📈 Colombo Hosts 2026 Asian Public Debt Forum to Address Climate & Fiscal Challenges

Senior policymakers, public debt managers, and global financial leaders gathered in Colombo for the three-day 2026 Asian Regional Public Debt Management Forum themed "Climate Resilience and Debt Sustainability in Asia." • Key Focus Area: Jointly organized by Sri Lanka's Ministry of Finance and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the forum targets regional cooperation, debt sustainability, and fiscal resilience against global economic uncertainty. • Sri Lankan Leadership: Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando (Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning) and Roberta Casali (ADB Vice President). Key local officials including Finance Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma and Central Bank Deputy Governor Dr. Chandranath Amarasekara are in attendance. • Core Agenda Issues: • Global/regional economic outlook and debt sustainability analysis. • Disaster risk financing and managing high debt levels under tight monetary policies. • Green/sustainable financing and developing local currency debt markets. • The role of AI and technology in debt management operations. • Governance challenges, institutional reforms, and climate vulnerabilities specifically faced by small island nations. • Sri Lanka Highlight: A dedicated session is focusing on Sri Lanka's recent structural reforms, specifically its experience in establishing the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) to enhance governance and operational efficiency in line with global best practices. • Participants: Experts from the ADB, IMF, OECD, European Central Bank, Commonwealth Secretariat, UNCTAD, S&P Global Ratings, and finance ministries across the Asia-Pacific region. _Note: The forum runs through May 29, 2026._