Finance

Govt. expects US$700 million IMF tranche on May 27

Govt. expects US$700 million IMF tranche on May 27 as Sri Lanka continues efforts to strengthen external finances through exports, worker remittances, and international financial support, according to Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha.


Govt. expects US$700 million IMF tranche to support Sri Lanka reserves


Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday (21), the Deputy Minister said the Government was confident that the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund would approve the release of the next tranche under Sri Lanka’s ongoing IMF-supported economic reform programme later this month.

He noted that the expected disbursement of US$700 million would provide additional support for the country’s external financial position and ongoing economic recovery efforts.

Anil Jayantha stated that Sri Lanka was continuing measures to strengthen foreign exchange inflows by expanding export earnings, encouraging foreign remittances, and securing support from international financial institutions. He added that the Government did not foresee major challenges in managing the country’s foreign exchange reserves in the near term.

The expected IMF disbursement comes as Sri Lanka continues implementing fiscal and structural reforms under its Extended Fund Facility programme aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability after the country’s severe economic crisis. The programme has played a key role in rebuilding investor confidence and improving access to multilateral financing.

In addition to the anticipated IMF tranche, the Deputy Minister revealed that Sri Lanka could receive up to US$480 million from the Asian Development Bank during the course of this year. He also said the country was expecting a further US$150 million from the World Bank along with another US$50 million from an affiliated institution.

Economists note that continued multilateral financial assistance remains important for Sri Lanka economy as the country seeks to stabilise public finances, strengthen reserves, and maintain external debt restructuring efforts. International funding support is also viewed as critical for sustaining market confidence and ensuring adequate liquidity levels.

The country’s foreign exchange reserves have shown gradual improvement over the past year, supported by higher tourism earnings, increased worker remittances, and tighter import management measures. Export performance has also contributed to stabilising the external sector amid ongoing economic reforms.

Analysts believe the release of the next IMF tranche would signal continued international confidence in Sri Lanka’s reform progress and policy implementation. Approval by the IMF Executive Board is also expected to support future funding flows from other multilateral lenders and development partners.

Sri Lanka has remained focused on meeting reform targets linked to fiscal consolidation, revenue enhancement, governance reforms, and state sector restructuring under the IMF programme. Authorities have repeatedly stated that maintaining programme continuity is essential for ensuring long-term economic stability.

The Government has also emphasised the importance of rebuilding foreign exchange reserves to strengthen resilience against external shocks and improve overall financial stability. Officials expect continued support from international lenders to assist the country’s recovery trajectory while creating conditions for sustainable economic growth.

Market observers note that stable inflows from multilateral agencies could further ease pressure on the country’s external financing requirements and improve confidence across financial markets. Continued growth in tourism and remittances is also expected to play a key role in supporting foreign exchange reserves in the coming months.