## ADB Appoints Sona Shrestha as Director General for South Asia 📈

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has officially appointed Sona Shrestha as the Director General of its South Asia Department (SARD). She will oversee strategic operations across six nations, including Sri Lanka, India, and Bangladesh. • Leadership & Strategy: Shrestha will lead the implementation of ADB’s development strategies, focusing on promoting inclusive and sustainable growth within the South Asian region. • Extensive Experience: A veteran development leader with over 27 years of experience, including 23 years at the ADB. Her previous roles include Deputy Director General for SARD and leadership positions in financial sector and trade divisions. • Regional Focus: Her remit covers Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, and Nepal. Shrestha’s background includes deep operational experience across Central, West, and Southeast Asia. • Academic Background: A national of Nepal, she holds a Doctorate and Master’s in Economics from the University of California and a Bachelor’s from Smith College. _Note: Appointment effective as of February 2026._