An International Monetary Fund assessment team will travel to Sri Lanka next week. The team will visit from January 22 to January 28, 2026. Their mission is clear. They need to assess the extensive damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Evaluating the Storm's Impact
The IMF team plans to hold detailed discussions with Sri Lankan authorities. They will focus on determining the precise size and scope of the cyclone's destruction. Evan Papageorgiou, the IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, confirmed the visit in an official statement.
"The findings of the mission will feed into subsequent discussions on the IMF-supported programme," Papageorgiou stated.
Engagement with Local Stakeholders
During their week-long stay, the IMF officials will meet with government representatives. They will also engage with other relevant stakeholders. The goal is to understand the full impact on several key areas.
- The team will examine damage to critical infrastructure.
- They will assess the disruption to people's livelihoods.
- Evaluating the overall hit to economic stability is another priority.
This information is crucial. It will help the IMF decide how to best assist Sri Lanka's recovery. Potential support includes resuming the Extended Fund Facility program. The IMF can also offer targeted policy advice and technical assistance.
Financial Support and Program Reviews
The visit coincides with planned financial assistance. The IMF has already committed to providing Sri Lanka with USD 200 million. These funds are specifically earmarked to help fund the nation's recovery efforts.
However, a key review of the larger bailout package is pending. The IMF has postponed its fifth review of the USD 2.9 billion bailout. This review is now scheduled for next month. Upon successful completion, a sixth tranche of about USD 330 million would be released to Sri Lanka.
The Scale of Destruction from Cyclone Ditwah
The need for this assessment is immense. Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka in late November. It ranks among the most intense and destructive storms in the country's recent history.
A World Bank Group report released in December quantified the damage. The Global Rapid Post-Disaster Damage Estimation, or GRADE report, provided shocking figures.
- The cyclone caused an estimated USD 4.1 billion in direct physical damage.
- This damage affected buildings, agricultural land, and critical infrastructure.
- Financially, this loss is equivalent to about 4 percent of Sri Lanka's entire GDP.
The human cost was equally severe. The storm severely affected close to 2 million people. That impact extended across 500,000 families in all 25 districts of the country. Livelihoods were shattered. Essential services were disrupted. The broader economy suffered a significant blow.
The upcoming IMF mission represents a critical step. It will bridge the assessment of physical damage with the planning of financial and structural recovery. The world is watching as Sri Lanka works to rebuild.
