyclone-affected communities in Gampola, including the landslide-hit Mawathura village in the Udapalatha Division
• During her visits she highlighted the need to boost housing, livelihood opportunities, and medium-term economic activity in affected regions

In a rare high-level engagement, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat, which affirmed the international lender’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and long-term growth. 

The discussions centred on sustaining macroeconomic stability, advancing governance reforms, and boosting 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 IMF’s official social media platform.

According to a statement released by the President’s Media Division (PMD), the IMF Chief acknowledged that the government’s swift response to recent disasters and commitment to anti-corruption reforms present a unique opportunity to accelerate development.

Over US$ 200 million in IMF emergency financing has already been deployed to support recovery efforts. 

She also emphasised the importance of raising growth rates to 7–8 percent and promoting private sector investment to achieve broader economic inclusion.

Meanwhile, President Dissanayake welcomed the IMF Chief, noting that international cooperation had been pivotal in stabilising the economy and improving living standards for vulnerable communities. He stressed 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 discussions, with attention on 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 discussed to support sectoral development and investment promotion.

Prior to the Secretariat meeting, 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, underscoring the importance of empowering the next generation. She commended the resilience and courage of communities and lauded the government’s coordinated disaster response.

During her visits, she also highlighted the need to boost housing, livelihood opportunities, and medium-term economic activity in affected regions, stressing that recovery must be sustainable and inclusive. 

Local officials, including Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Central Province Governor Professor Sarath Abeykoon, and Chief Secretary G.H.M. Premasinghe, accompanied her on the visits. (SAA)

IMF Managing Director at the sites impacted by cyclone Ditwah

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaking to communities affected by the cyclone that struck Sri Lanka end 2025