IMF holds forecast for Sri Lanka 2019 growth at 3.5% despite attacks

COLOMBO - The International Monetary Fund said on Thursday it was holding its projection for Sri Lanka's 2019 economic growth at 3.5% despite devastating Easter bombings that have alienated tourists and soured business sentiment.

"We maintain this year's growth projection at 3.5% with the gradual improvement of the economy," Manuela Goretti, the IMF's mission chief for Sri Lanka, said in a teleconference with journalists in the capital Colombo.

(Reporting by Shihar Aneez Writing by Alexandra Ulmer Editing by Darren) ((alexandra.ulmer@thomsonreuters.com; Twitter: @AlexandraUlmer; +919513100583; Reuters Messaging: alexandra.ulmer.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))