World Bank backs Sri Lanka’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme

The World Bank has expressed its commitment to supporting the Government of Sri Lanka’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, as announced by World Bank Executive Director Parameswaran Iyer during a meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo yesterday (December 4).

Congratulating the President on forming the new government, Mr. Iyer affirmed that all ongoing World Bank-supported projects in Sri Lanka would continue uninterrupted.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for President Dissanayake to outline his administration’s future development agenda. Key topics of discussion included efforts to alleviate rural poverty and plans for economic digitalization, highlighted by the Digital Identity Card initiative.

A comprehensive discussion was held on addressing the longstanding challenges faced by the people in the North and East, with a particular focus on resolving land and housing issues affecting the plantation community.

President Dissanayake emphasized the government’s primary focus areas, which include advancing the agriculture, fisheries, tourism, education, and health sectors. He underscored the importance of these sectors in fostering national development and improving livelihoods.

In response, Mr. Iyer stated that the World Bank is prepared to convene an advisory group to explore initial steps for supporting the government’s development priorities. He also commended the President’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme.

The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including the Minister of Labour 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.