President of the Asian Development Bank, Masato Kanda, arrived in Sri Lanka early this morning (23) for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, engaging with key stakeholders, and assessing cyclone-related damage in affected areas.
Mr Kanda was received upon arrival by the Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Anil Jayantha Fernando.
The ADB President’s first day in Colombo includes a visit to the Colombo Port, where he toured the control tower, underscoring the strategic importance of maritime infrastructure to Sri Lanka’s economy.
He is also expected to meet with representatives of the private sector, followed by a visit to the ADB’s Sri Lanka Resident Mission (SLRM).
Tomorrow (24), Kanda and his delegation are scheduled to conduct an aerial and ground assessment of areas impacted by Cyclone “Ditwah” in Aranayaka, Kegalle District.
Mr Kanda will also engage in a drive-through inspection of the cyclone-affected Ambalankanda area. A brief on-site programme is scheduled, allowing the ADB President to observe damage and engage with local stakeholders directly. Mr. Kanda will meet with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake tomorrow (24), at the Presidential Secretariat. The meeting is expected to focus on economic recovery, development financing, and strengthening bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and the ADB.
The visiting delegation includes several senior ADB officials: Sona Shrestha – Director General, South Asia Regional Department, Keiichiro Inui – Chief Advisor, Office of the President and other senior officials from the ADB.
This visit comes at a critical time for Sri Lanka as it navigates economic recovery while facing increasing climate vulnerabilities. The ADB’s engagement, particularly the site visit to cyclone-affected areas, signals a continued commitment to supporting resilient infrastructure and sustainable development in the country.
