Sri Lanka moves closer to a crucial financial breakthrough as expedited IMF reviews raise hopes of two back-to-back tranches that could strengthen reserves, stabilize reforms, and accelerate economic recovery.
Sri Lanka may be on the verge of receiving a significant financial boost, with the sixth and seventh tranches of the International Monetary Fund credit facility potentially arriving almost simultaneously. Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha Fernando has expressed strong confidence that both installments could be released together, marking an important step in the country’s ongoing economic recovery program.
According to the Minister, the fifth review linked to the sixth tranche and the sixth review tied to the seventh tranche were delayed due to Cyclone Ditva. However, those postponed assessments are now expected to be conducted on an expedited basis. If completed successfully, Sri Lanka would be able to access both IMF disbursements at once, strengthening foreign reserves and reinforcing investor confidence.
The fifth review had originally been scheduled for December 15 last year but was pushed back until early 2026 because of cyclone-related disruptions. The sixth review is now expected around mid year. Minister Fernando emphasized that both reviews will be prioritized to ensure the simultaneous release of funds, signaling continued commitment to fiscal reforms and structural adjustments under the IMF program.
Sri Lanka’s four year, US$2.9 billion IMF credit facility was approved on March 22, 2023, as part of efforts to stabilize the economy after the severe 2022 crisis. The first tranche of $330 million was released on March 20, 2023, followed by $337 million in December 2023, $336 million in June 2024, $334 million in February 2025, and $350 million in June 2025. Each disbursement has been tied to performance benchmarks, debt restructuring progress, and macroeconomic reforms.
Adding further momentum, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka on February 16 for high level discussions. She is expected to meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, senior finance officials, and Central Bank representatives to review progress and help accelerate approval procedures.
If delivered as anticipated, the twin IMF tranches could provide a timely confidence boost for Sri Lanka’s reform agenda and economic stabilization path.
