Sitharaman: IMF should urgently provide assistance to Sri Lanka

Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman had a bilateral meeting with Ms Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF), on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund-World Bank (IMF-WB) Spring Meetings in Washington D.C.

Both, the Finance Minister and the Managing Director, were accompanied by senior officials like Anantha V. Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, and Gita Gopinath, FDMD of IMF.

During the meeting, they discussed issues of importance for India besides several issues currently being faced by the global and the regional economies.

Georgieva highlighted the resilience of India which remains the fastest-growing country across the globe despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms Georgieva also referred to an effective policy mix followed by India that was well targeted. She lauded India for its contribution to the capacity development activities of the IMF.

Georgieva praised India’s vaccination program and the help extended to its neighbour and other vulnerable economies.

The IMF MD particularly brought reference to the help India is providing to Sri Lanka during their difficult economic crisis.

Sitharaman indicated that IMF should support and urgently provide financial assistance to Sri Lanka.

The Managing Director assured the Finance Minister that the IMF would continue to actively engage with Sri Lanka.