Rajitha Basnayake Appointed to Cargills Bank Board 📈
Cargills Bank has announced the appointment of Rajitha Basnayake as an Independent Non-Executive Director to its Board, effective January 2026. This move highlights the bank's focus on strengthening its ICT and Digital Transformation governance to support long-term business strategies. • Expertise & Background: Basnayake is a veteran Information Technology professional and management consultant with over 35 years of experience. His career spans leadership in mission-critical ICT and business process transformation across diverse sectors, including Financial Services, FMCG, and Retail. • Key Professional Highlights: • Previously served as a Senior Independent Director at Asia Asset Finance PLC. • Former Director of Advisory Services at Ernst and Young Sri Lanka, providing ICT and business consultancy for major public and private projects. • Held senior management roles at Asia Capital Group (CIO), The Lion Brewery, and Richard Pieris Distributors. • Academic Credentials: He holds a Master’s in IT from Keele University (UK) and is a Chartered Member of the British Computer Society. This appointment comes as Cargills Bank continues its growth trajectory, recently reporting a 97% YoY increase in Profit After Tax (Rs. 313 Mn) for 9M 2025 and moving forward with a Rs. 2.5 Bn rights issue to fuel its lending expansion.
📈 Tech Veteran Shanil Fernando Joins NDB Bank Board
National Development Bank PLC (NDB) has announced the appointment of global tech leader Shanil Fernando as an Independent, Non-Executive Director to its Board, effective January 2026. This move highlights the banking sector's increasing focus on digital transformation and AI integration. • Professional Profile & Expertise - Over 25 years of global IT industry experience in scaling technology ventures. - Founding member of Virtusa Corporation (NASDAQ: VRTU), previously serving as CTO and VP. - Co-founder of Sysco LABS, the innovation hub for Fortune 100 giant Sysco (NYSE: SYY). - Current Chief Technology and AI Officer at Silicon Valley-based Cut+Dry, managing over US$ 10 Bn in GMV. • Strategic Value to Banking Sector - Deep expertise in ICT/BPM, AI, and global engineering operations. - Expected to drive NDB’s technological evolution, enhancing digital banking and operational efficiency. - Brings significant experience in real estate and property development through Fernando Ventures Ltd. • Key Industry Affiliations - Independent Non-Executive Director at John Keells Food Products PLC. - Former board member of SLASSCOM and former Secretary of the American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka. - Awarded ICT Leader of the Year (2016) for his role in shaping the local tech landscape.
## Vasee Nesiah Appointed as CEO of KBSL Information Technologies 📈
Sri Lankan ICT pioneer KBSL Information Technologies, a subsidiary of the Agility Innovation Group, has announced the appointment of industry veteran Vasee Nesiah as its new Chief Executive Officer. • Leadership Transition: Nesiah steps down from his previous role as KBSL Chairman to lead a new senior management team, focusing on scaling business impact and customer engagement. • Expertise & Background: Bringing over 30 years of international experience across Singapore, North America, and Australia, Nesiah holds a Master’s in Communications Management from USC. • Sector Focus: Under his leadership, KBSL aims to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies into its Systems Integration and Digital Transformation solutions. • Strategic Priorities: Key objectives include strengthening the partner ecosystem, empowering talent development, and driving innovation to support Sri Lanka’s national digital infrastructure. • Organizational Context: Founded in 1987, KBSL is a cornerstone of the local ICT/BPM sector. Its parent entity, Agility Innovation Group, employs over 700 professionals globally across sectors including Government, Defense, BFSI, and Telecommunications. KBSL remains a critical player in fostering enterprise resilience as Sri Lanka accelerates its digital journey.
## AgriOne Solutions Bolsters Board with Industry Veteran 📈
AgriOne Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, a subsidiary of Asia Siyaka Commodities PLC, has appointed Pasad Weerasekera to its Board of Directors to drive strategic growth in the agri-input sector. • Executive Profile: Weerasekera brings over 33 years of experience, having held senior leadership roles at CIC Agri Business and AgStar PLC. He is a Fellow of CIMA (UK) and holds multiple international accounting designations. • Strategic Focus: The appointment aims to strengthen the company’s market execution and long-term value creation within the agricultural value chain. • Company Mission: AgriOne Solutions—jointly owned by Asia Siyaka and Andaradeniya Tea Estates—focuses on enhancing crop productivity and farmer resilience. The move signals a push for deeper integration in the tea and agri-input marketing sectors. • Sector Impact: The appointment is expected to leverage Weerasekera's expertise to improve outcomes for farming communities through sustainable business practices.
## Cinnamon Hotels CEO Hishan Singhawansa Joins JKH Group Hotel Boards 🏨
• New Appointments: Hishan Singhawansa, CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, has been appointed as a Non-Independent Non-Executive Director to the boards of Trans Asia Hotels PLC and Asian Hotels and Properties PLC. • Strategic Oversight: These entities operate the Group's flagship Colombo properties, Cinnamon Grand and Cinnamon Lakeside. Singhawansa already serves as an Executive Vice President at John Keells Group and a Board Member of John Keells Hotels PLC. • Experience & Background: A 17-year veteran of JKH, Singhawansa holds an Engineering degree from the University of Moratuwa and an MBA from the University of Wales. He transitioned to the Leisure sector in 2017 after a decade in Retail operations. • Key Projects: He is currently leading the brand through a major expansion phase, most notably the Cinnamon Life integrated resort—a US$ 1.2 Bn project representing Sri Lanka’s largest private-sector investment. • Sector Representation: Beyond corporate roles, he serves on the boards of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), focusing on positioning Colombo as a top MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and leisure hub.
Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake Appointed Presidential Adviser on Maritime & Logistics ⚓
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Dr. Mahinda Parakrama Dissanayake as the Adviser to the President on Maritime, Ports and Logistics with immediate effect. The appointment is on an honorary basis to support the national objective of positioning Sri Lanka as a global logistics hub. • Current Leadership: Dr. Dissanayake serves as the Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Aitken Spence PLC. • Government & Public Sector Experience: He previously served as Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Shipping and has twice chaired the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). • Strategic Oversight: His experience includes leadership roles at the Jaya Container Terminal, Hambantota International Port Services, and board positions at SAGT and CICT. • Global Credentials: He was the first non-British International President of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (UK) and has served as a shipping expert for UNCTAD. The appointment aims to leverage Sri Lanka's strategic geographical location to drive economic growth through the maritime and logistics sectors, which are vital for employment and foreign exchange earnings.
📈 CSSL Appoints 2026 Council Amid 50th Anniversary Milestone
The Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL), the apex body for the ICT/BPM sector, transitioned to its new leadership for 2026 during its 37th AGM. The appointment coincides with the society’s Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years of driving Sri Lanka’s digital transformation. • New Leadership: The 2026 Council is led by President L.G. Heshan Karunaratne, supported by Vice President Indika De Zoysa and Secretary Udesh I.W. Seneviratne. The team includes experts in software engineering, AI, cybersecurity, and digital governance. • Key Achievements & Growth: • Membership: Welcomed nearly 200 new members (professional, associate, and student) in the past year. • Flagship Events: The 43rd National Information Technology Conference (NITC) achieved a record 2,000+ professional engagements. • Youth Development: Launched the 6th GenZ chapter (ESU), focusing on nurturing future-ready ICT talent. • Strategic Initiatives: • Legal-Tech Synergy: Signed an MoU with the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and hosted the "Law in the Digital Pulse" conference to bridge technology and legal frameworks. • Infrastructure: Opened a refurbished Secretariat to support governance and professional delivery. • Vision: The council aims to advance "Society 5.0," focusing on human-centric technology to boost national productivity and quality of life. The 2026 Council is positioned to lead Sri Lanka’s ICT community through a defining year of reflection and digital expansion.
Sri Lankan-Born Astrophysicist Dr. Ray Jayawardhana Appointed 10th President of Caltech 🎓
• The Appointment: Dr. Ray Jayawardhana has been named the 10th President of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), effective July 1, 2026. He is the first Sri Lankan-born academic to lead the prestigious 105-year-old institution. • Professional Background: He currently serves as the Provost of Johns Hopkins University, overseeing 10 schools and key initiatives like the Data Science and AI Institute. His leadership has been central to interdisciplinary research and global academic outreach. • Scientific Achievement: A world-renowned astrophysicist, Dr. Jayawardhana specializes in exoplanets and star formation. He has co-authored 180+ refereed papers with over 10,000 citations. He is a core team member for the James Webb Space Telescope’s NIRISS instrument. • Sri Lankan Roots: His interest in space began in his childhood in Sri Lanka, fueled by stargazing with his father. He has since become a major voice in science communication, authoring several books including Strange New Worlds and Neutrino Hunters. • Economic & Global Impact: This high-profile appointment highlights the global reach of the Sri Lankan diaspora in ICT/BPM, Science, and Education sectors, reinforcing the country's potential for high-level intellectual exports. 📈 • Vision for Caltech: Jayawardhana plans to focus on bold investments in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), global observatories, and expanding public engagement with science.
Late Lakshman Balasuriya: A Legacy of Integrity in Finance 📈
The Sri Lankan financial community mourns the passing of Lakshman Balasuriya, the long-standing leader of Senkadagala Finance PLC. Known for his humility and ethical leadership, his career spanned over four decades in the non-banking financial institution (NBFI) sector. • Professional Legacy: Served as Managing Director and CEO of Senkadagala Finance PLC from 1981 until 2024. Following his retirement as MD upon reaching age 70, he continued to serve as CEO until his demise in December 2025. • Sector Impact: Under his visionary leadership, the institution grew into one of Sri Lanka’s largest licensed finance companies, expanding to a network of 110 branches across all nine provinces. • Financial Stewardship: Managed a diverse portfolio including leasing, pawn brokering, and deposit mobilization. As of his passing, he held a significant interest of over 5.9 million ordinary voting shares in the company. • Corporate Values: Renowned for a "policy-first" approach, he advocated for professional dignity in the finance and banking industry, eschewing personal security and material displays of wealth despite his high-ranking status. • Personal Influence: Recognized by peers and family as a "true gentleman" who prioritized privacy, humility, and mentorship, profoundly impacting the next generation of leaders in Sri Lanka’s financial services sector.
🇱🇰 Thilan Rangana Represents Sri Lanka at Laureus World Sports Awards Nominations!
• Thilan Rangana, Chairperson of SPORTSINFO and a National Sports Promoter, has been selected for the 11th consecutive year to represent Sri Lanka on the Laureus World Sports Awards nominations panel. • The Laureus World Sports Awards celebrate outstanding sporting achievements from the previous calendar year. A panel of global sports editors, writers, and broadcasters creates a shortlist of six nominations across five categories, with winners then chosen by the Laureus World Sports Academy via secret ballot. • The ballot for the 2025 achievements was held between December 10-19, 2025, to create a global list of nominees. The winners for the 25th anniversary awards will be announced in April 2026, following the 2025 ceremony in Madrid. • Laureus also drives the 'Sport for Good' movement, supporting over 100 projects in 35 countries, including Sri Lanka, to use sport as a tool against violence, discrimination, and disadvantage. • SPORTSINFO, founded by Thilan Rangana in 2014, is a presidential award-winning sports promotion company in Sri Lanka. It's behind initiatives like the 'SILK Sports Awards,' 'SPORTEX,' and 'Schools Sports Awards,' which have become leading sports brands in the country.
🏏 Shanaka Returns as Sri Lanka's T20I Captain for World Cup
• Dasun Shanaka has been re-appointed as Sri Lanka's T20I captain, replacing Charith Asalanka. The appointment is effective immediately and extends until the 2026 T20 World Cup. • The decision was made by the new selection committee, headed by Pramodya Wickramasinghe, in consultation with head coach Sanath Jayasuriya. • Asalanka was removed from the captaincy to allow him to focus on his batting form in T20Is, as he is considered more crucial as a batsman. Shanaka previously led the team during a T20I Tri-Series in Pakistan when Asalanka was unwell. • Sri Lanka has also named a preliminary squad of 25 players for the upcoming T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February-March. • This squad, initially selected by the previous committee, will be used for the preparatory T20I series against Pakistan and England, and will be pruned down closer to the World Cup. Key players include Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and Wanindu Hasaranga.
