Kathmandu/ The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has appointed Rathnija Arandara as its new Resident Representative for Nepal. Stationed in Kathmandu, Arandara will lead IFC’s initiatives to expand its investment portfolio, foster new advisory opportunities, and deepen the organization’s impact in the country.

A Sri Lankan national, Arandara brings over a decade of experience at IFC, having joined the institution in 2011. She most recently served in IFC’s Country Advisory and Economics team for South Asia, where she contributed to key reforms in financial inclusion, agribusiness, and improving the overall investment climate in the region.

In her new role, Arandara will focus on driving business development, expanding upstream engagements, and strengthening collaboration with both public and private sector partners. Her appointment aligns with IFC’s broader commitment to catalyze sustainable and inclusive growth in Nepal.

“Nepal possesses remarkable untapped potential, and IFC is committed to working together with partners in the country to help realize its full potential in critical areas such as infrastructure, digital services, tourism, and financial sectors,” said Arandara. “Aligning with the overall strategy of the World Bank Group in Nepal, I look forward to working closely with our public and private sector partners towards achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.”

Before joining the World Bank Group, Arandara worked with PwC Indonesia and Oracle AG in Switzerland, focusing on mergers, acquisitions, and financial markets. She also served as an investment officer at the National Development Bank in Sri Lanka.

In the last five years, IFC has committed nearly US$700 million to Nepal, including mobilized capital for clean energy, private equity, financial services, and hospitality sectors. These investments have supported SMEs, furthered the green energy transition, and promoted gender and financial inclusion.

In fiscal year 2024 alone, IFC made significant progress in Nepal, with commitments totaling US$84 million across infrastructure, manufacturing, agribusiness, services, and financial institutions — each sector initiating at least one transformative project.

About IFC
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Operating in over 100 countries, IFC uses its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities where they are most needed. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record US$56 billion to private sector initiatives worldwide. For more, visit www.ifc.org.