Ambassador Wickramasuriya meets new World Bank Country Head

Sri Lanka Ambassador in the US Jaliya Wickramasuriya held discussions with the World Bank’s newly-designated country director for Sri Lanka Diarietou Gaye last week week prior to her departure to Sri Lanka.

Ambassador Wickramasuriya briefed Diarietou Gaye, the new country director, on the political and economic situation of the country. He also explained the importance of the support of development partners like the World Bank in implementing the Government of Sri Lanka’s ambitious plans for reconciliation and economic expansion -- the  Mahinda Chintana Ediri Dakma -- the Government’s program for future development.

During the meeting, Gaye reaffirmed the World Bank’s strong and expanding support to Sri Lanka as it transitions to a peaceful, middle-income country. Gaye also briefed the Ambassador of the successful meetings held during the recent visit of Dr.Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Managing Director of the World Bank, to Sri Lanka.

During the discussions, Amit Dar, former acting Country Director, mentioned that with Sri Lanka’s new eligibility for financing from the IBRD (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development), there is a potential to more than double the amount of resources available to Sri Lanka every year, which is also recognition of Sri Lanka’s middle income country status.

On behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, Ambassador Wickramasuriya conveyed his appreciation to the World Bank for providing support to complement the country’s development goals, and noted that he looks forward to working with the World Bank closely in the future.

The meeting at the official Sri Lankan Residence was also attended by the World Bank’s G. Padmanadathan, Manager/ Sustainable Development, Rajashree Paralkar, Acting Country Programme Director  and Dr P. N. Weerasinghe, Alternate Executive Director to the International Monetary Fund, as well as Sri Lankan Embassy officials.