By: Isuru Parakrama
December 05, Colombo (LNW): The World Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting Sri Lanka with the implementation of its “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, a new national initiative aimed at improving environmental standards across the country, announced the President’s Media Division (PMD).
This assurance was made by World Bank Executive Director Parameswaran Iyer during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (04).
Iyer congratulated President Dissanayake on his recent appointment and the establishment of the new government, expressing his confidence in Sri Lanka’s potential to move forward with its development goals.
He confirmed that all ongoing projects backed by the World Bank will continue without disruption, ensuring that key initiatives in infrastructure, education, and health are carried forward.
The meeting also provided a platform for President Dissanayake to present his government’s priorities for the coming years, with a focus on key areas such as reducing rural poverty, advancing digitalisation, and implementing the ambitious Digital Identity Card initiative.
These initiatives are seen as crucial steps towards modernising the country’s infrastructure and improving governance.
Another major issue discussed during the meeting was the need to address longstanding challenges in the Northern and Eastern provinces, particularly concerning land and housing issues affecting the plantation communities.
The President outlined his administration’s commitment to resolving these matters, alongside efforts to strengthen sectors like agriculture, fisheries, tourism, education, and health—areas he sees as vital for the nation’s economic growth and the enhancement of citizens’ livelihoods.
In response to these priorities, Iyer expressed the World Bank’s readiness to assemble an advisory group that will work closely with the Sri Lankan government to map out strategies for supporting these development objectives.
He also praised the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, recognising its importance for fostering a cleaner and more sustainable future for the nation.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including 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.
