Johannes Zutt, Vice President for South Asia at the World Bank, completed his first official visit to Sri Lanka on September 15, 2025. During the two-day trip, Zutt held meetings with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Secretary to the Treasury Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, and other senior officials.
The visit followed an earlier commitment by World Bank Group (WBG) President Ajay Banga in May 2025, when the institution pledged over $1 billion in financing for Sri Lanka across a three-year period. Since that pledge, the WBG and Sri Lankan authorities have launched two programs: a renewable energy initiative targeting 1 gigawatt of capacity through private investment ($150 million), and an agriculture project valued at $100 million. Additional projects are being planned in areas such as tourism, regional development—especially in the Northern and Eastern provinces—digital development, and improvements to ports and logistics.
Zutt expressed support for recent economic stabilization efforts undertaken by the government. He stated: “It was a privilege to visit Sri Lanka and meet with President Dissanayake to learn about his government’s vision for growth,” Zutt said. “The groundwork for recovery has been laid. Now is the time to focus on jobs, investment, and inclusive development. The World Bank Group is ready to support Sri Lanka in this journey, prioritizing mobilization of private capital and attracting foreign direct investment to expand services and create jobs.”
During discussions with national leaders, Zutt commended ongoing reforms aimed at creating employment opportunities, encouraging private investment, and modernizing important sectors of the economy.
With almost one million young people anticipated to join Sri Lanka’s workforce over the next ten years but only about 300,000 new jobs expected during that time frame, Zutt emphasized that increasing private sector growth will be crucial for job creation. The World Bank Group plans to continue its partnership with Sri Lanka’s government to attract private capital, improve competitiveness, and increase access to services and job opportunities throughout the country.