Speaking during a special interview with a leading television network during her visit to Sri Lanka, Georgieva expressed her satisfaction at being in the country at what she described as a pivotal moment in its recovery journey.
She noted that despite facing an unprecedented economic crisis, Sri Lanka has made remarkable progress. Georgieva extended her warm congratulations to both the Government and the people of Sri Lanka for their resilience and achievements.
Drawing from her previous experience as a humanitarian commissioner, where she visited many regions devastated by natural disasters and conflicts, Georgieva said Sri Lanka stands out for the exceptional strength and unity of its people. She emphasized that even during moments of deep hardship, the ability of citizens to come together and focus on the future is a powerful and commendable trait.
The IMF Managing Director further remarked that she was impressed by the swift and decisive actions taken by the Government during the crisis. She revealed that the IMF has been able to provide financial assistance exceeding 200 million US dollars to support the country’s recovery efforts.
Over the past decade, Sri Lanka has faced numerous challenges, including civil war, terrorist attacks, the pandemic, and public unrest fueled by unmet expectations. However, Georgieva observed that significant opportunities now lie ahead for the nation.
According to her assessment, Sri Lanka has managed to restore macroeconomic and financial stability within a relatively short period. Inflation, which had soared to 70 percent at its peak, has now fallen dramatically to around 2 percent. Meanwhile, the economy, which previously recorded negative growth, has rebounded to approximately 5 percent positive growth.
She also highlighted the current administration’s commitment to restoring public trust in state institutions, particularly through efforts to eliminate corruption. Georgieva pointed out that Sri Lanka is the first country in South Asia to request a governance diagnostic assessment from the IMF aimed at strengthening anti-corruption measures.
Additionally, she noted that she observed a genuine commitment among the President and members of the Government toward improving the welfare of the people.
Georgieva concluded by expressing confidence that with continued reforms and public support, Sri Lanka is well-positioned to secure a stable and prosperous future.