📈 Sri Lanka's Rubber Sector Leadership Reaffirmed
• Pushpika Janadheera, Dipped Products PLC MD, has been reappointed as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Association of Manufacturers and Exporters of Rubber Products (SLAMERP) at its 15th AGM. • SLAMERP is a crucial body for Sri Lanka's value-added rubber products sector, which contributes US$ 1 billion in export earnings and aims to strengthen the country's global position. • Under Janadheera's previous leadership, SLAMERP actively addressed challenges, including advocating for government engagement on US tariffs on Sri Lankan rubber imports and raising concerns over the proposed removal of the SVAT scheme. • The association focuses on strengthening local supply chains, increasing raw rubber production, uplifting smallholder communities, and expanding market access in line with Sri Lanka’s 2030 roadmap. • Proposed office bearers for 2026-2027 include Dr. Eng. Sisira Ranatunga as Director General, Chinthaka Wegapitiya as Vice Chairman, Channa De Silva as Secretary, and Palika Chandrajeewa as Treasurer.
LOLC General Insurance Appoints New Non-Executive Director 📈
• Dulip Samaraweera has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director to the Board of LOLC General Insurance PLC. • He brings over two decades of experience in the financial services sector, specializing in financial management, strategic planning, investments, and acquisitions. • Samaraweera commenced his career in 2004 and joined the LOLC Group in 2007, where he has been instrumental in the global business expansion of the Group, particularly in banking and financial services. • He currently holds multiple board positions across various companies within the LOLC Group's international footprint, spanning regulated financial institutions and non-financial services entities. • He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Sciences from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
📈 People's Insurance PLC Appoints Veteran Banker Chandana Guniyangoda as Chairman
People's Insurance PLC has announced the appointment of Chandana Guniyangoda as its new Chairman. • Guniyangoda is a highly accomplished finance professional with over 27 years of experience, including 19 years in commercial banking. • He holds dual Fellowships from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (FCA) and the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (FCMA). • His extensive academic background includes an MBA in Banking and Finance (PIM), an MA in Financial Economics (University of Colombo), and a BSc in Business Administration. • He has held strategic roles at NDB Bank PLC (Assistant Vice President – Finance, Strategic Planning) and Sampath Bank PLC (ALCO Officer, Senior Executive Finance and Planning), and was part of a world champion team in Asset and Liability Management. • Guniyangoda's expertise spans Finance, Strategic Planning, Business Transformation, Cost Optimisation, and Risk Management. • Currently, he also serves as Group Chief Financial Officer (GCFO) of MG Group of Companies, Board Member at New Vithanakande Tea Factory Ltd., Non-Executive Chairman of CCPI Management Holdings Ltd., and a Non-Executive Senior Director at People's Bank. • He recently provided expert guidance for the restructuring of international setups in the country’s agriculture and plantation sectors for the World Bank and Ministry of Agriculture.
📰 Corporate Update: Jude Fernando Appointed New Group CEO at Melstacorp
• Jude Fernando has been appointed the new Group CEO of Melstacorp. • He brings over 32 years of senior leadership experience, particularly in Finance, Supply Chain Management, Sales & Marketing, and International Marketing. • His extensive background includes previous roles as Director/CEO of Janashakthi Insurance PLC and Kotmale Holdings PLC, and Managing Director of Hemas Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and Hemas Surgical and Diagnostics Ltd. He also served as Executive Director – Sales & Marketing for Cargills FMCG Brands. • Fernando is an accountant by profession, holding an MBA from the University of Wales and is a Fellow Member of CIMA (UK) and ACCA (UK). • He has also completed Executive Leadership Development Programmes at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and INSEAD.
Myland Developments Appoints Dr. Damindra Dissabandara as Executive Director 🏢
• Myland Developments PLC has appointed Dr. Damindra Ranjan Dissabandara as an Executive Director to its Board. • Dr. Dissabandara is a seasoned business leader with over 25 years of experience spanning corporate leadership, academia, and consultancy. • Qualifications: Holds a DBA (Kelaniya), an MBA in Finance (Colombo), and a Bachelor of Commerce (Sri Jayewardenepura). • Key Experience: He currently serves as the CEO of Colombo City Holdings PLC and previously held General Manager roles at Nivasie Developers Ltd. and Uga Escapes, along with MD at Finex Engineering Ltd. • His extensive background covers strategic growth, operational excellence, and leadership, particularly in the real estate development and hospitality sectors. • Earlier in his career, he also contributed to the National Development Bank and the United Nations (UNFPA).
🇱🇰 Hemas Holdings Announces Major Board Leadership Transition
• Ajith Fernando will assume the role of Chairman of Hemas Holdings PLC, effective 1st January 2026. He is a veteran in investment banking with over 30 years of experience. • Husein Esufally, who led Hemas for over four decades as CEO and Chairman, will retire from the Board on 31st December 2025. • Murtaza Esufally, currently Chairman of the Healthcare cluster, has been appointed Deputy Chairman, effective 1st January 2026. • Deputy Chairman Dr. Anura Ekanayake will also retire on 31st December 2025 upon completion of his term. • The transition is aimed at ensuring a seamless handover and strengthening leadership for the Group's next phase of growth and innovation.
