World Bank pledges support for “Clean Sri Lanka” program

Friday, 6 December 2024 00:28 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

World Bank Executive Director Parameswaran Iyer (left) with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake 


The World Bank has expressed its commitment to supporting the Government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” program, as announced by World Bank Executive Director Parameswaran Iyer during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Wednesday. 

During a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, Iyer congratulated the President on forming the new Government and affirmed that all ongoing World Bank-supported projects in Sri Lanka will 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, plans for economic digitalisation, 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

The President also emphasised 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, 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 program.

The meeting was attended by senior Government officials, including Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

 

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