The World Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, as stated by World Bank Executive Director Parameswaran Iyer during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on December 4.
Congratulating President Dissanayake on forming a new government, Mr. Iyer assured that all ongoing World Bank-supported projects in Sri Lanka would proceed without interruption.
During the discussion, President Dissanayake presented his administration’s development agenda, which focuses on alleviating rural poverty and advancing economic digitalization, highlighted by the implementation of the Digital Identity Card initiative, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
The meeting also addressed longstanding challenges in the North and East, particularly land and housing issues impacting the plantation community.
President Dissanayake identified agriculture, fisheries, tourism, education, and health as key sectors for national development, stressing their importance in improving livelihoods and fostering economic growth.
In response, Mr. Iyer announced that the World Bank would convene an advisory group to explore initial steps for supporting the government’s priorities. He also commended the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme for its focus on sustainability and development.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Professor Anil Jayantha, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Source: PMD
