The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) new Country Director for Sri Lanka, Shannon Cowlin, presented credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath at the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday (10 Feb). 

According to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry, Shannon Cowlin was welcomed by Minister Herath, who conveyed Sri Lanka’s gratitude for the strong support extended by the Bank during Sri Lanka’s challenging economic period.

He further expressed that Sri Lanka looked forward to continuing with the ADB’s strong multifaceted partnership supporting Sri Lanka’s development agenda. 

Minister Herath also extended his appreciation to the ADB for the grant assistance of USD 3 million extended by the ADB following Cyclone Ditwah in December 2025. 

In response, ADB Country Director Shannon Cowlin reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to strengthening collaboration in support of sustainable and inclusive development in Sri Lanka. 

The discussions assessed the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the ADB in the areas of energy, transport, health, education, infrastructure, trade & tourism, etc. and the Bank’s continued support for the country’s development priorities. (Newswire)

Pleased to receive the credentials of Ms. Shannon Cowlin, Country Director of Sri Lanka Resident Mission of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Reaffirmed our strong partnership and commitment to advancing sustainable development in Sri Lanka.

I conveyed Sri Lanka’s deep… pic.twitter.com/IDq1wSUXo7

— Vijitha Herath (@HMVijithaHerath) February 10, 2026

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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Shannon Cowlin as its new Country Director for Sri Lanka. 

According to an ADB statement,  Shannon Cowlin assumed office in Colombo today (09 Feb).

“I am honoured to be appointed Country Director of ADB’s Sri Lanka Resident Mission,” Cowlin said. “For many years, ADB has been a trusted partner of Sri Lanka, supporting the country through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent economic crisis. As Sri Lanka continues on its path to recovery, ADB remains firmly committed to assisting the nation in rebuilding and strengthening its resilience, including addressing the impacts and damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Looking ahead, we will continue to work closely with the Government, development partners, and communities to promote sustainable growth and create new opportunities.”

Cowlin has over 26 years of professional experience, including 13 years with ADB. Her expertise spans investment project operations, policy engagement, and knowledge work across the fields of energy, climate, the environment, air quality, public health, and the energy–food–water nexus. Most recently, she served as Country Director of ADB’s Mongolia Resident Mission, where she led strategy and operations since 2023.

Prior to joining ADB,  Cowlin was a manager at the United States (US) National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where she led US–India and South Asia regional energy cooperation efforts. A national of the US, Cowlin holds a master’s degree in environmental health sciences and a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering sciences from the University of California, Berkeley.

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region. (Newswire)

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