Business

Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya in Colombo. Their discussions occurred at Temple Trees. During this meeting, Georgieva praised the government's efforts to stabilize the economy amid recent challenges and natural disasters, as reported by the Prime Minister's Office. Additionally, Georgieva held talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat. They discussed Sri Lanka's economic recovery, support following disasters, and the next steps in the IMF-backed reform program. Georgieva expressed her support for Sri Lanka after recent natural disasters, highlighting that just as the economy was beginning to recover, a severe cyclone impacted various areas. She pointed out that rural communities affected by the cyclone need renewed economic activity and stressed the importance of prompt assistance for housing, land recovery, and better job opportunities. Georgieva also recognized the quick actions taken by the government to help those in need and noted that the IMF had contributed over US$200 million in emergency funds to support recovery efforts.