The International Monetary Fund has said it is considering Sri Lanka’s request for 200 million dollars in rapid assistance as the cyclone’s destruction deepens economic strains. Sri Lanka has sought urgent financial support from the IMF under its Rapid Financing Instrument.
IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka Evan Papageorgiou confirmed that the request is currently under review and remains subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board before any disbursement is made. The RFI is a facility provided to countries facing sudden balance-of-payments pressures due to external shocks, natural disasters, or emergencies.
Sri Lanka’s death toll from Cyclone Ditwah has risen to 607, with 214 people still missing, making it the island’s worst natural disaster in two decades. Authorities warn that weather conditions may worsen as the Northeast monsoon strengthens over the coming days, bringing intensified rainfall of 75-100 mm across several parts of the island. The National Building Research Organisation has also issued Level-3 landslide warnings in five districts, urging evacuations after more than 150 mm of rain fell in 24 hours.
