FM, World Bank discuss key sector collaborations

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath today held a follow-up meeting with Mr. Gevorg Sargsyan, Country Manager of the World Bank for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, to review ongoing and future collaborations in line with Sri Lanka’s national development priorities. Discussions focused on the energy, tourism, ports & logistics, and agriculture sectors.

On tourism, Minister Herath expressed appreciation for the $200 million in phased funding dedicated to developing the sector, covering a range of initiatives aligned with the national vision. He emphasised that beyond boosting tourist arrivals, Sri Lanka aims to attract more high-value visitors by leveraging digital promotion to target niche markets and improving connectivity in the Northern and Eastern regions to tap into their potential.

The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing that strengthening tourism institutions and building institutional capacity will be crucial to ensuring sustainable growth and long-term benefits. Minister Herath thanked the World Bank for its continued partnership and commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s sustainable and resilient future.