Newly appointed Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Sri Lanka, Ms. Shannon Cowlin, visited President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon, reaffirming ADB’s ongoing commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s developmental goals.
This meeting served as the formal introduction of Ms. Cowlin as the ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka. She was presented to the President by the Regional Director in charge of the country’s portfolio.
During their discussions, ADB representatives assured the President of continued support through the Bank’s ongoing programs, highlighting the robust partnership between Sri Lanka and ADB and expressing satisfaction with the implementation of its initiatives in the country.
The ADB officials commended Sri Lanka for effectively implementing ADB-backed programs and ensuring efficient institutional coordination. They reiterated the Bank’s intention to further strengthen its engagement, building on the strong collaboration established over the years.
Key areas of focus included priorities for post-Cyclone Ditwah response and recovery, emphasizing the need to enhance resilience and accelerate reconstruction efforts.
President Dissanayake stressed that economic growth must translate into real benefits for the populace, particularly in vulnerable areas. He highlighted the environmental impacts in the Central Highlands and mountainous regions, underscoring the urgent need to restore ecosystems, protect water sources, and ensure sustainable livelihoods for affected communities. He welcomed ADB’s willingness to assist in addressing these challenges, noting its significance for long-term national resilience.
The discussions underscored Sri Lanka and ADB’s shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, with a review of ongoing cooperation and future engagements, including budgetary support and planned investments from 2026 onwards. Additionally, a forthcoming visit by the President of the Asian Development Bank in mid-2026 was discussed.
Participants from ADB included Ms. Sona Shrestha, Director General, South Asia Department (SARD); Ms. Lilia Aleksanyan, Senior Country Economist; and Ms. Lakshini Fernando, Principal Economics Officer.
Representatives from Sri Lanka included Professor Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development; Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Treasury; and Mr. G. N. R. D. Aponsu, Senior Additional Secretary to the President.
