ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka has sought 200 million US dollars (150.5 million special drawing rights) from the International Monetary Fund through a Rapid Financing Instrument, in addition to the existing program.
“The Sri Lankan authorities have requested financial assistance from the IMF under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) for SDR 150.5 million,” Mission chief Evan Papageorgiou said in a statment.
“This request is currently under consideration and subject to approval by the IMF’s Executive Board.”
RELTED : Sri Lanka seeks extra funds and relief from IMF, review likely in Feb: President
Sri Lanka has to repay 216 million US dollars to the IMF in 2026 for a bailout linked to a currency crisis triggered by inflationary open market operations starting from the last quarter of 2014.
Sri Lanka has also found it difficult to collects as much gross reserves as expected in 2025 due to lack of sufficient deflationary policy and the rupee has also depreciated rapidly.
The full statement is reproduced below:
Washington, DC – December 5, 2025: Mr. Evan Papageorgiou, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief for Sri Lanka issued the following statement today:
“In the wake of the devastating impact and widespread destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah, we extend our deepest sympathies to the people of Sri Lanka who have been profoundly affected by this disaster.
“The Sri Lankan authorities have requested financial assistance from the IMF under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) for SDR 150.5 million (approximately 26 percent of quota or about US$200 million). This request is currently under consideration and subject to approval by the IMF’s Executive Board.
“The IMF remains closely engaged with Sri Lankan authorities during this challenging period; and is committed to supporting the country as it undertakes urgent efforts to recover, rebuild and promote resilience for the future.”
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