The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) have strengthened their partnership to improve financial literacy and promote greater financial inclusion across the country.
The renewed collaboration supports Sri Lanka’s National Financial Literacy Roadmap (2024–2028), a key part of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy aimed at helping individuals and communities make better financial decisions.
The second phase of the partnership builds on technical support provided by UNDP during 2024 and 2025. It focuses on empowering vulnerable communities, improving financial knowledge, and strengthening economic resilience at household and business levels.
A major part of the initiative will involve training government outreach officers across Sri Lanka’s districts so they can deliver financial literacy programmes to rural communities and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). UNDP will also support improvements to existing training materials by adding elements related to climate-resilient financial management.
The partnership will also support nationwide awareness campaigns designed to encourage responsible financial behaviour and improve public understanding of financial services.
Financial literacy will further be integrated into UNDP’s economic development and MSME support programmes to help entrepreneurs and individuals strengthen their financial planning, resilience, and access to opportunities.
Central Bank Governor Dr. P Nandalal Weerasinghe highlighted that the partnership will help expand access to practical financial knowledge, strengthen climate-related financial preparedness, and improve financial behaviour across different segments of society.
UNDP Sri Lanka Resident Representative Azusa Kubota emphasized that financial literacy is essential for building inclusive and resilient economies. She noted that the initiative will help people, especially vulnerable groups, gain the tools needed to make informed decisions and develop more secure livelihoods.
The collaboration aligns with Sri Lanka’s broader efforts to expand financial inclusion through improved access, stronger financial capabilities, and sustainable economic participation.
By combining UNDP’s expertise in inclusive growth, sustainable finance, MSME development, and climate resilience with CBSL’s national programmes, the initiative aims to create long-term improvements in financial well-being and economic resilience across Sri Lanka.
