IMF reviews Sri Lanka program, sees ‘impressive’ progress

Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:09 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Julie Kozack

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission is in Colombo for the fifth review of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF), with the country’s program showing strong results in revenue, inflation, and growth, IMF Communications Department Director Julie Kozack said.

“What I can say with respect to the timing of the next review is that we do have a mission on the ground now in Sri Lanka to conduct the fifth review of the EFF,” Kozack said at the IMF’s weekly press briefing in Washington.

She said the team is in discussions with the authorities and will communicate outcomes at the end of the mission.

Kozack described Sri Lanka’s progress under the program as “impressive,” citing better tax collections and price stability. “There has been a post-crisis rebound in growth to 5% in 2024, which is a remarkable achievement,” she said.

“The revenue-to-GDP ratio in the Budget improved to 13.5% of GDP from 8.2% in 2022, which is also a significant increase, although still work to be done. The debt restructuring process is nearly complete. Program performance overall is generally very strong, and the Government remains committed to the program’s objectives.”