The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) have formalized the second phase of their partnership to advance financial literacy across the country, reaffirming their commitment to the implementation of Sri Lanka’s National Financial Literacy Roadmap (2024–2028).
The initiative, which forms a key component of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS), was symbolically marked yesterday (15) during a meeting between Central Bank Governor Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe and UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Azusa Kubota, together with senior representatives from both institutions.
According to a joint statement, the renewed collaboration builds on the technical support provided by UNDP during 2024 and 2025 and aims to empower individuals and communities—particularly vulnerable groups—with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions, strengthen household resilience, and support sustainable economic growth.
The second phase of the partnership will focus on three key areas:
Capacity Building at the National Level
The programme will strengthen the ability of government outreach officers, including Development Officers across all districts, to deliver financial literacy training to rural communities and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). UNDP will also support the enhancement of training modules developed by the Central Bank by incorporating climate-resilient financial management concepts.
National Awareness and Communication Campaigns
The partnership will support a comprehensive public awareness campaign aimed at improving financial literacy, promoting responsible financial behaviour, and increasing public understanding of financial management.
Integration of Financial Literacy into Development Programmes
Financial literacy components will be incorporated into UNDP’s inclusive economic growth and MSME support initiatives to improve financial decision-making, build resilience, and promote economic empowerment among beneficiaries.
The statement noted that these efforts align closely with the objectives of the National Financial Literacy Roadmap and complement the contributions of development partners, including the Government of Japan, Chrysalis, VISA, Hirdaramani-Lacoste, and others supporting financial literacy initiatives in Sri Lanka.
Commenting on the partnership, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe welcomed the continued collaboration and highlighted the importance of strengthening financial resilience, climate-related financial preparedness, public awareness, and capacity-building initiatives.
“These efforts will broaden the reach of financial literacy programmes and ensure that different segments of society have access to practical financial knowledge, helping them develop positive financial attitudes and responsible financial behaviour,” he said.
UNDP Resident Representative Azusa Kubota emphasized that financial literacy is a critical foundation for inclusive and resilient economies.
“Through our partnership with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, we are working to equip individuals, particularly the most vulnerable, with the knowledge and tools required to make informed financial decisions and build secure livelihoods,” she stated.
The initiative is expected to strengthen financial capabilities across Sri Lanka, contributing to more resilient households, greater financial inclusion, and sustainable economic development nationwide.
