The children of Sri Lanka are suffering immensely due to the compounded impacts of debt and climate crises such as Cyclone Ditwah. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) holds a crucial role in mitigating these hardships, but more action is urgently required to shield these vulnerable young lives from further devastating impacts.

Sri Lanka is grappling with an economic crisis, a burden exacerbated by towering debts and a worsening climate situation. The repercussions are most severe on the nation's children, impacting their health, education, and overall well-being. According to a World Bank report, Sri Lanka’s sovereign debt crisis constrained household budgets and led many families to reduce their consumption of nutritious foods; this contributed to a rise in child malnutrition, with the share of underweight children under five increasing from 12.2 % to 17.0% and stunting among children under five rising from 7.4 % to 10.5 % between 2021 and 2024.

The 2022 economic crisis and the 2025 floods have significantly disrupted livelihoods, leading to increased poverty levels. According to UNICEF, one in four children in Sri Lanka is living in poverty. These hardships are further compounded by the impacts of the pandemic, curtailing access to education and healthcare services.

In response to these pressing challenges, the IMF must reassess its policies and engage in substantial debt relief measures targeting Sri Lanka. The IMF has the capacity to implement more equitable repayment terms, allowing the government to allocate resources towards social programs directly benefiting children, such as educational initiatives, nutrition programs, and healthcare services.

Moreover, the IMF should actively support climate resilience programs in Sri Lanka, ensuring investments are dedicated to sustainable development projects that secure a safer future for all children. Building resilient infrastructure, promoting renewable energy, and offering technical guidance for climate adaptation strategies must become priorities.

Over 120 leading economists and academics worldwide, including Professor Jayati Ghosh, Nobel Laureate Professor Joseph Stilitz, Professor Thomas Piketty, Professor Yanis Varoufakis, Professor Martin Guzman, Professor Jason Hickle, Professor Stephanie Kelton and Professor CP Chandrasekhar have called on the IMF to immediately suspend Sri Lanka’s external sovereign debt payments and implement a new restructuring plan that ensures debt sustainability under current conditions.

We call upon the IMF to prioritise Sri Lanka's youngest and most vulnerable citizens in its debt sustainability assessments and strategies. By empowering the country to break free from the cycle of debt and adapt to climate challenges, we protect our children’s right to a healthy, stable, and prosperous future.

Act now to end the suffering and secure a brighter future for Sri Lanka's children. Sign this petition and demand the IMF to take responsibility and action for the welfare of these children.