World Bank support for government's future Plans

Today (04), The president had the pleasure of meeting Parameswaran Iyer, the Executive Director of the World Bank, at the Presidential Secretariat.

During their discussion, Mr. Iyer congratulated the new government and reaffirmed the World Bank's commitment to supporting the “Clean Sri Lanka” program. He assured the president that all on-going World Bank-supported projects will continue to be implemented as planned.

President and the group also had an in-depth conversation about the government’s future development plans, including initiatives to eradicate rural poverty, the digital identity card project linked to the economic digitalization program, and several other key areas. Addressing long-standing issues faced by the people in the North and East was another critical focus of their discussion. This included land and housing challenges for those in plantation areas.

The president emphasized that the government’s primary development priorities are in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, education, and health. These sectors are essential to the nation’s progress. Mr. Iyer expressed his willingness to engage with a local advisory group as a first step in supporting the government’s development agenda.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of Labor and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Professor Anil Jayantha, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, and Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.