The Asian Bankers Association wishes to inform all its members, partners and friends that the 37^th ABA General Meeting and Conference, which was originally scheduled to take place on November 12-13, 2020 in Negombo, Sri Lanka, has been indefinitely postponed.

The decision was recently made by the majority of the members of the ABA Board of Directors based on their assessment of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The views of the Board members were gathered through a mail survey conducted by the ABA Secretariat at the suggestion of ABA Chairman Mr. Jonathan Alles, Managing Director and CEO of Hatton National Bank, the host of the 2020 Conference.

In its survey letter to the ABA Board, the Secretariat noted that the ongoing Covid-19 crisis has brought about great difficulties globally, with many affected countries closing schools, businesses, and entire communities in an effort to slow the spread of the disease. “None of us could have foreseen these extraordinary circumstances brought on by the pandemic, and all of us are asking how long it will last and how soon we will bounce back,” the Secretariat pointed out.

“With most of us unsure how the situation will play out over the next few months, concerns have been raised on the availability or willingness of members, invited speakers and other delegates to travel from their respective countries to participate in this year’s Conference,” the Secretariat added.

In view of these uncertainties, majority of the ABA Board members who responded to the survey agreed on postponing this year’s 37^th ABA General Meeting and Conference to a later date.

As to the new date for the Conference, ABA Chairman Mr. Alles – with the concurrence of several ABA Board members – suggested that an assessment of the status of the pandemic be made later this year – probably in the third quarter – to determine whether the situation is progressing in the right direction. Only then can a decision be made on the new schedule of the Conference. Members will be notified accordingly.

Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation.

With best regards.

Sincerely yours,

Ernest Lin
Secretary-Treasurer
Asian Bankers Association