ADB President Begins Sri Lanka Visit Focusing On Recovery And Growth

Masato Kanda, President of the Asian Development Bank, arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday for a three day official visit aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, reviewing development priorities, and assessing damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

He was received at the airport by Labour Minister and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha Fernando. The visiting delegation includes South Asia Regional Department Director General Sona Shrestha and Chief Adviser Keiichiro Inui, along with other senior officials.

Kanda is scheduled to meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (24) at the Presidential Secretariat. Talks are expected to focus on macroeconomic stabilisation, development financing, and strengthening cooperation as Sri Lanka continues fiscal reforms and efforts to restore economic growth.

On the first day of the visit, Kanda toured the Colombo Port, including its control tower operations, highlighting the importance of maritime infrastructure to the country’s trade dependent economy.

He is also expected to meet private sector representatives and visit the ADB Sri Lanka Resident Mission to review ongoing projects, pipeline financing, and implementation progress.

Kanda and his delegation also travelled to Aranayaka to conduct aerial and ground assessments of areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah. A drive through inspection of the Ambalankanda area is planned, along with an on site engagement with local stakeholders and officials involved in recovery efforts.