While the country is not yet overwhelmed by large-scale urbanisation, cities are growing fast and struggling to provide essential services to the population. And there is considerable pressure on the natural and cultural heritage, especially along the coast.

Aware of the need for better urban development planning so as to meet the needs of urban dwellers better, the government is developing a system of competitive and environmentally friendly secondary cities, among other things.

AFD supports these initiatives by financing:

• A more sustainable and energy-efficient drinking water network in the capital city of Colombo, along with the Asian Development Bank
• An investment programme for the city of Anuradhapura, the former capitalof Sri Lanka, to enhance its attractiveness

A biodiversity hotspot, Sri Lanka is endowed with extraordinary natural resources. Preserving this heritage is a key issue for the country. As a signatory to the Paris climate agreement, the government is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 7% by 2030.

Sri Lanka goes green

To meet the growing energy demand and diversify the Sri Lankan energy mix, AFD has entered into a partnership with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). Our action is aimed at:

• Promoting renewable energies
• Improving the electricity distribution network's efficiency
• Connecting small hydropower plants to the grid.

We are also working with EDF international, which is providing its expertise.

For the better management and development of water

To protect and develop the Sri Lankan economy's potential, including fisheries and coastal tourism, AFD supports public policies and infrastructure financing. Our goal: to develop water resources and promote a blue economy.

We are supporting better wastewater management in the cities of Galle, Kelaniya and Negombo on the southwest coast. This is a project that meets major health needs, while preserving tourism at the same time.

The country is subject to climatic variations that weaken the economic stability of some of its regions. The alternation of floods and droughts in the east and north of the country, coupled with the lack of planning in urban areas, makes people vulnerable, as recent episodes of drought and flooding have shown in 2016 and 2017. And the situation is further aggravated by global warming.

AFD supports the authorities in the definition and implementation of policies for risk prevention and adaptation to climate change. In Anuradhapura, a city that is particularly exposed to floods, we are  strengthening the rainwater network strengthening the rainwater network (building canals and side ditches) to reduce the risk.