Sri Lanka, Dec. 8 -- The International Monetary Fund said its immediate focus is Sri Lanka's request for emergency financing, even as the United States deployed Air Force C-130J aircraft and an expert airlift team to support relief efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.

"In light of the Sri Lankan authorities' request for emergency financing, IMF Board consideration of the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) request is the priority at the current juncture," an IMF spokesperson said.

"An IMF team will visit Sri Lanka in early 20206 to resume discussions for the completion of the Fifth Review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The support under the RFI is in addition to Sri Lanka's EFF access." As the financing discussions advanced, the Trump ...