France reaffirms long-term support as AFD Group marks 20 years in Sri Lanka as French officials highlighted two decades of partnership that have helped the country navigate crises, strengthen infrastructure, and advance sustainable development initiatives.
France reaffirms long-term support as AFD Group marks 20 years in Sri Lanka
The milestone was celebrated during a special anniversary event hosted by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, bringing together government representatives, diplomats, development partners, and stakeholders to reflect on the impact of France’s development cooperation with Sri Lanka over the past two decades.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka Rémi Lambert emphasized France’s enduring commitment to supporting Sri Lanka through some of the most challenging periods in its recent history. He noted that France had stood alongside Sri Lanka during major crises, including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, economic disruptions, and broader international challenges affecting global trade and economic stability.
According to Ambassador Lambert, France’s engagement has gone beyond financial assistance, encompassing technical expertise, institutional support, and international partnerships aimed at promoting long-term resilience and inclusive economic growth. He stressed that France remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka as it pursues a more prosperous, sustainable, and resilient future.
The anniversary event also highlighted the extensive contribution made by AFD Group across multiple sectors critical to national development. Over the past 20 years, the organization has financed and supported projects focused on water supply, sanitation, climate action, urban development, education, energy transition, and food systems.
AFD Group Regional Director for South Asia Yazid Bensaid said the institution has mobilized significant financing and expertise to improve living standards and strengthen development outcomes across the country. He noted that AFD-supported projects have enabled approximately 80,000 people to gain access to safe drinking water while improving road connectivity for around 200,000 people.
The organization has also played a role in strengthening wastewater management and sanitation planning while contributing to broader efforts aimed at advancing sustainable development Sri Lanka. These initiatives have been designed to improve public services, strengthen resilience to climate change, and create long-term benefits for communities across the country.
Bensaid expressed confidence in Sri Lanka’s future prospects despite recent economic difficulties. He highlighted the country’s highly educated workforce, strategic location in the Indian Ocean, and rich biodiversity as important advantages that can support future growth and development.
A key area of cooperation between France and Sri Lanka has been the energy sector. According to AFD Group, approximately €74 million in financing has been provided to support projects related to renewable energy Sri Lanka and power sector modernization. These investments have contributed to efforts aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving energy sustainability.
The financing has helped avoid an estimated 480,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions while supporting Sri Lanka’s national target of generating 70 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Development partners view this transition as a critical component of the country’s long-term environmental and economic strategy.
Beyond sovereign financing, AFD Group has also expanded its engagement with the private sector through Proparco, its private-sector financing arm. Since 2008, Proparco has supported Sri Lankan businesses and financial institutions by facilitating access to finance and encouraging investment in key sectors.
Its activities have included support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), agribusinesses, microfinance institutions, and environmentally focused investment projects. Such initiatives have helped strengthen entrepreneurship, create employment opportunities, and promote sustainable economic activity across different sectors of the economy.
The event underscored the growing importance of international partnerships in supporting Sri Lanka’s development agenda at a time when the country continues its economic recovery efforts. Participants highlighted the value of long-term cooperation frameworks that combine financing, knowledge sharing, and technical expertise to address both immediate and structural challenges.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra also attended the celebration, reflecting the significance of the longstanding relationship between Sri Lanka and France.
The anniversary served as both a reflection on past achievements and a platform for discussing future collaboration. As France reaffirms long-term support as AFD Group marks 20 years in Sri Lanka, officials from both countries emphasized their shared commitment to advancing climate resilience, economic development, and social progress.
The continued partnership is expected to play an important role in supporting sustainable development Sri Lanka while helping the country accelerate investments in infrastructure, climate adaptation, and renewable energy Sri Lanka as it works toward achieving its long-term development goals.