Business
World Bank reassures support for Sri Lanka to build back better from COVID-19

The World Bank’s Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Faris Hadad-Zervos, concluded a successful visit to Sri Lanka where he reiterated the World Bank’s commitment to support Sri Lanka’s efforts towards recovery and to build back better from the COVID-19 shock.
Based in Kathmandu, Nepal, this latest mission followed the Country Director’s introductory visit to Sri Lanka last November after assuming his new role in July 2020. Hadad-Zervos was joined by Chiyo Kanda, the Country Manager for Maldives and Sri Lanka, based in Colombo.
“Sri Lanka’s economy is on the road to recovery after the worst downturn on record last year. The World Bank stands ready to support the Sri Lankan government as it strives to protect its people from the pandemic, while addressing the vulnerabilities in the macro-fiscal environment,” said Faris. H. Hadad-Zervos, the World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. “Recovery and resilience in the post-COVID era can be accelerated by an export-oriented growth model that taps the full potential of private investments and that increases competitiveness and growth.”
The visit coincided with the launch of the Sri Lanka Development Update: Economic and Poverty Impact of COVID-19, which was released on April 9. The report provides an update on Sri Lanka’s economy and outlook, highlighting the devastating impact of the pandemic. Sri Lanka’s economy contracted by 3.6 percent in 2020, the worst growth performance on record, as is the case in many countries fighting the pandemic, but is expected to recover to 3.4 percent in 2021, mainly due to foreign investments as well as normalizing tourism and other economic activities.
During the visit, the World Bank management team met with key government officials, including Minister of Plantations Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Water Supply Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Minister of Highways Johnston Fernando, State Minister of Money and Capital Market and State Enterprise Reforms Ajith Nivard Cabraal, chairman of the Special Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival and Poverty Alleviation Basil Rajapaksa, Secretary to the President Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, Secretary to the Treasury Ajith Attygalle, Secretary at the Ministry of Technology Jayantha de Silva, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, and the Governor of the Central Bank Prof. W. D. Lakshman.
Meetings were also held with private sector representatives, development partners as well as thought leaders to better understand how the World Bank can add value to Sri Lanka’s inclusive growth and sustainable development story.
“The in-depth discussions we have had with government officials, private sector and development partners will help us focus on the priority areas – critical for building a greener and more resilient economy that benefits all Sri Lankans,” said Chiyo Kanda, World Bank Country Manager for Maldives and Sri Lanka “We explored many new, exciting avenues for collaboration including harnessing the power of digital technologies to provide more and better opportunities for all Sri Lankans.”
The visit also saw the signing of two important agreements between the World Bank and Sri Lankan Government. A $69.53 million credit will help improve dams and irrigation schemes covering 165,000 hectares of agricultural land and improve the management of watersheds and water resources, benefitting 356,000 farming families. Under a second $69.33 million loan, a modern transport terminal will be built in Kandy city that will integrate rail, bus, three-wheeler, and pedestrian traffic to make it safer and more efficient.
The World Bank responded to the COVID-19 outbreak in Sri Lanka by repurposing a large portion of its current portfolio to assist the government in reducing the pandemic’s effects. Supplying critical personal protective equipment (PPE), providing temporary cash assistance to vulnerable groups, strengthening COVID-19 security mechanisms on public transportation, promoting tele-education for students, and providing technologies to enhance public service delivery are some of the initiatives supported by the World Bank. Further support in managing the situation, especially through a speedy and efficient vaccination program, is also on the table.
The current World Bank portfolio in Sri Lanka consists of 19 ongoing projects, with a total commitment value of US$2.33 billion in a variety of sectors including transport, urban, agriculture, water, education and health. Link: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2021/04/25/world-bank-reassures-support-for-srilanka
Business
Mini-hydro power emerging a more sustainable option than thermal power

Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) analysis shows that the running cost for mini- hydro projects is some Rs 25 million per year, making them a financially sustainable solution for energy generation, in comparison to the extremely high running costs borne by thermal power plants operated by the Ceylon Electricity Board.
A senior official told The Island Financial Review that in the pursuit of sustainable and cost-efficient energy solutions, mini- hydro projects have emerged as a viable alternative, particularly for the private sector. “Small-scale hydroelectric power can be managed effectively with minimal operational costs, he added.
The official noted that mini hydro projects are typically small-scale hydroelectric power stations that generate electricity by utilizing natural water flow without the need for large dams or reservoirs. They offer a reliable source of renewable energy with lower environmental impact compared to larger hydro projects.
The private sector has been actively involved in managing mini- hydro projects, recognizing their potential to provide a stable revenue stream while contributing to clean energy production. “The scale of these projects aligns well with private sector capabilities, as they require relatively lower capital investment and can be efficiently managed by smaller teams, he added.
Moreover, the official said, with advancements in technology and increasing emphasis on renewable energy, mini- hydro projects offer opportunities for public-private partnerships. Incentives such as tax benefits, favorable tariffs, and government support for renewable energy further enhance the attractiveness of these investments.
“Beyond financial feasibility, mini- hydro projects bring several long-term benefits. They contribute to energy security by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the impact of power shortages. Additionally, they have minimal environmental disruption compared to large-scale hydroelectric plants, preserving local ecosystems and water resources, he added.
By Ifham Nizam
Business
HNB hosts Women’s Day program empowering 300+ microfinance entrepreneurs

Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) reaffirmed its commitment to fostering financial inclusion and empowering women entrepreneurs by hosting a corporate event in celebration of International Women’s Day 2025. The program brought together over 300 microfinance entrepreneurs, alongside business leaders, financial experts, and HNB representatives, creating a platform for knowledge sharing and empowerment. The initiative aimed to equip women with the insights and resources needed to drive sustainable business growth and strengthen their entrepreneurial journeys.
Held under the theme of Empowerment and Financial Literacy, the event featured insightful discussions, educational sessions, and an engaging panel on financial management and entrepreneurship. Women entrepreneurs from across the country participated in the event, sharing their experiences and learning from industry experts on how to navigate challenges and expand their businesses.
HNB’s Managing Director/CEO, Damith Pallewatte, addressed the gathering, reiterating the bank’s role in fostering inclusive economic growth and empowering women-led enterprises.
“Today, there is a growing trend of grassroots-level women engaging in entrepreneurship, which is a crucial factor for the country’s progress. Recognizing the importance of empowering women, HNB has taken steps to create vast opportunities for them. Through initiatives focused on financial literacy, empowerment, introducing role models, and strengthening networks, we aim to contribute to the advancement of women and support their journey toward success.”
The event featured a series of expert-led sessions designed to equip women entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions. A financial literacy program conducted by Keerthi Dunuthilaka, Deputy Director of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), provided key insights on managing and growing businesses. Viranga Gamage, HNB’s Head of Deposits, presented investment options tailored for women entrepreneurs, while Raman Jeikumaar, Senior Manager – Tax & Group Accounting, simplified tax management for SMEs. Dr. Hashi Peiris from the University of Kelaniya delivered an inspiring session on holistic empowerment, and entrepreneur Shamali Wickremasinghe shared her journey to success. Additionally, Sanesh Fernando, Chief Business Officer of HNB Assurance PLC, highlighted the importance of life insurance in securing financial stability for business owners.
Business
‘Sri Lanka’s digital industry: Resilient, adaptive, and poised for growth amid policy shifts’

The digital services sector in Sri Lanka has witnessed new tax measures introduced in the latest national budget, which mark a significant shift in the industry’s financial landscape. While these measures present challenges, the industry remains steadfast in its commitment to growth, innovation, and resilience. The Ministry of Digital Economy, in collaboration with key industry stakeholders, is actively engaging to ensure that Sri Lanka remains a competitive and attractive hub for digital services, both regionally and globally.
The digital sector has long been one of the most dynamic and future-ready industries in Sri Lanka, withstanding economic crises, global downturns, and disruptive technological shifts. Even during the most difficult periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis that followed, the industry remained robust, leveraging innovation and adaptability to sustain growth. The introduction of new tax policies, while impacting stakeholders, is being met with a proactive approach by both the Government and industry leaders to mitigate negative consequences and capitalize on long-term opportunities.
A key aspect of the Government’s fiscal strategy has been to ensure a level playing field by requiring all companies—both local and international—to contribute to the nation’s economy through taxation. Historically, non-domiciled digital service providers had an advantage over local companies, as they were not required to pay taxes for services offered within Sri Lanka. This policy shift is expected to generate additional revenue for the Government while ensuring fairness in the market. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential implications of increased taxation on digital exports and freelancers, as this may encourage relocation of businesses and banking operations to more tax-friendly jurisdictions. Despite these challenges, the Ministry of Digital Economy, in collaboration with key industry organizations, is focused on implementing measures to sustain and enhance the growth of Sri Lanka’s digital economy. Several strategies are being explored to provide relief and long-term benefits to industry players. These include concessionary loan schemes, investment in skill development, improved digital infrastructure, and the creation of IT parks and co-working spaces to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
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