WASHINGTON ; This week I’ve been at the @WorldBank here in Washington DC for the Spring Meetings working cli osely with the @WorldBankWater team to put together a new framework for Sri Lanka’s water sector. We agreed on a new plan of action for Sri Lanka that will continue to support the reforms we are pursuing in the water sector thanks to @ADB_HQ .
Through the @WorldBank @IFC_org and @MIGA’s support we will:
1. Re profile the @NwsdbOfficial’s debt and put the Water Board on the path of financial sustainability;
2. Improve the credit worthiness of Sri Lanka’s water sector through new credit enhancement instruments and guarantee schemes;
3. Re-structure and re-start water projects through public private partnerships so that we can increase access to clean and affordable drinking water and achieve #SDG6;
4. Help build capacity of the @NwsdbOfficial, municipal water departments and the over 5000 community based water organisations in Sri Lanka to improve their quality, efficiency and service delivery; and
5. Set up a new water services regulator so that consumers can hold water service providers accountable for better quality water and services and transparent pricing.
We also discussed the various issues facing the plantation community and the need for targeted interventions to address some of the unique challenges they face. Our new plan of action for the plantation community will include:
1. Assistance to upgrade and expand vocational training centres to reskill and upskill workers;
2. Develop a comprehensive early childhood programme that invests in every child’s wellbeing from nutrition, to education and their protection; and
3. Targeted financial inclusion schemes that will support community entrepreneurs and encourage female entrepreneurship.
Together we will develop a results oriented funding programme that will target marginalised communities improving their access to water, health, services and opportunities.
I thank @SarojJha001, the World Bank’s Global Director for Water for inviting me and extending the full support of his team and that of the @WorldBank. I look forward to deepening our engagement and delivering results to the people of Sri Lanka. #water #SpringMeetings2024 #WorldBank #IFC #SriLanka
