In a virtual meeting held on November 27, 2024, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake engaged in a comprehensive discussion with World Bank Group (WBG) President Ajay Banga on Sri Lanka's development priorities. The meeting, held at the Presidential Secretariat, centered on advancing the nation's economic growth, poverty alleviation, and digital transformation.
World Bank's Commitment to Sri Lanka's Development
President Banga reaffirmed the World Bank Group's dedication to addressing critical development challenges in Sri Lanka. The WBG pledged financial and technical assistance for initiatives in education, healthcare, social protection, and economic prosperity. This commitment extends to bolstering economic policy, institutional development, agriculture, climate action, infrastructure, and digital transformation.
President Banga also announced that Sri Lanka will host the South Asia Integrated Office, set to open on July 25, 2025. This strategic decision makes Sri Lanka one of only 20 countries globally to host an integrated office, aimed at enhancing collaboration among the World Bank Group's four institutions: the IBRD, IDA, IFC, and MIGA.
Government Priorities: Poverty Alleviation and Economic Growth
President Dissanayake outlined the government’s focus on poverty alleviation, particularly in rural regions, and emphasized the role of digitalization in increasing government revenue. He highlighted key sectors driving growth, such as tourism, energy, maritime industries, and state-owned enterprises (SOEs), while inviting private investors to participate in power generation projects.
Development in the North and East
The President stressed the importance of improving education and healthcare in the North and East, with a parallel focus on vocational training to align workforce skills with evolving industry demands. This holistic approach aims to drive sustainable development and uplift human resources in these regions.
A Milestone for Sri Lanka and the World Bank
The establishment of the World Bank’s South Asia Integrated Office in Sri Lanka marks a significant milestone in the country's development journey. It reflects the growing importance of Sri Lanka as a regional hub for economic collaboration and innovation.
Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma were also present during the discussion.
This partnership between the Sri Lankan government and the World Bank Group underscores a shared vision for a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future.
For more updates on Sri Lanka's progress, stay tuned!
