A special discussion on Sri Lanka’s development plans for the 2026 - 2029 period, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as a key development partner, was held recently at the Presidential Secretariat, co-chaired by Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka Ms Shannon Cowlin.

The discussion was held as a preparatory meeting ahead of the programme review meeting scheduled to be held on 05 and 06 October 2026 to discuss the successful implementation of the ADB’s annual programme for 2027.

Special attention was given to identifying development projects that should be prioritised for inclusion in the ADB’s long-term project plans.

The discussion also focused on ensuring government ownership of programmes implemented with ADB financing, maintaining clear and efficient coordination between government processes and ADB procedures and making effective use of limited concessional financial resources and technical assistance.

Attention was also given to the measures and approaches required to successfully address the challenges arising in accelerating Sri Lanka’s development and achieving fiscal targets expeditiously.

Additional Secretary to the President W. D. R. Krishantha, Senior Assistant Secretary to the President Dr Danushka Perera and a group of senior officials of the Asian Development Bank also participated in the discussion.