## 📈 IMF Mission Concludes Visit to Assess Cyclone Impact

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Mission Chief Evan Papageorgiou, has concluded its visit to Colombo (Jan 22–28) to evaluate the economic fallout of Cyclone Ditwah. • Core Focus: Discussions centered on the fiscal response to the natural disaster, infrastructure damage, and loss of livelihoods. The team analyzed implications for monetary policy and financial sector stability. • Key Engagements: The mission met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Central Bank Governor Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, and senior officials to discuss recovery efforts under the current Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement. • Policy Commitments: Fiscal Sustainability: Authorities committed to safeguarding debt sustainability gains despite rebuilding costs. Governance: Emphasis on transparent spending per the Public Financial Management Act and project reprioritization. Social Safety Nets: Determination to strengthen support for the poor and vulnerable disproportionately hit by the cyclone. • Next Steps: The IMF plans to field a follow-up mission shortly to resume formal discussions on economic policies for the next EFF review. The Fund reaffirmed its support for Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic stability and long-term resilience.