News Today: World Bank support for Clean Sri Lanka programme boosts national development in agriculture, fisheries, and economic digitalization.

World Bank Executive Director Parameswaran Iyer has reaffirmed the institution’s support for Sri Lanka’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme. This commitment was conveyed during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on December 4.

Congratulating the President on his new Government, Iyer assured that all ongoing World Bank-supported projects in Sri Lanka would proceed without interruption. The meeting provided a platform for President Dissanayake to discuss future development goals, including alleviating rural poverty and digitalizing the economy through initiatives like the Digital Identity Card.

The discussion also addressed challenges in the Northern and Eastern regions, particularly housing and land issues faced by plantation communities. The President outlined priorities in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, education, and health, emphasizing their role in fostering development and improving livelihoods.

Iyer expressed enthusiasm for convening an advisory group to support the Government’s agenda and praised the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme as a visionary step.

The meeting saw participation from key officials, including Labour Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha, Finance Deputy Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.