🏦 SDB bank Appoints Aruna Jayasekera as New CHRO
• SDB bank has announced the appointment of seasoned professional Aruna Jayasekera as its new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). • This strategic move aims to accelerate the bank’s transformation journey, elevate organisational standards, and strengthen its people agenda and Employee Value Proposition (EVP). • Jayasekera brings multi-sector experience from key roles across legal, marketing, manufacturing, banking (Group CHRO at Sampath Bank), telecommunications (Chief People Officer at Sri Lanka Telecom), pharmaceuticals, and agriculture (Group Head of HR at CIC Holdings PLC). • He is an Attorney-at-Law and a Fellow Member of CIPM. Notably, he was the youngest recipient of the prestigious HR Gold Medal – Most Outstanding HR Professional of the Year 2007. • His focus at SDB bank will be on developing a strategic HR roadmap, driving performance transformation, strengthening culture, and fostering a future-ready leadership pipeline. • Beyond corporate life, he is a former international rugby referee and currently serves as a Judicial Officer for World Rugby.
Banking Veteran Chandana Dissanayake Joins SDB Board 🏦
Sanasa Development Bank PLC (SDB) has appointed Chandana Dissanayake as an Independent Non-Executive Director. • Dissanayake brings over 40 years of experience in the Banking and Non-Banking Financial Sector (NBFS). • His core expertise covers Corporate, Commercial, and Retail Lending, alongside Credit Risk Management in Sri Lanka, UAE, and Oman. • He held senior roles including Vice President/Associate Director at National Bank of Abu Dhabi and Credit Manager at HSBC Bank Middle East. • Locally, he served as Head of Credit at Union Bank of Colombo and was an Executive Director at Assetline Leasing Company Ltd. (2017-2020), where he developed their non-automotive business. • He is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers UK.
📈 ICT Leadership: KBSL Appoints New Chief Sales Officer (CSO)
• KBSL Information Technologies, a long-standing systems integrator, has appointed Pramukh Jayawardena as its new Chief Sales Officer (CSO) to steer its next phase of growth. • The appointment reflects a strategy to strengthen leadership for expansion focused on technology excellence, customer value, and deepening expertise in cloud platforms and digital transformation. • Jayawardena brings over 16 years of experience from leading tech firms including WSO2 (where he led SAARC sales), Millennium IT ESP, and Dialog Enterprise, known for building high-performing teams. • His strategic roadmap for KBSL emphasizes transforming sales into a consultative partnership, aligning technology (like AI, automation, and cloud-native platforms) with measurable customer business outcomes. • As a leading force in Sri Lanka’s ICT/BPM landscape, KBSL is positioned to further power enterprise resilience and national infrastructure advancement through integrated technology services.
📈 Gayani de Alwis Secures Second Term as WCIC Chairperson
• The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) held its 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM), confirming Gayani de Alwis for her second term as Chairperson (2025/2026). • WCIC Vision: De Alwis committed to reinforcing the WCIC as the 'think tank' voice and 'platform' empowering women entrepreneurs to be powerful nation builders, actively participating in transforming economic growth. • Key Initiatives: The National Chamber for Women in Business championed three flagship properties in the past year: WCIC Prathibhabisheka: Recognising outstanding women entrepreneurs nationally and across the SAARC region. WCIC Women Leadership Forum: Deliberating on pertinent topics for women in business. WCIC RampUp: Providing a platform for fashion entrepreneurs to showcase products and become export ready. • Economic Insight: Chief Guest Mano Sekaram (99x Founder) emphasised that SMEs are essential for creating job opportunities, and encouraged more Start-ups as market disruptors to further grow the country’s economy. • A new Board of Management for the 2025/2026 period was also appointed at the AGM.
OPA Centre Management Committee 2025/2026 holds Inaugural Meeting 🤝
The Centre Management Committee of the Organisation of Professional Associations (OPA) held its first meeting following the election of office bearers for the 2025/2026 term. • The OPA remains the apex body for 52 professional associations, representing 34 professions and over 60,000 members nationally. • Key Office Bearers for 2025/2026: • President: Jayantha Gallehewa • President-Elect: Tisara De Silva • General Secretary: Eng. Ravi Rupasinghe • Treasurer: Dharshana Wijemanne • Strategic Focus: The new Committee will concentrate on strengthening the voice and influence of professionals in national development, while also promoting continuous learning, leadership excellence, and professional growth.
Lanka Hospitals Board Appoints Top Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 🩺
• Lanka Hospitals Corporation PLC has appointed Dr. U.D.P. Ratnasiri to its Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director. • Dr. Ratnasiri is a distinguished Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with over 32 years of experience in high-volume tertiary hospitals in Sri Lanka and the UK. • His appointment strengthens the hospital's expertise in healthcare, highlighting his clinical excellence in managing complex obstetric conditions and pioneering surgical interventions. • Dr. Ratnasiri has significant international recognition, having served as past Chairperson of the RCOG International Representative Committee and holding advisory roles in major regional obstetrics and gynaecology federations.
📈 DIMO Board Gains Veteran Apparel Leader
• Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO) has appointed Natasha Boralessa as an Independent Non-Executive Director, effective 1 December 2025. • Boralessa brings over 25 years of senior leadership experience, primarily within the apparel manufacturing sector. • Most recently, she served as a Director at Brandix Apparel Ltd., overseeing ESG, governance, legal, and risk management functions across operations in Sri Lanka, India, and Bangladesh. • She currently also serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Boards of BPPL Holdings PLC and Ceylinco Life Insurance Ltd. • She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK) and holds the CGMA designation.
📈 Apparel Veteran Dinesh de Silva Joins PMF Finance Board
• PMF Finance has appointed Dinesh de Silva as an Independent Non-Executive Director, leveraging his 30+ years of distinguished leadership experience in transforming large enterprises. • De Silva is a veteran of the apparel & textiles sector, having held multiple senior executive and board-level positions within MAS Holdings. • Key roles include Group Director of Lean Enterprise and CEO of Bodyline Ltd. & Intimate Fashions India Ltd., where he managed over 11,500 employees and an annual turnover exceeding US$ 200 Million. • Under his leadership as CEO, the organization diversified its portfolio to global brands (Victoria’s Secret, Nike, lululemon), generating over US$ 80 Million in new revenue within four years and improving efficiency by 20%. • He also serves as a Director at MAS Holdings and a Board member of MAS Legato Ltd., the BPO arm of the conglomerate. • His expertise spans strategy, finance, operations, innovation, and governance, adding significant strategic depth to PMF's Board.
