Nirmi is an accomplished development professional with over 18 years of experience designing and implementing impactful programs across Sri Lanka. Her expertise lies in bridging public, private, and development sector priorities to drive inclusive economic growth and sustainable outcomes.

She previously served as a Project Management Specialist at USAID’s Office of Economic Growth and was the lead manager of the agency’s Public Financial Management (PFM) and Trade Facilitation program. She is trained in partnerships brokering and adaptive management techniques to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives adopting a commitment to coordination, communication and partnerships.

Nirmi brings extensive expertise in macroeconomic and subnational governance, livelihood development, social research, and evidence-based policy advocacy, with a strong commitment to advancing the rights of marginalized communities. Her practice expertise is derived through a long standing career in development with several leading international development organizations, including the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), The Asia Foundation, Development Alternatives Inc. (DAI), Christoffel Blindenmission (CBM) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)/Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).

She holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable International Development from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University (Boston), Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies, and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Sociology, and English from the University of Colombo.
 

Nirmi Vitarana

Senior Consultant strategy - Research and Knowledge Management