Takafumi Kadono Joins ADB as New Country Director for Sri Lanka

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Takafumi Kadono as the new Country Director for Sri Lanka, who has assumed office in Colombo.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be appointed the Country Director of ADB’s Sri Lanka Resident Mission. ADB was a trusted partner of the people of Sri Lanka during the pandemic and the economic crisis. I intend to further enhance our collaboration as Sri Lanka embarks on a journey to recover from the crisis and come out stronger and more inclusive than ever before,” Kadono said. “ADB will support the government’s efforts to undertake reforms through budgetary support anchored on the International Monetary Fund program, while providing assistance to ensure that the people of Sri Lanka are well-supported through the transition.” 

Kadono succeeds Chen Chen who ended his term as Country Director on 30 June 2023. In a career spanning 23 years as a development professional, Kadono, a Japanese national, joined ADB in 2006 as a Young Professional in the East Asia Regional Department.

He then held progressive positions in Central and West Asia Department and Southeast Asia Department as an Energy Specialist, including being stationed in Viet Nam from 2012 to 2015 where he led projects in the power sector value chain from generation and transmission to distribution. He also promoted the development of renewable energy in a fossil fuel dominated generation subsector.