SLT Board Appointments: Key Treasury & Global Telecom Expertise Added 🤝
• Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT) announced two new appointments to its Board of Directors. • A.N. Hapugala is appointed Non-Independent Non-Executive Director. He currently serves as the Deputy Secretary to the Treasury and brings over three decades of public sector experience, including 20 years at the Treasury. • Raghvendra Madhav joins as an Independent Non-Executive Director. He brings deep international expertise from management consulting (PwC) and senior executive roles in the telecom and media sectors (e.g., Director South Asia and CEO of AOL). • Hapugala holds qualifications including a Master’s degree in Financial Economics and is a Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA), while Madhav is a Chartered Accountant and a Harvard Advanced Management Program graduate.
Warren Buffett Retiring as Berkshire CEO After 60+ Years 📈
• Value investing icon Warren Buffett (95) will step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway on 31 December 2025, ending a leadership tenure spanning more than 60 years. • Vice-Chairman Greg Abel is set to assume the CEO role on 1 January 2026. Buffett will stay on as the company's Board Chairman. • Buffett built the company into a US conglomerate now valued at approximately US$ 880 Bn, with major holdings in insurance, rail, utilities, energy, retail, and manufacturing. • Berkshire Hathaway holds a massive corporate cash reserve of roughly US$ 382 Bn, the largest corporate cash position in the US. • Apple Inc. remains the company’s biggest equity holding despite recent reductions. • The "Oracle of Omaha's" lifetime charitable giving has surpassed US$ 60 Bn.
🌴 Plantation Sector News: New Leadership at Namunukula
• Saman Doranegama has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Namunukula Plantations PLC. • He brings over 30 years of extensive experience in the plantation industry and estate management, starting his career in 1986. • Dual Role: Doranegama will take on the Namunukula role as Acting CEO in addition to his current position as CEO of Kegalle Plantations PLC. • His experience includes serving as Group Manager, General Manager, and Director of Operations at various estates, showcasing deep sector knowledge.
UB Finance PLC Appoints Veteran Sabry Ghouse as New Chairman 🏦
• UB Finance PLC has announced the appointment of veteran banker Sabry Ghouse as Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective 6 November. • Ghouse has served on the UB Finance Board as Senior Director since November 2021. • He brings over 30 years of extensive experience in Retail Banking and SME, operations, and strategy from leading international banks across Sri Lanka, the Middle East, and ASEAN. • Notably, he was recognized for his impactful work in enhancing Malaysia’s SME sector and played a critical role in setting up the SME unit and Retail Banking for Al Rajhi Bank Malaysia. • His local experience includes serving as a former Deputy Chairman of Union Bank of Colombo PLC and a former Director of the Credit Information Bureau (CRIB). He was also recently appointed as an Independent, Non-Executive Director at People’s Bank.
Myland Developments PLC strengthens Board with three senior appointments 💼
Myland Developments PLC has appointed three new Directors, adding significant expertise across financial services, banking, and diversified management to its Board. • Savanth Sebastian (Independent Non-Executive Director): Appointed, bringing 21 years of experience in economics, financial services, and investment management, including extensive experience as a Senior Economist at Commonwealth Bank, Australia. He holds key directorships at several companies, including Ambeon Group entities. • Ravi Goonetilleke (Independent Non-Executive Director): A seasoned banker with over 30 years of experience, notably a 26-year tenure at Deutsche Bank AG, Colombo, specializing in Cash Management, Custody, and Trade. He currently serves as Chairman of Taprobane Investments Ltd. and Director at Ambeon Group entities. • Dr. Kanchana Narangoda (Executive Director): Appointed while serving as Group CEO/Executive Director of Ambeon Holdings PLC and Ambeon Capital PLC. His background covers senior executive roles in sectors including ICT/BPM (Millennium IT ESP), manufacturing (Dankotuwa Porcelain), and Healthcare facility development (Hemas, Brown & Co.).
InsureMe Bolsters Board for Next Growth Phase & Regional Push 📈
• Strategic Appointments: InsureMe, Sri Lanka’s first end-to-end digital insurance aggregator, has appointed two new Non-Executive Independent Directors: Sagara Gamage and Randeewa Malalasoriya, to significantly enhance corporate governance and strategic oversight. • New Expertise: • Sagara Gamage: Brings over 20 years of experience in finance, governance, and operational transformation across the Middle East and South Asia. He is a Fellow of ACCA (UK) and CA Sri Lanka. • Randeewa Malalasoriya: Offers 20+ years of leadership, particularly in export agriculture, manufacturing, and sustainability, currently serving as CEO of the CBL Natural Foods Cluster. • Growth & Digital Focus: These appointments are crucial as InsureMe prepares for its next growth phase, aiming to scale its technology and expand its regional presence. The company, licensed by IRCSL since 2016, continues to lead the digital transformation of insurance. • Regional Expansion: InsureMe's technology arm, DIGIS (developer of platforms like DIGIEYE for automated claims), has already achieved an international deployment in Singapore, signaling a clear regional growth trajectory.
📰 SLIC General Appoints Dr. Sameera Dharmasena as New CEO
• Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Limited (SLIC General) has announced the appointment of Dr. Sameera Dharmasena as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 October. • Dr. Dharmasena brings over two decades of leadership experience in the insurance industry, with a strong background in strategic transformation, operational excellence, and innovation. • His diverse professional experience includes senior executive roles at subsidiaries of leading conglomerates, a tenure at Allianz Life Insurance Lanka, and he previously served as President of the Sri Lanka Insurance Institute. • He holds an impressive academic record, including a PhD in Business Management and is a Fellow Member of the Chartered Insurance Institute (FCII), UK, and a Chartered Insurer. • Dr. Dharmasena's appointment is set to strengthen SLIC General’s market leadership and drive professionalism and long-term growth in the national insurance sector.
