Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake Secures ADB Support for Tourism, Energy, and SMEs
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with Takafumi Kadono, the Permanent Representative of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Sri Lanka, on the 7th of October at the Presidential Secretariat. The meeting centered around ADB’s commitment to providing financial assistance for key sectors in Sri Lanka, including tourism, energy, and small-scale enterprises.
ADB to Support Sri Lanka’s Economic Development
During the discussion, President Dissanayake was informed that the ADB has agreed to finance projects aimed at boosting the country’s tourism industry, improving energy infrastructure, and supporting small-scale entrepreneurs. Kadono assured that all existing agreements with Sri Lanka will be upheld, emphasizing the ADB’s ongoing commitment to the nation’s economic growth.
Focus on Enhancing the Tourism Sector
One of the key highlights was ADB’s commitment to enhancing Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. Kadono emphasized that the necessary resources will be allocated to improve tourism infrastructure, particularly in the northern region of Sri Lanka, which has vast untapped potential. The development of this region could drive more tourism traffic and economic growth.
Financial Assistance for Energy and SMEs
In addition to tourism, the ADB has expressed a strong interest in supporting the development of Sri Lanka’s energy sector, a critical area for sustainable economic progress. The bank also plans to extend financial assistance to small-scale entrepreneurs, recognizing the importance of SMEs in driving local economies and providing employment opportunities.
This collaboration between Sri Lanka and the Asian Development Bank marks a significant step towards fostering sustainable development and improving the nation’s economic outlook.