World Bank financial, technical assistance for key Government projects – VP Raiser

World Bank’s South Asia Vice President Martin Raiser said the organization is committed to providing financial and technical assistance for Sri Lanka’s key Government projects.

This statement was made during a meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and representatives of the World Bank held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (21).

During the discussion, consensus was reached to extend financial and technical support for programmes aimed at generating employment for youth, the “Clean Sri Lanka” project, poverty alleviation in rural areas, and digital transformation projects.

New projects in the areas of education, energy, digitalisation and Northern development were also discussed for potential support.

Raiser assured that the World Bank would ensure the timely disbursement of approved financial assistance for Sri Lanka.

President Dissanayake emphasised that rural poverty could be alleviated by developing the education sector. He called on the World Bank representatives to support the Government’s ongoing educational reforms and requested assistance for the development of the public transportation sector.

Despite 28% of Sri Lanka’s labour force being engaged in agriculture, the sector contributes only around 6% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The President highlighted that this contribution is insufficient and needs improvement.

The President explained the Government’s plans to provide essential facilities for the population, given the country’s high population density.

The meeting also covered the Government’s strategies for youth employment generation and the implementation of new programmes to attract tourists in 2025.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also revealed plans for the rapid development of ports and airports and stated that the Government is focused on speeding up port development initiatives.

Special attention is being directed toward Northern development, with plans to establish three investment zones in the Northern Province.

The President added that efforts are underway to enhance tourism in the North, improve water facilities, and address the social issues of the Northern population while preserving their cultural identity.

The meeting was attended by Labour Minister and Economic Development Deputy Minister, Dr.Anil Jayantha Fernando, Secretary to the President Dr.Nandika Sanath Kumanayake; World Bank’s Nepal, Maldives and Sri Lanka, Regional Country Director David Sislen, the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) Sri Lanka and Maldives Country Manager Gevorg Sargsyan and Vice President’s Special Assistant, Kishan Abeygunawardena.

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