ADB President in Colombo (Update)

2026-03-24 - 02:24

Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda arrived in Sri Lanka today (March 23) on a three day official visit to discuss long-term development cooperation. On a X post, the ADB President has said, “This visit is an opportunity to engage with government, private sector, and communities on the ground to better understand priorities for the next phase of development.” I have arrived in Colombo at a critical moment as Sri Lanka transitions from crisis response toward recovery and sustainable growth. I was warmly received at the airport by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Labor and Deputy Minister of Finance, Anil Jayantha Fernando. This visit is an... pic.twitter.com/xIta7lTqqx — Masato Kanda (@ADBPresident) March 23, 2026 ( Previous news 2026 March 23 – 5.00.a.m.) ADB President to visit SL today Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda is to arrive in Sri Lanka today (March 23) on a three day official visit to discuss long-term development cooperation. According to state media, Kanda is to be received by the Labour Minister and Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr.Anil Jayantha Fernando upon his arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). He is slated to visit the Colombo Port today and inspect the Control Tower. He will then attend a special luncheon with representatives of the private sector. He is also scheduled to attend a reception and staff meeting at the Sri Lanka Resident Mission (SLRM) of the Asian Development Bank in the afternoon. On March 24, Kanda and his delegation is scheduled to visit the Kegalle District to inspect the damage caused by the recent cyclone “Ditwah”. He will travel by helicopter to Aranayake Rivisanda Central College and from there, he will inspect the damage caused due to the Cyclone in the Narangala and Ambalankanda areas. A special highlight of the visit will be a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat. After completing all official duties, Kanda is scheduled to depart on Wednesday, March 25.