General11 February 2026

New ADB Country Director meets Prime Minister

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s national development and disaster recovery following a high-level meeting in Colombo.


Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya welcomed the newly appointed Country Director for Sri Lanka, Shannon Cowlin, to the Prime Minister’s office yesterday.


During the inaugural meeting, the Prime Minister praised the enduring partnership between the island nation and the bank, highlighting the critical role international institutions play in mitigating the impact of natural disasters.


Dr Amarasuriya expressed specific gratitude for the ADB’s rapid response following the recent devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.


In response, the delegation confirmed that the bank remains ready to assist with ongoing reconstruction and long-term recovery efforts.


Beyond disaster relief, the discussions shifted towards human capital, with the ADB officials noting a particular focus on providing technical and financial expertise to enhance the quality of Sri Lanka’s education sector.

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