IMF chief Christine visits Sri Lanka (phtos)

A special delegation led by Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), arrived in Sri Lanka on the afternoon of the 16th for a three-day official visit. Dr. Anil Jayanta Fernando, who is both the Minister of Labour and the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, along with others, were present to welcome the delegation at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.

The main objective of this visit is to directly observe the damage and the true impact caused by the recent 'Ditwa' cyclone that severely affected the island. Accordingly, the delegation plans to undertake a special observation tour in the disaster-affected Gampola area on the morning of the 17th.

Subsequently, the IMF delegation expects to hold a special round of discussions with high-level government representatives in Colombo. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe are also scheduled to join these discussions. During these talks, broad attention will be given to the support and intervention the International Monetary Fund can provide to restore Sri Lanka after the current disaster and to build a strong future for all Sri Lankans.