Vice President for South Asia at the World Bank, Martin Raiser, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s critical government initiatives with financial and technical assistance.
This assurance was given during a meeting today (January 21) between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and representatives of the World Bank at the Presidential Secretariat, according to a statement from the President’s Media Division (PMD).
During the discussion, the World Bank agreed to provide support for programs focused on youth employment generation, the “Clean Sri Lanka” project, poverty alleviation in rural areas, and digital transformation.
The meeting also explored potential backing for new projects in education, energy, digitalization, and Northern development. Mr. Raiser assured the timely disbursement of approved financial assistance for the country.
President Dissanayake emphasized the importance of enhancing the education sector as a means to combat rural poverty. He urged the World Bank to back the government’s ongoing educational reforms and called for assistance in modernizing the public transportation system.
Despite agriculture engaging 28% of Sri Lanka’s labor force, the sector contributes only 6% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The President highlighted the need for significant improvements in this area.
The discussion also addressed the government’s commitment to providing essential facilities for the population, given the country’s high population density.
Key initiatives under consideration include strategies for youth employment, developing tourism programs for 2025, and accelerating the modernization of ports and airports. Special emphasis was placed on Northern development, with plans to establish three investment zones in the Northern Province.
Efforts to enhance tourism in the north, improve water supply, and address social issues in the region while preserving its cultural identity were also highlighted.
The meeting was attended by several high-level officials, including Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando; Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake; World Bank Regional Country Director for Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, David Sislen; World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives, Gevorg Sargsyan; and the Vice President’s Special Assistant, Kishan Abeygunawardena.
