The Central Bank of Sri Lanka successfully hosted its inaugural Reserve Management Conference on September 10 and 11, 2026, at The Kingsbury, Colombo, bringing together leading central bankers, sovereign asset managers, policymakers, economists and investment professionals to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities in official reserve management.
The two-day conference featured approximately 50 speakers and participants representing prominent institutions from across the global financial system, including the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Asian Development Bank, Banque de France, Bank for International Settlements, Bank Indonesia, Bank Negara Malaysia, Bank of Korea, Bank of Thailand, Inter-American Development Bank, Reserve Bank of India, Swiss National Bank, World Bank and World Gold Council.
Discussions at the conference covered a broad range of issues influencing the future of reserve management. Key areas included strategies for building and strengthening foreign reserve buffers, the implications of geopolitical fragmentation for Asia and the global economy, the evolving role of digital and tokenised assets in official reserves, currency power and the continued prominence of the US dollar in international reserve portfolios, as well as the role of gold and other alternative assets.
Participants also examined how technological innovation and artificial intelligence could support reserve management by strengthening investment decision-making, market intelligence, portfolio optimisation and risk management. The exchange of international perspectives provided insights into how reserve managers can respond to an increasingly complex global financial environment.
The keynote address was delivered by Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe under the theme, ‘Challenges in Building Foreign Reserves Amidst Geopolitical Uncertainties’. He emphasised that reserve accumulation should not be viewed separately from the broader macroeconomic policy framework, noting that sustainable reserve accumulation requires sound external-sector fundamentals and an economy capable of generating and retaining foreign exchange.
Drawing on Sri Lanka’s experience during the 2022 economic crisis, Dr. Weerasinghe highlighted the importance of international reserves as a first line of defence against external shocks. Adequate reserves can provide countries with valuable time and policy space when external vulnerabilities intensify, helping policymakers respond to shocks while maintaining economic stability.
The Governor also noted that geopolitical developments have become an increasingly important consideration for reserve managers. Factors including geopolitical fragmentation, sanctions, trade tensions and disruptions to global financial markets can influence investment decisions, liquidity requirements and portfolio management strategies.
A Special Guest Address was delivered by AIIB Treasurer Domenico Nardelli, who shared his perspectives on the changing international financial landscape and its implications for reserve and asset management.
Throughout the two days, expert presentations and panel discussions enabled participants to engage in detailed discussions on emerging trends and strategic issues affecting reserve management. The conference also provided a platform for central banks, international financial institutions and market participants to exchange experiences, share lessons and explore innovative approaches while strengthening professional networks.
The inaugural Reserve Management Conference marks an important milestone in the Central Bank’s engagement with the international central banking community and the global reserve management arena. By bringing together practitioners and experts from across the financial system, the conference provided a timely platform to examine the changing nature of official reserve management and the importance of maintaining agile, forward-looking and resilient approaches amid an increasingly complex and uncertain global environment.
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| Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe delivers keynote address at inaugural Reserve Management Conference |
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| AIIB Treasurer Domenico Nardelli delivers Special Guest Address at Reserve Management Conference |
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