World Bank Group President, Mr. Ajay Banga, concluded a successful visit to Sri Lanka and engaged in high-level discussions with government leaders, including President Anura Kumara Disanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath.
During his visit, Mr. Banga reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s development goals, emphasizing the organization’s role as a critical partner in Sri Lanka’s economic and social progress. In his meeting with Minister Herath, World Bank President Mr. Banga highlighted the importance of continued collaboration to tackle the country’s challenges and ensure long-term prosperity.
Both parties exchanged valuable insights into ongoing and future cooperation across several key sectors which are essential for Sri Lanka’s development including Education, Tourism, Primary healthcare, Agriculture, Renewable Energy and Trade & Investment.
The Minister expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the Bank’s unwavering support throughout Sri Lanka’s development journey. The World Bank’s steadfast commitment has been instrumental in driving Sri Lanka’s development initiatives, and the discussions on Wednesday (7th May) have further solidified our mutual goals for the future, the Minister remarked.
Mr. Banga conveyed the Bank’s willingness to partner Sri Lanka’s tourism development and growth with programmes to sustain natural and cultural assets, creating job opportunities and thus making tourism more sustainable and inclusive.
Mr. Banga reiterated that the World Bank remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s long-term development aspirations, emphasizing that continued cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, climate resilience, and human capital development will be key to ensuring sustained progress.
The World Bank has been a long-standing partner in Sri Lanka’s development, providing crucial funding, technical expertise, and policy advice for numerous development initiatives over the years. The successful visit of World Bank President Mr. Banga will pave the way for deeper collaboration with Sri Lanka.
Associated with the high level discussions were Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry Aruni Ranaraja, Special Advisor to the World Bank Group Trevor Kincaid, Country Division Director to Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka of the World Bank David Sislen and senior officials of the Ministry.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism
Colombo
10 May 2025
