World Bank Group President Ajay Banga will visit Sri Lanka on 7th of May marking the first such visit by a World Bank president in nearly two decades.
The visit comes at a crucial time as Sri Lanka works toward economic recovery and a more inclusive, resilient, and private sector-driven future.
The visit follows an invitation from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a congratulatory call after his appointment last November.
According to a statement, Mr. Banga’s visit underscores the World Bank’s longstanding partnership with Sri Lanka, which spans over 70 years.
The focus of the visit will include supporting job creation, encouraging private investment, and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.
Mr. Banga is expected to meet President Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and key government and private sector leaders to discuss strategies for overcoming current challenges.
The World Bank currently supports Sri Lanka with a $2.2 billion portfolio of projects aimed at public and private sector development.
While recent World Bank reports acknowledge Sri Lanka’s progress, they emphasize the need to continue reforms and address poverty to achieve long-term stability.
