The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced the appointment of Sona Shrestha as the Director General of its South Asia Department (SARD). In this new role, Shrestha will oversee operations in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

“I look forward to working closely with our developing member countries in the region to further deepen ADB’s engagement in support of inclusive and sustainable development,” Shrestha stated.

With over 27 years of professional experience, including 23 years at ADB, Shrestha is recognized as a seasoned development leader. Her previous roles at ADB include serving as Deputy Director General for SARD and Deputy Director General of ADB’s Independent Evaluations Department. She has also held positions as Assistant Secretary, Director in the Financial Sector and Trade Division for Southeast Asia, and Deputy Country Director for Indonesia.

Shrestha brings extensive operational experience across Central and West Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. A native of Nepal, she holds doctorate and master’s degrees in economics from the University of California, United States, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Smith College, Massachusetts.

(Colombo/Feb 12/2026)