He made these observations when he met with Annette Dixon, World Bank’s Vice President for the South Asia Region at the Presidential Secretariat, on Friday (18).

The President commended the assistance given by the World Bank for the development works of Sri Lanka and he also said that he will expect the fullest cooperation of World Bank for the future development works of the new Government too, President's Media Unit reported.

President Maithripala Sirisena further said that as a new Government they will expect to implement many new changes to the country and priority will be given to the elimination of poverty and to reduce income inequality.

President Sirisena requested the World Bank Vice President to provide assistance in getting new technological equipment to curb illicit drugs entering the country.

The President also said that the assistance of World Bank needed to the programs which are aimed at uplifting the agricultural sector while strengthening the local food production program.

The new Government has many new plans to attract foreign investments into the country by expanding the facilities for the foreign investments; the President further said and added that the Government expects to expand the country’s export market through these initiatives.

The President pointed out the importance of attracting high-end investors into the country for the development of the country and he said that by making required changes to the tax system of the country will pave the way to attract more foreign investments into the country.
The World Bank Vice President said that the World Bank will provide their fullest cooperation for the future development plans of the new Government.

She extended her congratulations to the President for forming a strong Government following the General Election and she further said that it is very important for the future development goals of Sri Lanka.

Ms Annette Dixon further said that the World Bank wishes to jointly launch their projects with the Government development projects.
“According to one of the World Bank surveys Sri Lanka is a country, which is more suitable for turn into a production center related to agricultural products”, she said and added that World Bank will provide their distinctive assistance for the upliftment of the agricultural sector of Sri Lanka.

A delegation including Françoise Clottes- World Bank’s Country director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, participated at the event.