World Bank Backs Sri Lanka’s Corruption-Free Reform Agenda

COLOMBO (News 1st); The World Bank has expressed strong support for Sri Lanka’s current economic reform program, following high-level discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo yesterday (15).

During the meeting, Johannes Zutt, Vice President for South Asia at the World Bank Group, along with a delegation of senior officials, commended the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy and emphasized the importance of focusing on economic growth and job creation. 

The discussions also explored opportunities for collaboration in digital transformation, tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, and regional development, particularly in the Northern and Eastern provinces.

President Dissanayake urged the World Bank to help amplify Sri Lanka’s progress on the global stage, highlighting the government’s commitment to a corruption-free and transparent governance model.

He noted that Sri Lanka is actively implementing a development strategy that prioritizes economic stability, inclusive growth, and international credibility.

The World Bank delegation acknowledged the government’s policy direction and the legal frameworks being established to attract new investments. 

They also recognized Sri Lanka’s efforts to identify short-term high-impact sectors and promote them for rapid development.

According to the President’s Media Division, the World Bank has already approved support for Sri Lanka’s proposed reform agenda, signaling confidence in the country’s trajectory.