World Bank’s Parameswaran Iyer commends President’s ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ program

World Bank Pledges Support for ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Program

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

Congratulating the President on forming the new government, Mr. Iyer affirmed that all ongoing World Bank-supported projects in Sri Lanka will continue uninterrupted.

The meeting also allowed President Dissanayake to outline his administration’s future development agenda. Key discussion topics included efforts to alleviate rural poverty and plans for economic digitalization, 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, focusing on resolving land and housing issues affecting the plantation community.

President Dissanayake emphasized the government’s primary focus areas: advancing agriculture, fisheries, tourism, education, and health. He underscored the importance of these sectors in fostering national development and improving livelihoods.

In response, Mr. 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 Professor Anil Jayantha, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.