IMF Prioritizes Sri Lanka's Rapid Finance Request Amid Cyclone Recovery Efforts

IMF Responds to Sri Lanka's Financial Needs

In Colombo, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has indicated that it is prioritizing Sri Lanka's request for a Rapid Finance Instrument to aid in recovery efforts following the catastrophic impacts of Cyclone Ditwah.

The cyclone has caused severe flooding and landslides, leading to significant infrastructure damage. Search operations are ongoing for individuals trapped under debris, just over a week after the cyclone hit.

Tragically, the disaster has resulted in 627 fatalities, with more than 190 individuals still unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue.

An IMF spokesperson stated, "Given the urgent request for emergency funding from Sri Lankan authorities, the board's review of the Rapid Financing Instrument is currently a top priority."

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced on Saturday that he is seeking $200 million from the IMF, separate from the extended fund facility.

The IMF is also set to disburse its sixth tranche of $340 million following board approval on December 15.

Additionally, an IMF team is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in early 2026 to finalize the fifth review of the $3.9 billion bailout package.

In related news, the Indian High Commission reported that the ninth Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft delivered 65 tonnes of supplies, including 55 tonnes of Bailey Bridge units and an excavator, along with 13 Indian Army engineers.

This aircraft arrived in Colombo on Saturday as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, an initiative by India to assist Sri Lanka in overcoming the disaster.

The IAF's Mi-17 helicopter has also been engaged in life-saving missions, successfully airlifting four tonnes of relief supplies and evacuating 12 survivors during a recent sortie.

Furthermore, a 60-member US relief team, accompanied by two C-130 Air Force aircraft, has arrived in Colombo to support ongoing relief efforts.

According to the Disaster Management Centre, as of noon on Sunday, the death toll has reached 627, with 190 individuals still missing due to the severe weather conditions since November 16.

The disaster has impacted over 2.1 million people across the nation.