PM requests ADB to initiate projects on renewable energy, public transport and digitalisation

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena yesterday requested the Asian Development Bank to initiate new projects in areas such as renewable energy, digitalisation, and public transport systems, especially the railways.

This request was made to ADB Country Director Takafumi Kadono who called on the Prime Minister who acknowledged ADB’s support provided to agriculture, rural small and medium sectors and other development projects.

The Prime Minister also thanked the ADB for extending support to Sri Lanka for economic stabilisation after the unprecedented economic crisis.

Kadono briefed the Prime Minister about the ADB’s mid-term and long-term projects for economic progress and infrastructure development. The ongoing projects cover areas such as strengthening public financial management and governance, fostering private sector development, improving access to public services and deepening inclusion, social protection, equitable access, health, climate and agriculture modernisation. He said that ADB Governing Board Members will arrive in Sri Lanka to study the progress of projects and to inquire into the areas of future projects, for which the Prime Minister’s proposals for new projects could be considered.

Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake and ADB Deputy Country Director Utsav Kumar were also present at the discussion.