World Bank backs state-revenue agencies reform as Sri Lanka moves forward with efforts to modernise public institutions and strengthen transparency within the state sector, following high-level discussions held in Colombo recently.
World Bank Backs State-Revenue Agencies Reform in Sri Lanka
The discussions took place between a World Bank delegation and senior Sri Lankan Government officials at the Presidential Secretariat, according to a statement issued by the President’s Media Division. The meeting focused on reforming state revenue institutions, improving administrative efficiency, and strengthening integrity mechanisms within the public sector.
The World Bank delegation was led by Country Manager for Sri Lanka, Gevorg Sargsyan, who met with Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.
Officials discussed ongoing initiatives aimed at transforming Sri Lanka’s revenue administration system, particularly through institutional reforms and modernisation programmes. The meeting also highlighted the role of the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernisation Bureau, which has been established under the Presidential Secretariat to oversee reforms targeting state revenue agencies and related institutions.
The Government has been placing increasing emphasis on improving efficiency and accountability across public institutions as part of broader economic recovery and governance reforms. In this context, the bureau is expected to play a key role in streamlining operations, improving tax administration processes, and enhancing institutional performance.
During the discussions, attention was drawn to the future collaboration opportunities between the World Bank and the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernisation Bureau. Both parties reportedly explored ways in which technical expertise, institutional support, and governance-focused initiatives could be expanded to support Sri Lanka’s reform agenda.
The meeting also focused on programmes designed to safeguard the integrity of public sector employees. According to the statement, officials discussed the importance of strengthening Internal Affairs Units established within state institutions to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct among government officials.
The involvement of the World Bank in governance-related programmes reflects growing international support for Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic stabilisation and institutional reform efforts. International financial institutions have repeatedly emphasised the importance of public sector efficiency, fiscal discipline, and governance improvements in supporting long-term economic sustainability.
The latest discussions come at a time when Sri Lanka continues to implement structural reforms linked to economic recovery and public finance management. Strengthening revenue collection mechanisms and improving institutional governance have become key priorities for policymakers seeking to improve state finances and restore investor confidence.
Analysts note that reforming revenue agencies is critical to enhancing government income generation, particularly as Sri Lanka seeks to broaden its tax base and improve fiscal management. Measures aimed at modernising state institutions are also expected to support better service delivery and reduce administrative inefficiencies.
The discussions further underscored the importance of partnerships between Sri Lanka and multilateral development institutions in driving long-term reforms. The World Bank has continued to support Sri Lanka through technical assistance, policy guidance, and financial support programmes covering governance, economic recovery, and institutional development.
Also present at the meeting were World Bank Senior Economists Richard Walker and Anthony Obeyesekere, along with Governance Specialist Till Hartman.
The Government is expected to continue engaging with international partners as it advances reforms linked to public administration, governance standards, and revenue sector modernisation. The discussions surrounding World Bank backs state-revenue agencies reform highlight the broader focus on institutional strengthening and accountability as Sri Lanka navigates its economic recovery path.