The World Bank has announced Chiyo Kanda as the new Country Manager for Sri Lanka.

She will oversee a total portfolio of around US $2.3 billion and the development of a new country partnership framework. Kanda will be based in Colombo. 

Kanda’s appointment comes at a time when the Government of Sri Lanka is working to address both the immediate and longer-term health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.

“Sri Lanka has managed to limit the spread of COVID-19 quite effectively so far. It is now critical to kick start economic recovery and protect people’s jobs and livelihoods,” said Kanda.

“My priority is to build on the strong partnership with the Sri Lankan government and its people as we work together to prepare the next country partnership framework to support Sri Lanka’s development.”

A Japanese national, Kanda joined the World Bank in 1994 as a Young Professional and has since held various positions as Economist and Senior Economist for Africa, Senior Operations Officer in Tanzania and Operations & Portfolio Manager in the Philippines.

Her most recent assignment was as Manager in the Operations Policy & Country Services Vice Presidency’s results unit.

“I look forward to working closely with all development partners, including the private sector and civil society groups, to promote sustainable growth and shared prosperity" added Kanda.

Meanwhile, the World Bank also announced the appointment of Faris Hadad-Zervos as the Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. He will be based in Nepal.