The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Shannon Cowlin as its new Country Director for Sri Lanka. She assumed office in Colombo yesterday (9), according to a statement issued by ADB.

“I am honored 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 brings more than 26 years of professional experience, including 13 years at ADB. Her work spans investment project operations, policy engagement, and knowledge initiatives across energy, climate, environmental sustainability, 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 from 2023.

Before joining ADB, Cowlin was a manager at the United States National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where she led regional energy cooperation initiatives involving the US, India, and South Asia. She is a US national and 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 members, including 50 from the Asia-Pacific region, and focuses on supporting inclusive and sustainable growth across the region.