Sri Lanka: Building on Success

Abstract

Sri lanka became a founding member of the Asian development Bank (AdB) in 1966 and has since received $6.9 billion in loans, $358 million in grants, and $130 million in technical assistance (as of 31 december 2015). early assistance focused on agriculture then shifted to transport, energy, water supply, urban development, and education as the economy progressed. AdB has consistently promoted gender equality and social inclusion in development, and environmental safeguards and governance form part of all AdB-supported projects and programs in Sri lanka. 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.