A team of staff from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from 26 March to 9 April, IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack announced today (20).

Addressing the IMF press briefing, Kozack stated that the visit will focus on discussing Sri Lanka’s economic policies and conducting a joint review of the IMF-supported program. The team aims to complete the fifth and sixth reviews while also evaluating the potential impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict on the Sri Lankan economy.

Kozack explained that during the visit, the IMF team will engage with Sri Lankan authorities to better understand how the conflict could influence the country’s economic stability. Once the team concludes its visit, it will provide an updated assessment of Sri Lanka’s economic situation and outline how the IMF can continue supporting the nation.

She further highlighted that the IMF is actively engaging with countries affected by the Middle East conflict, assessing global economic risks, and standing ready to provide support. 

This includes discussions with finance ministers, central bank governors, and regional institutions to share perspectives on the conflict’s implications and how the IMF can assist using its full range of tools, including policy advice, capacity development, and financial aid.

Kozack noted that the overall impact of the conflict on Sri Lanka and the global economy will depend heavily on the conflict’s duration and intensity. An updated, comprehensive assessment will be included in the IMF’s World Economic Outlook report scheduled for release in April, covering both regional and global economic forecasts.