The Cabinet has granted approval to implement the proposed Integrated Regional Development Program in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern Provinces.
Under the International Development Cooperation Agency of the World Bank Group, a total financial allocation of US$ 1,000 million will be provided to Sri Lanka for a six-year period from 2026 to 2031. Of this amount, US$ 100 million has been earmarked for the proposed Integrated Regional Development Program to be carried out in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
The first phase of the program will focus on projects aimed at enhancing regional production potential, including sectors such as tourism and fisheries. It will also seek to create new employment opportunities or improve existing jobs, support enterprises, attract private capital, and develop infrastructure to strengthen institutional capacity in selected areas of the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
Accordingly, the Cabinet approved a proposal submitted by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, authorizing the Department of External Resources to engage in negotiations with the World Bank and permitting the Ministry to undertake other preliminary activities related to the implementation of the proposed project.
