IMF Staff Country Reports

Sri Lanka: Request for an Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Sri Lanka

Publication Date:

March 20, 2023

Electronic Access:

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Summary:

Sri Lanka fell into an unprecedented crisis as a result of a series of shocks and policy missteps. Debt rose to unsustainable levels resulting from large fiscal imbalances, and access to international capital markets was lost soon after large tax cuts and the onset of the COVID-19. Reserves were depleted, leading to a sharp exchange rate depreciation, and debt service was suspended in the spring of 2022. Sizable monetary financing to meet fiscal obligations contributed to a surge in inflation. Sri Lanka’s economy is in deep recession and financial stability is at risk given the tight financialsovereign nexus. People are suffering from food and energy shortages, exacerbating deep-rooted public dissatisfaction and creating a vulnerable political and social environment.

Series:

Country Report No. 2023/116

Subject:

International organization Monetary policy

Frequency:

regular