InsureMe Bolsters Board for Next Growth Phase & Regional Push 📈
• Strategic Appointments: InsureMe, Sri Lanka’s first end-to-end digital insurance aggregator, has appointed two new Non-Executive Independent Directors: Sagara Gamage and Randeewa Malalasoriya, to significantly enhance corporate governance and strategic oversight. • New Expertise: • Sagara Gamage: Brings over 20 years of experience in finance, governance, and operational transformation across the Middle East and South Asia. He is a Fellow of ACCA (UK) and CA Sri Lanka. • Randeewa Malalasoriya: Offers 20+ years of leadership, particularly in export agriculture, manufacturing, and sustainability, currently serving as CEO of the CBL Natural Foods Cluster. • Growth & Digital Focus: These appointments are crucial as InsureMe prepares for its next growth phase, aiming to scale its technology and expand its regional presence. The company, licensed by IRCSL since 2016, continues to lead the digital transformation of insurance. • Regional Expansion: InsureMe's technology arm, DIGIS (developer of platforms like DIGIEYE for automated claims), has already achieved an international deployment in Singapore, signaling a clear regional growth trajectory.
⚖️ ICT Legal Veteran Jayantha Fernando Joins LOLC Finance Board
• LOLC Finance PLC has appointed Jayantha Fernando, a senior Legal expert specializing in Telecommunications and IT Law, as a Non-Executive Independent Director. • Fernando brings nearly 30 years of experience in key tech legal areas, including Digital Transactions, Digital Payments, Data Protection, Cybercrime, and AI. • Key National Contributions: • Led the strategy to formulate and enact Sri Lanka’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) No. 09 of 2022, which is the first comprehensive data privacy legislation in South Asia. • Oversaw the drafting of the Electronic Transactions Act and the Computer Crimes Act while at the ICT Agency (ICTA). • Led Sri Lanka's entry to the Budapest Cybercrime Convention, becoming the first South East Asian elected to its global Board.
Softlogic Finance Appoints Sisira Dabare as Deputy Chairman 🤝
• Softlogic Finance PLC has named Hewage Sisira Samantha Dabare, previously a Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, as its new Deputy Chairman. • The appointment has received approval from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). • Dabare is a veteran career banker with over 33 years of experience at Sampath Bank PLC, retiring in 2021 as the Group Chief Compliance Officer (GCCO). • His major specialization is in retail and SME lending, backed by over 20 years in branch and regional management roles across the island. • He also served as Head of Recoveries and GCCO for Sampath Bank PLC since 2017.
Co-operative Insurance Appoints New Acting MD & Principal Officer 📈
• Co-operative Insurance Company PLC has announced the appointment of Dayasumana Gamage as the Acting Managing Director and Acting Principal Officer, effective 29 October 2025. • The appointment, which was approved by the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL), fulfills a statutory requirement for the Principal Officer position. • Gamage will also continue to serve as the Vice Chairman of the Company. • He is a seasoned professional with over 35 years of distinguished service in the Cooperative sector, including a previous role as Cooperative Commissioner. • This strategic decision aims to strengthen the Company’s leadership, ensure continued regulatory compliance, sound governance, and drive sustainable growth, leveraging his deep understanding of the core Cooperative business dynamics.
CIPR Appoints Rishini Weeraratne as Ambassador for Sri Lanka 🇱🇰🤝
• The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), the world's only Royal Chartered body for PR, has appointed Rishini Weeraratne as its new Ambassador for Sri Lanka. • Weeraratne, who is the Editor of The Sun (Daily Mirror) and Head of Social Media at Wijeya Newspapers Ltd., will take on this strategic role. • Significance: The appointment strengthens CIPR's global network and marks a significant step in expanding its presence across South Asia. • Key Focus: She will serve as a vital bridge, promoting professional standards in Public Relations, supporting local practitioners, and encouraging engagement with CIPR’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and accreditation programmes. • CIPR CEO noted that her leadership across the profession embodies the global standards of professionalism and integrity the Institute represents. • Weeraratne is an award-winning media professional, recognised for her expertise in journalism, digital strategy, and corporate communications, blending global experience with local impact.
🇱🇰 Eng. Ravi Rupasinghe Appointed OPA General Secretary for 2025/2026 Term 👨💼
• Eng. Ravi Rupasinghe has been appointed as the General Secretary of the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) for the 2025/2026 term. • The OPA is the apex body for 52 professional associations, representing over 60,000 professionals across 34 professions. • Professional Background: A Chartered Electrical Engineer with over 25 years of industry experience, he holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering and an MBA–MOT from the University of Moratuwa. • OPA Service: He has contributed to the OPA for over a decade, serving five consecutive terms as Vice President since 2018 and chairing key committees, including Career Guidance and Education & Human Resources Development. • Leadership Roles: Eng. Rupasinghe is a leading entrepreneur, serving as Chairman/MD for multiple ventures promoting technological advancement, engineering excellence, and education. He previously held key posts including President of the Engineers’ Guild of Sri Lanka (EGSL) and Vice Chairman of the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI). • In his new capacity, he will oversee the OPA’s secretariat operations, coordinate collaboration among affiliated bodies, and drive key policy initiatives at national and international forums.
RDB Bank Appoints New Experienced Board for Financial Inclusion Drive 📈
RDB Bank announced the appointment of its new Board of Directors, effective 22 October 2025. The Board's mandate is to guide the bank towards its strategic vision of empowering entrepreneurs and advancing financial inclusion. • Leadership Focus: The newly appointed team brings together diverse expertise in finance, development, governance, and management. • Key Appointees & Expertise: • Chanura Wijetillake: Over 35 years in banking, including 14 years in Senior/Corporate Management at Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, where he specialised in lending and compliance. He also served as a Non-Executive Independent Director at People’s Leasing & Finance PLC. • Ranjith Kodituwakku: Over 40 years of leadership and governance experience, having served as Chief Executive Officer of People’s Bank and Chairman of institutions like the Financial Ombudsman and Lanka Financial Services Bureau.
