World Bank Group President Ajay Banga arrives in Colombo today

• First World Bank President to visit SL in 20 years

World Bank (WB) Group President Ajay Banga touches down in Colombo today, marking the first visit by a WB chief in nearly two decades.

The visit, extended on the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, comes at a critical point for the island as it attempts to rebuild economic stability, attract private investment, and deliver tangible outcomes on its reform promises. 

Banga, who will be in Sri Lanka for less than 24 hours, is scheduled to meet with President Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and key government and business leaders.

“Banga’s trip reflects the strong and enduring partnership between the World Bank Group and Sri Lanka, which spans more than 70 years. His visit will focus on supporting job creation, boosting private investment, and driving an inclusive and sustainable economic recovery for the country,” the WB Sri Lanka office said.

The World Bank has been a key partner in Sri Lanka’s recovery story, currently supporting the country through a US$ 2.2 billion portfolio across both public and private sector initiatives. While recent assessments from the institution have acknowledged progress, it has stressed the importance of staying the course, particularly on poverty reduction and structural reform.