UN Assistant Secretary-General Kanni Wignaraja, the UNDP’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, has pledged further support for Sri Lanka’s socio-economic development during an official mission to the country.
Wignaraja called on Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath on Monday (3), according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
She commended the government-led recovery process, saying it has created positive momentum and a favourable global narrative on the country’s development outlook — a factor she described as crucial to attracting investment and advancing tourism.
Where the support is directed
The meeting covered UNDP assistance across a range of sectors: the government’s digitalisation drive, renewable energy, promotion of small and medium enterprises, skills and capacity development of the workforce, health and tourism.
It also covered climate financing, including climate credits, green and blue bonds and other innovative financing instruments.
Wignaraja signalled UNDP readiness to assist further through its forthcoming Country Development Programme for 2028-2032. Herath thanked her for the support extended in her regional capacity, the ministry said.
During the mission she also called on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, and held consultations with senior government officials and multilateral development partners.
A 55-year partnership
The UNDP has worked with the Sri Lankan government for more than 55 years, supporting sustainable economic development, democratic governance, climate action, disaster resilience and social cohesion.
It assisted during the country’s recovery from the economic crisis and has more recently supported communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah through early recovery and resilience-building work.
Wignaraja is the highest-ranking Sri Lankan currently serving in the United Nations system, with a career spanning more than 30 years in senior posts across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Geneva and New York.
No funding figures were attached to the commitments discussed.
Sources: Ada Derana.
