ADB appoints Shannon Cowlin as new Country Director for Sri Lanka

Shannon Cowlin

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

She assumed office in Colombo yesterday.

“I am honoured to be appointed Country Director of the ADB’s Sri Lanka Resident Mission,” Cowlin said. 

“For many years, the 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, the 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 the ADB. Her expertise spans investment project operations, policy engagement and knowledge work across the fields of energy, climate, environment, air quality, public health and energy-food-water nexus. 

Most recently, she served as Country Director of the ADB’s Mongolia Resident Mission, where she led strategy and operations since 2023.

Prior to joining the ADB, Cowlin was a Manager at the United States (US) National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where she led the 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.

The 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, the ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure and safeguard our planet. 

Founded in 1966, the ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.