The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Sri Lanka’s economy will grow by 3.1% in 2026, according to Thomas Helbling, Deputy Director of the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department.

Speaking at a press conference on the region’s economic outlook, Helbling said Sri Lanka has shown a strong economic recovery as the government continues implementing its IMF-supported reform program.

He noted that the country recorded 5% growth last year and 4.8% in the first half of 2025, adding that growth is expected to stabilize at 3.1% as the economy returns to its long-term trend following the post-crisis rebound.