The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged financial support to strengthen Sri Lanka’s tourism, energy, and small-scale entrepreneurship sectors. This announcement was made during a meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka, Takafumi Kadono, held this morning (7th) at the Presidential Secretariat.
During the discussion, Kadono reaffirmed the ADB’s commitment to upholding all existing agreements aimed at revitalizing Sri Lanka’s economy. He emphasized that the bank’s ongoing projects would proceed as planned, ensuring continued economic development.
Highlighting the importance of tourism in driving economic growth, the ADB expressed its willingness to provide financial assistance to enhance infrastructure and related facilities within the sector. In response to a specific request by President Dissanayake, the ADB agreed to prioritize the development of the tourism industry in Sri Lanka’s Northern region.
In addition to tourism, the ADB reiterated its readiness to support the growth of the country’s energy sector and small-scale entrepreneurs. Further, the bank offered financial assistance to bolster the development of Sri Lanka’s financial sector, aligning with broader economic recovery goals.
The meeting was attended by Cholpon Mambetova, ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka; Mahinda Siriwardena, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance; D.A.P. Abeysekara, Director General; Udeni Udugahapattu, Director; and Senior Economic Officers Hasitha Wickramasinghe and Lakshini Fernando.
