World Bank calls for urgent energy, public sector and PPP reforms to drive growth

Stresses Sri Lanka's energy costs remain among highest in region, burdening both households and industries

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Insists reforms in pricing, management and investment critical to lowering costs and ensuring reliable supply

Highlights need to “rightsize” public sector, as country employs one of largest public sector workforces compared to peer nations; opines low productivity, relatively low wage levels continue to hinder fiscal sustainability

Describes strengthening ports and logistics as vital to unlocking potential as trade and investment hub

*Underscores importance of efficiently run PPPs as viable alternative to wholesale privatisation

A World Bank delegation has called for urgent reforms in Sri Lanka's energy sector, public sector work force and investment framework, warning that the country's current cost structure and inefficiencies pose a significant drag on competitiveness and longterm economic recovery.