IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has congratulated Sri Lanka on reaching a staff-level agreement for the combined fifth and sixth reviews under the Extended Fund Facility, reaffirming the fund’s continued support for the country’s economic recovery.
The endorsement came during the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings 2026 in Washington, where Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe led Sri Lanka’s delegation.
Energy Pricing Push
Deputy Managing Director Kenji Okamura commended Sri Lanka’s progress “despite significant global headwinds and domestic challenges” but delivered a pointed message on energy policy. He emphasised the importance of restoring cost-reflective energy pricing promptly — a comment that lands just days after Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody resigned amid the coal procurement scandal.
Okamura also stressed that financial support measures introduced to address the Middle East energy crisis “should be well-targeted and time-bound,” signalling the IMF expects the government’s concessional relief package to be temporary rather than permanent.
Delegation Engagements
Governor Weerasinghe expressed gratitude for the IMF’s flexibility on programme parameters, citing challenges from Cyclone Ditwah and the geopolitical energy crisis. The delegation also held talks with World Bank leadership and engaged with rating agencies and investors.
The meetings follow the IMF’s April 9 conclusion of the combined review, which recommended approximately $700 million in disbursements subject to board approval — now expected in June following a tariff resubmission requirement.
