Sri Lanka - Inclusive Connectivity and Development Project : Additional Financing

Overview & Synopsis

The development objective of the Inclusive Connectivity and Development Project for Sri Lanka is to improve the safety, efficiency, and climate resilience of road connectivity; and enable an effective response to economic and disaster-related shocks. The additional financing is justified by the widespread damage and service disruptions caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which affected all provinces and severely impacted provincial and local roads, and by the need to deliver rapid recovery under the World Bank policy for situations of urgent need of assistance. The additional financing will support repair and reconstruction of priority provincial and local roads to enhanced climate-resilient standards; activate and implement immediate emergency response through the Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC); and strengthen year-round access by rehabilitating structurally weak bridges and reinstating maintenance on roads upgraded under the parent operation. The program, led by the Road Development Authority (RDA), will focus on climate-smart engineering and design, updated rainfall intensity-duration-frequency curves for drainage, slope stabilization in landslide-prone areas, bio-engineering measures, and resilient bridge and culvert works, alongside improved road safety audits, awareness campaigns, and work-zone safety protocols. It will also provide technical assistance for climate-resilient road design and asset management, and strengthen procurement and contract management. Through these measures, the project intends to restore reliable access to markets, schools, and health facilities; reduce vulnerability to flooding and landslides; lower travel times and vehicle operating costs; generate more and better jobs; and expand benefits to smallholder farmers and vulnerable groups. The additional financing is supported by the International Development Association Crisis Response Window (CRW) and maintains strong citizen engagement and grievance redress arrangements to ensure transparent and accountable delivery.