The IMF has pledged continued support for Sri Lanka after its current lending programme expires in March, while stressing that completing the remaining reviews and consolidating reforms are the immediate priorities. Deputy Director Sonali Jain-Chandra said a new financing arrangement is one of several options, but any request for another programme is the government's decision. She said staff reached a staff-level agreement on the seventh review in early October, which the board will consider in the coming weeks, followed by another review mission before the programme expires in March 2027. She cited improved public finances, a doubled revenue ratio, a largely complete debt restructuring and positive growth since the crisis trough. However, the IMF's October Regional Economic Outlook places Sri Lanka among the economies with the fastest-rising headline inflation after the energy shock, and notes fertiliser support and cash transfers among its fiscal measures.
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