📈 Corporate Governance Boost: Lalith Withana Joins Hunters & Co. Board
• Hunters and Company PLC has appointed Lalith Withana as a Non-Executive Independent Director. • He brings over 30 years of experience (25+ years in senior management) spanning banking, manufacturing, and trading sectors. • Key Past Roles include Group Chief Financial and Administrative Officer at SriLankan Airlines (and CEO of SriLankan Catering) and senior positions at the Brandix Group, Ceylon Tea Services Limited, and Carson Cumberbatch. • He previously served on the Boards of Bank of Ceylon and Seylan Bank PLC. • Current Roles: He is a Management Consultant at Deloitte and Founder of Agility Consulting Services Ltd. • Extensive Board Experience: He also serves on the Boards of several leading companies, including Softlogic Life Insurance PLC, HNB Finance, Commercial Development Company PLC, and Citrus Leisure PLC. • Withana is a Fellow of both CIMA (FCMA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (FCA), and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
📈 Colombo City Holdings Appoints Nelaka Haturusinha to Board
• Colombo City Holdings PLC has appointed Nelaka Haturusinha as an Independent, Non-Executive Director. • Haturusinha is a seasoned investment professional with over eight years of experience leading overseas operations and strategic investments at Striders Corporation, a Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed company. • His core expertise spans private equity, venture capital, and real estate investments across key regions including Japan, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. • He is presently the Section Head of Investment and Business at Striders Corporation, Tokyo, and holds Directorships at Omusubi Capital VCC and Striders Global Investment Ltd., Singapore. • He is noted for his abilities in deal sourcing, cross-border advisory, and building partnerships.
SLT Appoints Telecom Veteran Riyaaz Rasheed as New CEO 📰
• Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT) has appointed Riyaaz Rasheed as its new Chief Executive Officer. • Rasheed brings a professional career spanning over 34 years, with 29 years dedicated to the telecommunications sector. • His extensive background includes leadership roles with subsidiaries of major multinational corporations, including Millicom, Etisalat, and CK Hutchison Group. • Key prior appointments in the sector include Acting CEO/CFO of Robi Axiata PLC (Bangladesh), and Deputy CEO roles at both Hutchison Telecommunications and Etisalat in Sri Lanka. • He also served as CFO for Celltel Lanka Ltd. and Tigo Lanka Ltd., and worked at Hayleys Group's Dipped Products PLC. • Rasheed is a Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute Management Accountants of UK (FCMA UK) and holds an MBA from the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM).
📈 Rashmini Mather Joins Cable Solutions PLC Board as Independent Director
• Cable Solutions PLC has appointed Rashmini Mather as a Non-Executive Independent Director. • Mather is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in communications and Government Relations spanning the UK and Sri Lanka. • She currently holds the position of Head of Strategic Communications and Partnerships at Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company. • Her extensive governmental and policy experience includes serving as Assistant Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister (2015-2019) and contributing significantly to the tourism sector. • Key contributions to tourism involved authoring Sri Lanka’s Tourism Vision 2025 and acting as the principal architect for the Tourism Strategic Plan 2017–2020, focusing on conservation and sustainability. • Her international career includes strategic communications roles for the UK Prime Minister’s Office, the London 2012 Olympic Games, and the UK Government’s global GREAT campaign.
📰 SLIC Life Appoints Nalin Subasinghe as New CEO
• Nalin Subasinghe has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka Insurance Life (SLIC Life), effective 3 November 2025. • Subasinghe brings over 21 years of extensive experience in the insurance industry, including 15 years in C-Suite leadership positions across both Life and General sectors. • His background includes roles as Chief Actuarial Officer/GM at HNB Assurance PLC/HNB General Insurance Ltd. and Union Assurance PLC (Vice President, John Keells Holdings PLC). • He is currently the Vice President of the Actuarial Association of Sri Lanka (AASL). • SLIC Life, the largest government-owned life insurer, manages a total asset base of Rs. 264 Billion and holds the industry's largest Life Fund at Rs. 239 Billion. • The company is the only life insurer in Sri Lanka to hold a Fitch Rating of A+ (lka) for long-term financial stability.
HDFC Bank Appoints Shiroma Nandani to Board 🏦
• HDFC Bank has appointed Shiroma Nandani to its Board as a Non-Executive Independent Director. • Nandani is a Grade I Officer of the Sri Lanka Accountancy Service, bringing over 20 years of experience in the public sector finance domain. • She currently serves as the Chief Accountant at the Ministry of Labour. • Her expertise includes public sector finance and local government financial management, notably having served as the Municipal Treasurer of the Colombo Municipal Council. • Nandani holds a B.Com (Special) and an M.A. in Economics, and is a member of the Association of Public Finance Accountants (APFA) of CA Sri Lanka.
🇱🇰 Economist Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe Assumes Role as 19th Ambassador to Japan 📈
• Distinguished economist and public policy advisor Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe formally commenced his tenure as Sri Lanka's 19th Ambassador to Japan on 31 October 2025, presenting his Letters of Credence to His Majesty Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace. • The Ambassador conveyed President Anura Kumara Disanayaka's greetings, which were warmly acknowledged by Emperor Naruhito. • Prof. Kumarasinghe brings over 25 years of experience in teaching, research, and national capacity-building. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Development Economics and a Master’s in Public Policy from Japan. • His expertise is highly relevant to bilateral economic ties, with a research portfolio focusing on economic development, the role of SMEs, foreign remittances, and macroeconomic policy formulation. • He previously served as a senior academic at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and advised national institutions including the Ministries of Finance and Defense.
OPA Elects Pharmaceutical Veteran Tisara de Silva as 2025/2026 President-Elect 📈
• Tisara de Silva was elected President-Elect of the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) for the 2025/2026 term with a clear majority at the AGM on October 31. • The OPA is the apex body of 52 professional associations, representing 34 professions across the country. • De Silva is a registered Pharmacist, marking the first time a professional from the Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka (PSSL) has been elected to this position. • He holds over 31 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including 27 years as a Senior Manager at GlaxoSmithKline. • His service to the OPA includes two years as General Secretary and a term as Vice President (2022/2023). • Internationally, he currently serves as Secretary of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the SEARPharm Forum.
