Amid rising global economic uncertainty, increasing debt vulnerabilities, and intensifying climate-related risks, senior policymakers, public debt managers, economists, and representatives from leading international financial institutions convened in Colombo yesterday for the 2026 Asian Regional Public Debt Management Forum. Held under the theme “Climate Resilience and Debt Sustainability in Asia,” the forum serves as a key platform for dialogue, cooperation, and knowledge exchange on strengthening fiscal resilience and promoting sustainable public debt management across the Asia-Pacific region.
The event is jointly organised by the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It aims to enhance regional collaboration and advance policy discussions on debt sustainability, fiscal resilience, and effective public debt management practices across the region.
The forum was inaugurated with opening remarks by Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando and Ms. Roberta Casali, Vice President (Finance and Risk Management) of the ADB. Dr. Fernando highlighted the need to strengthen public debt management systems and deepen regional cooperation to support macroeconomic stability, fiscal resilience, and long-term sustainable growth.
The event also brought together Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Chandranath Amarasekara, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, along with senior government officials and representatives from regional and international organisations.
Spanning three days, the forum provides a platform for in-depth discussions on key issues related to public debt management and fiscal sustainability. Key focus areas include the global and regional economic outlook, debt sustainability analysis, debt management under current macroeconomic conditions, disaster risk financing, and the implications of high debt levels on monetary policy.
Discussions will also cover emerging policy priorities such as green and sustainable financing, development of local currency debt markets, the growing role of artificial intelligence and technology in debt management, and evolving global best practices.