🚨 IMF Postpones SL's Fifth Review for Emergency Funding 🚨

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has deferred Sri Lanka's Fifth Review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program to early 2026. • New Priority: The immediate focus is on Sri Lanka's request for an additional US$ 200 million in emergency financing via a Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) following Cyclone Ditwah. • Fifth Review Delay: Originally set for 15 December, the Fifth Review has been postponed to allow time for assessing the emergency funding and a potential increase in the next EFF tranche. • Tranche on Hold: The expected disbursement of approximately US$ 347 million from the Fifth Review is currently on hold but could be expanded upon further evaluation. • Government Consent: President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake confirmed the government has consented to the shift, prioritizing urgent foreign exchange needs. • IMF Visit: An IMF team will visit Sri Lanka in early 2026 to resume discussions on the Fifth Review. RFI support will be in addition to the EFF.