The new World Bank Country Assistance Strategy was prepared in broad consultation with Sri Lankan communities, and will guide our work from 2009 to 2012. Its main strategic objectives are threefold. The first is to create opportunities for equitable growth and economic development, especially in lagging regions of the country. The second is to help Sri Lanka accelerate economic growth by improving competitiveness, and the investment climate and the third is to help the country ensure that service delivery is effective and accountable to citizens.

A new feature of the strategy is a "conflict filter" designed to help the World Bank ensure that its support is insulated from possible distortions by the ongoing conflict. Just as important, opportunities to address the causes and consequences of conflict will be proactively identified during the implementation of the strategy.