Does the IMF Promote Cuts to Health, Education, Social Protection, or Public Investment During Economic Crises?
In our previous article, we explored whether IMF-supported programs impose austerity on countries in financial crisis, examining the balance between fiscal consolidation and social impacts. A related concern often raised is whether the IMF encourages or requires reductions in priority spending areas health, education, social protection, and public investment precisely when economies are under strain. […]
Is Migration a Good Solution for Sri Lankans? The Hidden Struggles Behind Overseas Dreams
Summary of the analysis Migration has long been seen as a pathway to better opportunities for many Sri Lankans. With economic challenges at home, thousands depart annually for jobs abroad, sending back vital remittances. In 2025, over 311,207 Sri Lankans left for foreign employment, contributing around $8.076 billion in remittances. Yet, recent discussions highlight a […]
Do IMF-Supported Programs Impose Austerity on Countries in Financial Crisis?
In our previous article, we examined the announced visit of IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva to Sri Lanka in February 2026, highlighting its focus on program progress and solidarity amid recent natural disasters. A recurring question in public debates about IMF engagement is whether its supported programs impose austerity measures on countries facing financial difficulties. […]
Why Is IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva Planning a Visit to Sri Lanka in February 2026?
In our previous article, we detailed the IMF staff mission’s January 2026 visit to assess the economic and social impacts of Cyclone Ditwah and related flooding. That mission highlighted the authorities’ commitments to safeguarding program gains while addressing disaster needs. Building on those discussions, a higher-level engagement has been announced: IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva […]
Will Sri Lanka’s Inflation Reach the 5% Target by Mid-2026?
Summary of the analysis The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has maintained its key policy rates unchanged in the first Monetary Policy Review of 2026, announced on 28 January 2026. The Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) remain at 8.25% and 9.25%, respectively. More importantly for the public, the […]
Why Has Argentina Had the Most IMF Programs in History?
In our previous article, we examined IMF conditionality the policy commitments governments make in exchange for financial support. These conditions are central to how the IMF engages with countries facing economic difficulties. Argentina provides a prominent example of repeated engagement with the IMF, having entered into more arrangements than any other member country. For ordinary […]
How Do the IMF and the World Bank Collaborate?
In our previous articles, we examined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) its origins, core functions, lending practices, and the role of conditionality in its programs. Building on that foundation, we now explore the IMF’s close partnership with its sister institution, the World Bank. Born from the same 1944 Bretton Woods Conference, these two organisations often […]
Why Does the IMF Use Conditionality?
In our previous article, we explored what the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is, its history, purpose, core functions, and role in promoting global economic stability. Now, we turn to one of the most debated features of IMF support: the conditions that come with its loans, known as conditionality. For ordinary citizens whether a teacher worried […]
What is the International Monetary Fund (IMF)?
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a global organization that works to promote economic stability and growth worldwide. Established in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference, it now has 191 member countries. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the IMF is governed by its members through a Board of Governors and an Executive Board, with a Managing […]
Inflation Edges Up to 2.9%: The Real Extra Cost Hitting Sri Lankan Family Budgets
Sri Lanka’s national inflation rate, measured by the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI), rose to 2.9% year-on-year in December 2025, up from 2.4% in November, as confirmed by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS). Food inflation drove this increase, climbing to 4.4%, while non-food inflation rose modestly to 1.6%. The urban-focused Colombo Consumers’ Price […]