New WB Country Director David Sislen meets with President to strengthen economic collaboration
July 05, Colombo (LNW): David Sislen, the newly appointed World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives, had a meeting with President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (04).
This gathering marked the beginning of Sislen’s tenure, which officially commenced on 1st July 2024.
The discussion was described as cordial and focused on various aspects of collaboration between the World Bank and Sri Lanka.
Vice President for the South Asia Region, Martin Raiser; Country Manager for Maldives and Sri Lanka, Chiyo Kanda; and Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr. R. H. S. Samaratunga, also participated in the meeting.
Sislen, who joined the World Bank in 2001, brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served as Practice Manager for Urban, Disaster Risk Management, and Land in the Latin American and Caribbean region.
His main priorities will include overseeing a portfolio of around US$ 4.8 billion and enhancing strategic dialogues and operational engagements with the involved countries.
The meeting highlighted the ongoing commitment of the World Bank to support Sri Lanka’s economic and development goals.
The discussions are expected to pave the way for strengthened cooperation, focusing on key areas such as economic reforms and infrastructure development, crucial for the country’s path to recovery and growth.
