In the context of increasing global economic instability, escalating debt concerns, and heightened climate change risks, a significant gathering took place in Colombo yesterday for the 2026 Asian Regional Public Debt Management Forum. This event, themed “Climate Resilience and Debt Sustainability in Asia,” brought together senior policymakers, public debt managers, economists, and representatives from prominent international financial organizations. The forum serves as a crucial venue for fostering dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange aimed at enhancing fiscal resilience and sustainable public debt management throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
The forum is a collaborative effort between the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Its primary goal is to bolster regional cooperation and facilitate discussions on debt sustainability, fiscal resilience, and effective public debt management across the Asia-Pacific area.
The event commenced with introductory remarks from Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, alongside Ms. Roberta Casali, Vice President for Finance and Risk Management at the Asian Development Bank. In his address, Dr. Fernando highlighted the necessity of fortifying public debt management systems and enhancing regional collaboration to promote macroeconomic stability, fiscal resilience, and sustainable economic development.
Submit Your Press Release
Get your company news, announcements, launches, appointments and events in front of a wider audience.
Also in attendance were Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and Dr. Chandranath Amarasekara, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, as well as numerous senior government officials and representatives from both regional and international organizations.
This three-day forum aims to provide a space for participants to engage in discussions on a wide array of emerging challenges related to public debt management and fiscal sustainability. Anticipated topics include the global and regional economic outlook, analyses of debt sustainability, effective debt management in the current macroeconomic climate, financing for disaster risks, and the implications of high debt levels on monetary policy.
Key policy topics to be explored during the forum include green and sustainable financing, the development of local currency debt markets, the increasing influence of artificial intelligence and technology in debt management, and the latest trends in public debt management practices. Participants will also share insights on institutional reforms, governance enhancements, and the specific challenges that small island nations face in managing public debt and climate vulnerabilities.
A focused session will delve into Sri Lanka’s journey in establishing its Public Debt Management Office, offering valuable insights into the country’s recent reforms and ongoing initiatives aimed at improving debt management capacity, governance, and operational efficiency in alignment with international standards.
The forum underscores the critical role of effective public debt management in maintaining macroeconomic stability, enhancing fiscal resilience, and fostering sustainable, inclusive economic growth.
Experts and representatives from various organizations, including the Asian Development Bank, IMF, OECD, European Central Bank, Commonwealth Secretariat, UNCTAD, and S&P Global Ratings, will participate alongside finance ministries and public debt management offices from across Asia and the Pacific.
The forum is set to officially conclude on May 29, 2026, emphasizing the shared commitment of participating nations and institutions to advance resilient, transparent, and sustainable public debt management frameworks that support long-term economic stability and inclusive growth in the region.
