Sri Lanka and ADB

In the Spotlight

Rapid Economic Development through Specific Cooperation Projects in Infrastructure and Transportation

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) was established to promote free trade within the region, increase cross-border investment and tourism, and promote technical cooperation. Its seven-country membership comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
ADB $100 Million Additional Funding to Enhance Skills for Jobs

ADB's Board of Directors has approved a $100 million loan as additional financing for Sri Lanka’s efforts to develop skills to meet labor demands, support economic diversification, and enhance productivity.
ADB Provides Additional Funds to Support SME Development in Sri Lanka

The ADB Board of Directors has approved $75 million in additional financing to continue support toward the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), considered vital for economic growth and job creation in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka: Building on Success

This country brief highlights that ADB continues to support Sri Lanka in new areas such as private sector development, knowledge solutions, and development of advanced infrastructure as the country transforms into an upper-middle-income country.

Sri Lanka is entering a new stage of development and, within a few years, will be ready to reach upper-middle-income status. The country’s new government - which was formed following the presidential and general elections in January 2015 and August 2015, respectively - is focused on inclusive growth, good governance, and private sector development.

ADB is aligning its operations in Sri Lanka with the evolving needs of the country and the priorities of the new government.

Sri Lanka is a member of the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) program.

Sri Lanka: By the NumbersVisit the Data Library

ADB and Sri LankaFact Sheet

Latest

News from Country Offices 01 Oct 2018

Shortage of Quality Infrastructure in South Asia Impedes Growth — ADB
South Asia suffers from severe and persistent shortages of quality infrastructure that threaten to halt its progress as the fastest growing subregion in the world, according to a new paper from ADB.
News Release 27 Sep 2018

ADB-Supported Elevated Highway to Improve Connectivity, Trade in Sri Lanka
ADB's Board of Directors has approved a $300 million loan to help in the construction of about 5.3 km of elevated toll highway with related facilities between the New Kelani Bridge and Galle Face in central Colombo.
Publication 25 Sep 2018

Infrastructure Financing in South Asia
Despite a severe shortage of infrastructure, South Asia is the fastest growing region in the world. This working paper argues that this trend cannot continue.