Public policies in Sri Lanka have been remarkably successful in levelling social welfare. Poverty has come down in all provinces and education, basic healthcare, and basic infrastructure including water and sanitation are dispersed throughout the country, a World Bank report said.

The report, titled "Sri Lanka: Reshaping Economic Geography, Connecting People to Prosperity" released recently said ,"this [public policies] has prepared Sri Lanka to take advantage of the next round of prosperity in the world and the region, and accelerate its journey through middle incomes."

Investments such as the Colombo-Kandy Expressway and Southern Matara Highway are likely to generate high economic returns by lowering transport costs, and are win-wins for rapid growth and inclusive development, the report further said.

It also pointed out that prosperity in Western Province has improved living standards for many Sri Lankans, including those who started their lives far from Colombo.

Please click the following link for the report:

http://siteresources.worldbank.org/SRILANKAEXTN/Resource