Sri Lanka, Aug. 11 -- The Cabinet has approved the signing of financial agreements to secure a US$100 million facility from the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) to implement an integrated regional development programme in Sri Lanka's Northern and Eastern Provinces.

The funding is part of a broader commitment by the World Bank Group to provide US$1 billion to Sri Lanka between 2026 and 2031, with US$100 million earmarked for the Northern and Eastern Provinces Integrated Regional Development Programme.

Cabinet approval for negotiations on the loan facility was granted on February 9, 2026, and negotiations between the Government of Sri Lanka and the World Bank Group have since been concluded.

The programme is aimed...