IMF Managing Director Visits Cyclone-Affected Communities in Sri Lanka

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, visited areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah yesterday, inspecting damage and engaging with impacted communities to support recovery and long-term resilience.

Georgieva toured Mawathura village in the Udapalatha Divisional Secretariat Division, one of the hardest-hit zones, to inspect a landslide triggered by the cyclone. She spoke with survivors, expressing sympathy and solidarity, and commended the Government’s swift response and the courage of local communities.

Addressing children, she highlighted the importance of empowering the younger generation and expressed confidence that they will grow into responsible citizens contributing to Sri Lanka’s future progress with continued Government support.

Earlier, she visited other cyclone-affected areas in Gampola, observing ongoing recovery efforts and emphasizing the need to stimulate economic activity, including improving housing and livelihoods to support sustainable recovery. Georgieva also noted that Sri Lanka’s reform agenda and commitment to good governance present opportunities to accelerate economic recovery and strengthen long-term growth.

The visit to Mawathura village included Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Central Province Governor Professor Sarath Abeykoon, Treasury Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma, and Central Province Chief Secretary G.H.M. Premasinghe.

Georgieva arrived in Sri Lanka on Monday to reaffirm the IMF’s support for the country’s economic recovery and disaster response initiatives and is scheduled to depart today.