The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is considering financial assistance under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) for SDR 150.5 million (approximately 26 per cent of quota or about US$200 million) based on a request from cyclone-hit Sri Lanka.
"The Sri Lankan authorities have requested financial assistance from the IMF under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) for SDR 150.5 million (approximately 26 percent of quota or about US$200 million). This request is currently under consideration and subject to approval by the IMF’s Executive Board,” said Evan Papageorgiou, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief for Sri Lanka in a statement on Friday.
While extending its deepest sympathies to Sri Lanka over the recent disaster, the statement said the IMF remains closely engaged with Sri Lankan authorities during this challenging period; and is committed to supporting the country as it undertakes urgent efforts to recover, rebuild and promote resilience for the future.
The United States has told Sri Lanka that the disposition of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Bushehr and its crew is a matter for Colombo to resolve under its own laws and international obligations, while signalling it is in active talks with Sri Lanka to contain Iran’s threat to US interests.
The government today granted permission for an Iranian warship with 208 on board to enter the country.
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