The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says it is assessing Sri Lanka’s economic needs in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which has left hundreds dead and caused catastrophic damage across the island.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said the Fund is “looking into options to further support Sri Lanka in the recovery process”, as the extent of the destruction continues to grow.
Kozack conveyed condolences to the victims and confirmed that the IMF remains in “close engagement” with Sri Lankan authorities, development partners, and other agencies to evaluate the humanitarian, social, and economic fallout. She noted that the cyclone hit after Fund staff had already reached agreement with Colombo on the fifth review of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) in October.
From today's press briefing: I announced the Managing Director's travel to Asia and Europe, and answered questions on Argentina, Jamaica, Japan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Ukraine and more: https://t.co/emX3cNFPmx
— Julie Kozack, IMF (@IMFSpokesperson) December 4, 2025
Despite the devastation, the IMF board is still expected to meet on 15 December to discuss the review. Colombo is anticipating the release of the sixth tranche of the nearly US $3 billion bailout programme agreed in March 2023, which imposed harsh economic reforms following the island’s sovereign default and financial collapse.
Kozack said further details on potential IMF support would be released once assessments of the economic impact and damage are complete. Initial government estimates suggest losses of between US$ 6 and 7 billion dollars, amounting to roughly 3 to 5 percent of Sri Lanka’s GDP.
According to the Disaster Management Centre, at least 607 people have been killed since the storm struck, while another 214 remain missing.