ADB Chief begins official visit to Sri Lanka…

 

 

The President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Masato Kanda, arrived in Sri Lanka on Monday (23) on a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, engaging with key stakeholders, and assessing cyclone-related damage in affected areas. He was received upon arrival by the Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Anil Jayantha Fernando. During his first day in Colombo, Kanda visited 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 representatives of the private sector, followed by a visit to the ADB’s Sri Lanka Resident Mission (SLRM). 

On Tuesday (24), Kanda and his delegation are scheduled to conduct aerial and ground assessments of areas impacted by Cyclone “Ditwah” in Aranayaka, in the Kegalle District, including a drive-through inspection of the cyclone-affected Ambalankanda area and participation in a brief on-site programme to observe damage and engage with local stakeholders. Kanda is also scheduled to meet Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat, where discussions are expected to focus on economic recovery, development financing, and strengthening bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and the ADB.