The World Bank is committed to providing financial and technical support for key government projects in Sri Lanka, said its South Asia Vice President, Martin Riser.

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

During the discussion, it was agreed to provide financial and technical support for programs aimed at creating jobs for the youth, the “Clean Sri Lanka” project, poverty alleviation in rural areas and digital transformation projects.

New projects in the fields of education, energy, digitization and northern development were also discussed for potential support.

Mr. Martin Riser assured that the World Bank will ensure the timely disbursement of approved financial assistance to Sri Lanka.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that rural poverty can be eradicated by developing the education sector. He urged the World Bank representatives to support the government’s ongoing education reforms and support the development of the public transport sector.

Although 28% of Sri Lanka’s workforce is engaged in agriculture, the sector contributes only about 6% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The President emphasized that this contribution is not enough and it should be improved.

Considering the country’s high population density, the President explained the government’s plans to provide essential amenities to the population.

The meeting also covered the government’s strategy for youth employment and the implementation of new programs to attract tourists in 2025.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also revealed plans for rapid development of ports and airports and said that the government has focused on speeding up port development initiatives.

Special attention is paid to the development of the North by planning to establish three investment zones in the Northern Province.

The President further said that efforts will be made to improve tourism in the North, improve water facilities and solve the social problems of the people of the North and protect their cultural identity.

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