United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office on 31 July.
Welcoming the UNDP delegation, the Prime Minister expressed her appreciation for UNDP’s continued partnership and support for Sri Lanka’s sustainable development efforts.
The Prime Minister briefed the delegation on the Government’s ongoing efforts to complete priority programmes initiated under previous administrations, while moving forward with the implementation of its own policy priorities.
The discussion focused on the Government’s public sector review process, including measures to strengthen recruitment through transparent and merit-based processes and improve human resource management across the public sector. The Government’s digitalisation agenda was also discussed, with particular attention to digital public infrastructure, digital governance and the use of technology to improve public service delivery.
Ms. Wignaraja reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s digitalisation and digital governance initiatives, as well as its continued assistance towards the country’s recovery and resilience efforts.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the Government’s focus on strengthening integrated waste management systems, promoting sustainable resource management, expanding renewable energy generation and advancing Sri Lanka’s transition towards sustainable development. She outlined ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive climate finance strategy to mobilise resources for climate adaptation, resilience and low-carbon development.
UNDP shared updates on its ongoing Future Skills Study, which seeks to identify emerging labour market needs and support skills development in line with future economic demands.
The discussion also covered Sri Lanka’s care economy, with both sides exchanging views on strengthening care systems, increasing women’s participation in the workforce and promoting more inclusive economic growth.
The meeting was attended by Ms. Azusa Kubota, UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka; Ms. Marina Ten, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Sri Lanka; Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
Prime Minister’s Media Division