A virtual discussion on Sri Lanka’s development priorities was held yesterday (27) between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and World Bank President Ajay Banga at the Presidential Secretariat.
During the meeting, Mr. Banga outlined the potential support the World Bank could extend to Sri Lanka, focusing on creating new employment opportunities and addressing the country’s development challenges. The discussion also covered financial and technical assistance for initiatives in education, health, social protection, and economic development.
Currently, the World Bank supports Sri Lanka in areas such as economic policy, finance, competitiveness, investment, institutional development, and poverty alleviation. Moving forward, this support is expected to extend to promoting the agricultural sector, enhancing water management and security, fostering environmental sustainability, advancing social development, and upgrading infrastructure and digital transformation efforts.
President Dissanayake emphasized the government’s commitment to poverty alleviation, particularly in rural areas. He highlighted plans to boost investment in the energy sector and increase state revenue by strengthening the tourism industry, shipping, state institutions, and energy initiatives.
The President also underscored the importance of fostering economic growth in the North and East, with a special focus on improving education, health, and human resource development. He stressed the need to enhance education and vocational training to address the growing workforce demands in these regions.
World Bank President Banga announced that Sri Lanka has been selected as a host country for the 20 South Asia Joint Offices, set to be inaugurated on July 25, 2025. These offices will facilitate coordination among various entities under the World Bank Group, including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).
Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Professor Anil Jayantha Fernando, and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, were also present during the discussion.
