Sri Lanka Now Has a Government People Trust : IMF Chief

by Zulfick Farzan 06-03-2026 | 4:03 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva says Sri Lanka’s recovery is being powered by a rare and valuable asset: public trust in the government.

She emphasized that the willingness of Sri Lankans to endure difficult reforms stems from their confidence that the current administration is acting honestly and responsibly.

“Governments have a responsibility to create the conditions for growth, but not to run economic entities,” Georgieva said, noting that many governments have stepped back from areas where they are least effective. “But the job is not quite yet done.”

She stressed that trust in society is a “tremendous asset,” adding that Sri Lanka now benefits from a government that people believe in.

“Sri Lanka now has a government that people trust. Because they trust the government, they are willing to accept pain to get the country on a better track.”

Georgieva described trust as essential not only for implementing reform but also for ensuring that advances in technology benefit all citizens, not just the privileged. “Getting those advancements to work for everybody… does require measures in place, and trust in these measures.”

To illustrate how strongly Sri Lankans feel, Georgieva shared a personal encounter from her recent visit.

“I am on the plane, SriLankan Airlines. The flight attendant comes to me, recognizing that I am the IMF, and says: Thank you for helping our country. And then he says, please help this government, these are honest people.” She said this sense of responsibility, particularly the commitment to eliminate corruption and waste, was crucial for stimulating growth.

“That kind of responsibility for eliminating corruption, eliminating waste, that is a factor in getting growth up.”

Georgieva added that global economic cooperation remains vital for boosting growth in an interconnected world.

“By working together, we lift up global growth.” Her remarks underscore the IMF’s belief that Sri Lanka’s ability to rebuild hinges not only on policies and reforms, but on the trust between the government and its people, a foundation she says is now firmly in place.