President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held an online discussion with World Bank President Ajay Banga yesterday (27) at the Presidential Secretariat to outline Sri Lanka’s future development priorities.

Banga highlighted the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in creating new job opportunities and addressing development challenges. Discussions included financial and technical assistance for programs in education, health, social protection, and economic development.

The World Bank, already active in areas such as economic policy, finance, and poverty alleviation, plans to expand its support to agriculture, water management, environmental sustainability, infrastructure, and digital transformation.

President Dissanayake emphasized the gove ment’s focus on poverty alleviation in rural areas, boosting investments in the energy sector, and strengthening state revenue through tourism, shipping, and public institutions. He also discussed the importance of enhancing education and vocational training to meet workforce demands, particularly in the North and East.

The World Bank President announced that Sri Lanka will host the 20 South Asia Joint Offices, set to open on July 25, 2025, facilitating coordination among key World Bank Group organizations.

Deputy Ministers Professor Anil Jayantha Fe ando and Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma also participated in the discussions.