The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Shannon Cowlin as its new Country Director for Sri Lanka, with her assuming duties at the ADB Sri Lanka Resident Mission in Colombo yesterday.

Expressing her gratitude, Cowlin said she was honoured to take on the role and reaffirmed ADB’s long-standing partnership with Sri Lanka, highlighting its support during major challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent economic crisis. She noted that as the country continues its recovery, ADB remains committed to strengthening resilience, supporting sustainable development, and assisting recovery efforts, including those related to Cyclone Ditwah.

Cowlin brings over 26 years of professional experience, including 13 years with ADB, specialising in energy, climate, environment, public health, and development policy. She previously served as Country Director of ADB’s Mongolia Resident Mission and has also worked with the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory, leading regional energy cooperation initiatives in South Asia.

A US national, she 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, founded in 1966, is a multilateral development bank owned by 69 member countries and works to promote inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific.