World Bank Group President Ajay Banga will visit Sri Lanka on Wednesday, May 7—the first visit by a World Bank president to the country in nearly two decades. The trip, made at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, comes as Sri Lanka navigates a challenging path toward economic recovery.
Banga is expected to meet with President Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and other senior leaders from both the government and private sector. The visit will focus on boosting private investment, creating jobs, and advancing inclusive and sustainable growth.
The World Bank has maintained a 70-year partnership with Sri Lanka and currently supports the country with a $2.2 billion portfolio spanning public and private investments. While recent assessments acknowledge progress, the Bank continues to emphasize the urgency of poverty reduction and reform to ensure long-term resilience.
Ajay Banga is of Indian origin. He was born in Pune, India, in 1959. He is a naturalized U.S. citizen and became the first person of Indian descent to serve as President of the World Bank Group, assuming office on June 2, 2023.
Before joining the World Bank, Banga held top leadership roles in the global private sector, including as CEO and Executive Chairman of Mastercard. He has also worked with companies like Citigroup and Nestlé and has been actively involved in international development initiatives. His background combines finance, development, and a strong commitment to inclusive economic growth.
