COLOMBO, Dec. 17 -- The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is scheduled to meet on Friday (19) to consider Sri Lanka's request for emergency financing under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), according to a notice published on the IMF's website.

Sri Lanka has sought US$200 million under the RFI following the widespread damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which struck the island in the final week of November. The RFI provides upfront financial assistance without conditional program reviews, allowing countries facing urgent balance-of-payments needs to access rapid support.

The cyclone is expected to significantly alter Sri Lanka's fiscal outlook. Government expenditure in 2026 is projected to rise by at least Rs 500...