ADB Appoints Shannon Cowlin as Country Director for Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced the appointment of Shannon Cowlin as its new Country Director for Sri Lanka, marking a significant leadership shift at a time when the country continues its efforts toward economic recovery and resilience-building.

Cowlin officially assumed duties at the ADB Sri Lanka Resident Mission in Colombo this (9) morning.

In her first statement after taking office, Cowlin expressed both gratitude and a firm sense of responsibility.

“I am honored to be appointed Country Director of ADB’s Sri Lanka Resident Mission,” she said, noting ADB’s longstanding partnership with the country.

She noted that ADB has stood by Sri Lanka through some of its most challenging periods, from the global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to the nation’s recent economic crisis, which left deep social and structural impacts.

“As Sri Lanka continues on its path to recovery,” Cowlin added, “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.”

Her appointment brings more than 26 years of professional experience, including 13 years within ADB, where she has worked extensively on investment project design, policy engagement, and cross-sector knowledge initiatives.

Her portfolio spans energy, climate, environmental management, public health, and the energy-food-water nexus, making her leadership highly relevant for Sri Lanka’s evolving development landscape.

Before taking up her post in Colombo, Cowlin served as the Country Director of ADB’s Mongolia Resident Mission, guiding strategy and operations across 2023 and 2024, periods marked by both climate-related challenges and rapid development shifts.