Colombo: The World Bank’s Vice President for South Asia, Johannes Zutt, concluded his first official visit to Sri Lanka yesterday. During his two-day visit, he engaged in discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Secretary to the Treasury Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, and other senior officials.

According to World Bank, the visit followed World Bank Group (WBG) President Ajay Banga’s visit in May, during which the Bank committed over US$1 billion in financing for Sri Lanka over the next three years. Since that commitment, the WBG and Sri Lanka have initiated two significant programs: a renewable energy program aimed at developing 1 GW with private investment, valued at US$150 million, and an agriculture project worth $100 million.

Further plans are set to unfold over the next 12 months, including new operations in tourism, regional development focusing on the Northern and Eastern provinces, digital development, and ports and logistics.