A high-level meeting between the President of the World Bank Group, Mr. Ajay Banga, who is currently on an official visit to Sri Lanka, and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, took place this afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat.
This visit marks a significant moment, as it is the first time in nearly two decades that a sitting World Bank President has visited Sri Lanka.
During the meeting, extensive discussions were held regarding the support the World Bank Group could extend to Sri Lanka in achieving its long-term development goals. Special focus was placed on sectors that offer potential for short-term gains, such as digitalization, tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure development. The discussion also highlighted the importance of advancing development initiatives in the Northern and Eastern regions of the country.
Both parties also addressed the legislative measures being implemented by the Sri Lankan government to attract new investments. The government’s overarching policy framework designed to support this effort was also reviewed.
Attending the meeting from the World Bank side were Trevor Kincaid, Special Advisor to the World Bank Group; David Sislen, World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives; Imad Fakhoury, Regional Director for South Asia at the International Finance Corporation (IFC); and Gevorg Sargsyan, World Bank Country Director for the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Representing the Government of Sri Lanka were Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development; Harshana Suriyapperuma, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning; Russell Aponso, Senior Additional Secretary to the President; along with other senior officials.
