The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved $100 million in financing for Sri Lanka on Wednesday, October 21, to strengthen social protection, economic inclusion and the well-being of poor and elderly people, the bank announced in Colombo. The package comprises a $50 million policy-based loan and a $50 million project loan (yaani $100 million in total — about $10 crore in US dollars) under the Promoting Resilience and Opportunity for Inclusive Recovery Sector Development Program.

Source: Asian Development Bank

"Sri Lanka's economic recovery must translate into meaningful improvements in the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable people," said ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka Shannon Cowlin. The program will support the government's National Empowerment Program, providing 30,000 households identified through the Aswesuma social registry across six districts — including women and youth — with livelihood grants, employment and business support, skills development, financial literacy training and access to reliable markets, the ADB said. It will also improve eldercare services and make the social protection system more effective and responsive.

The bank noted that despite Sri Lanka's continued economic recovery, poverty and vulnerability to shocks remain high, particularly among women, the young, the elderly, persons with disabilities and people in rural and disadvantaged regions. Sri Lanka's Financial Chronicle also reported the approval on Oct 21, describing the package as aimed at broadening employment prospects for low-income families and enhancing eldercare. Sources: Asian Development Bank news release (Oct 21, 2026); Financial Chronicle, Sri Lanka (Oct 21, 2026).