Dr Sarath Obeysekera

My personal opinion  is that we should concentrate on attracting  FDI to develop marine resources with Trinco as a nucleus 

Youngsters wasting their energy and education  in driving Tuk Tuk should be given more training and develop vocational training and make them

Available for Marine sector development 

We keep nudging but stare should request WB to reallocate assets 

Quote 

the World Bank has strongly suggested that Sri Lanka develop its tourism and agriculture sectors as key drivers for economic recovery, job creation, and sustainable growth. In a five-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) launched in April 2026, the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) committed over US$1 billion to support Sri Lanka’s recovery, specifically targeting these areas. 

World Bank +3

Here are the details of the World Bank’s suggestions and support for these sectors:

1. Developing Tourism

• Focus: The strategy aims to expand the tourism sector by protecting natural and cultural assets, creating jobs, and ensuring benefits flow to local communities.
• Strategic Plan: The partnership supports the “Sri Lanka Tourism Strategic Plan 2026–2030”.
• Targeted Investment: The World Bankincludes a $200 million package focused on tourism expansion.
• Regional Growth: Specific attention is given to developing tourism in the Northern and Eastern provinces. 

World Bank +1

2. Developing Agriculture

• Climate-Smart Farming: The World Bankemphasizes moving toward climate-smart agriculture to build resilience against floods and droughts.
• Value Chain Enhancement: Support is designed to help farmers adopt modern technologies, reduce food loss, and access better markets for products like cinnamon, coconut, and seafood.
• Investment: A $100 million initiative was announced in 2025 to support agri-food producers and improve rural jobs.
• Private Sector Integration: The IFC is working to link smallholder farmers with private finance and agribusiness opportunities. 

World Bank +5

3. Contextual Goals

• Economic Growth: The overarching goal is to achieve 7% medium-term economic growth by leveraging these sectors, attracting private capital, and creating jobs for youth and women.
• Economic Stability: The development of these sectors is meant to diversify the economy and support a “Rurban” (Rural and Urban) development approach to ensure inclusive growth. 

World Bank +2

These recommendations are part of a broader shift from crisis management (following the 2022 economic collapse) to long-term sustainable, private sector-led growth.