Serendib Land PLC Appoints Global Hospitality Veteran as CEO 📣
• Serendib Land PLC has appointed Nirmalan Nagendra as its new Chief Executive Officer. • Nagendra brings over 30 years of global hospitality industry expertise, with extensive experience in financial administration across five-star hotels in the USA, Caribbean, Middle East, and Singapore. • His background includes serving as Director of Finance at Park Hyatt Jeddah from 2008 to 2014. • Since 2015, he has been a Consultant at KPMG, providing expert guidance on hotel development, investment, valuation, and performance improvement. 🏨 • He also currently serves as the Managing Director of N.N. Recruitment Consulting Ltd. and is the creator of the 'Commitment to Excellence Service Delivery Program'.
Top Legal Expert Joins Lanka Tiles & Lanka Walltiles Boards 📈
• Harsha Amarasekera PC, a prominent Attorney-at-Law and legal luminary, has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director to the Boards of Lanka Tiles PLC and Lanka Walltiles PLC. • He brings significant expertise in governance, compliance, and corporate law, alongside extensive experience in commercial, business, and securities law. • Amarasekera currently holds key leadership roles, including Chairman of Sampath Bank PLC, CIC Holdings PLC, and the Colombo Port City Economic Commission. • He is also Co-Chairman of Royal Ceramics Lanka PLC and serves as a Director for several major entities like Expolanka Holdings Ltd. • This appointment is set to enhance the corporate governance structure of the tile manufacturing group.
🇱🇰 Chief Internal Auditors’ Forum of Banks Appoints New Committee for 2025/26
The Chief Internal Auditor’s Forum of Banks, integral to the banking and finance sector, appointed its 7th committee for the 2025/26 term at its Annual General Meeting held on July 30, 2025. • President: Dulan Abeyratne (HSBC) was appointed as the new President. • Key Appointments: Saaraa Warnakulasooriya (NTB) named Vice President, Jeyabalasingam Pirathapan (SCB) as Secretary, and Jayan Fernando (DFCC) as Treasurer. • Forum's Role: The body aims to build strong relationships among Licensed Commercial and Specialized Banks to effectively address new industry challenges, share knowledge, and promote best practices in internal auditing. • Immediate Past President: Numair Cassim (Amana Bank) joins the committee in this capacity. • Committee Representation: Includes members from NDB, Union Bank, PABC, MCB, and Cargills Bank, ensuring wide industry input on common audit-related issues.
🏏 Kane Williamson Retires from T20 Internationals
• New Zealand's former captain, Kane Williamson (35), has announced his retirement from T20 Internationals (T20Is), effective immediately. • This decision aims to give the team "clarity" and allow emerging talent to prepare for the next T20 World Cup, starting in February in India and Sri Lanka. • Career Highlights: Scored 2,575 runs in 93 T20Is at an average of 33.44. Only Martin Guptill has scored more T20I runs for NZ. • He famously captained the Black Caps to the T20 World Cup final in 2021. • Williamson will continue to play One Day International (ODI) cricket, the three-Test series against West Indies in December, and T20 franchise cricket.
🇱🇰 Professional Leadership Update 👨💼: Jayantha Gallehewa assumes OPA Presidency
• Jayantha Gallehewa has been sworn in as the 45th President of the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) for the 2025/2026 term. • He previously held key OPA roles and chaired strategic committees focused on supply chain, logistics, and transport development. • Global Recognition: Gallehewa achieved a historic first for Sri Lanka by receiving the prestigious IFPSM President’s Award (2024) for his outstanding global contribution to the supply chain profession. • As President of the Institute of Supply and Materials Management (ISMM), he was instrumental in establishing 'National Supply Chain Day' and spearheading the National Supply Chain Excellence Awards. • The OPA serves as the apex body for 52 professional associations, representing over 60,000 professionals across 34 disciplines, and is critical to national development initiatives.
📰 Senior Director Asite Talwatte Retires from Cargills Board
• Asite Talwatte has retired from the Board of Cargills (Ceylon) PLC, where he last served as a Non-Independent Director, following his tenure as Senior Independent Director until April 2024. • The Board expressed deep appreciation for his dedicated service and "invaluable contributions" to the Company. • He chaired several key Board sub-committees, including the Audit Committee, Related Party Transactions Review Committee, and the Remuneration Committee. • His counsel, business acumen, and industry insights were noted as instrumental in guiding the Company through a particularly challenging national and business period. • Mr. Talwatte, a respected senior accountant, also chose earlier this year not to seek re-election to the Board of the parent company, C T Holdings PLC.
📰 Charles Gamage Joins LCB Finance Board
• Lanka Credit and Business Finance PLC (LCB Finance) has appointed Charles Gamage as a Director. • Gamage brings over 30 years of experience in the Co-operative Sector and NGOs, which LCB Finance aims to leverage for ambitious business expansion. • His key experience includes pioneering and serving as the current Chairman of the Galle Co-operative Hospital, which he expanded significantly to serve low/medium-income groups. • He was also an initial Director of the Ruhunu Development Bank (appointed by CBSL) and currently serves as a Director for the Galle District Co-operative Rural Bank and Sri Lanka Federation of Co-operative Societies. • LCB Finance anticipates his expertise will specifically aid in expanding business volumes with Co-operative Sector establishments in the areas served by its branch network.
ICT/BPM Giant WSO2 Appoints New Corporate Development VP 🚀
• WSO2, a key player in the Sri Lankan ICT/BPM sector, has appointed Sudesh Vasudevan as Vice-President and Corporate Development Head. • This move is designed to accelerate the company’s next phase of global expansion following its acquisition by EQT in 2024. • Vasudevan will spearhead WSO2’s global inorganic growth strategy, focusing on identifying, evaluating, and executing strategic acquisitions. • The objective is to expand platform capabilities and market presence in key areas like API management, integration, and identity security. • He brings over 15 years of deep expertise in finance, strategy, and M&A across the enterprise software and cybersecurity sectors, having advised on over $50 billion in M&A/IPO transactions earlier in his career.
Prof. Kasun De Zoysa Joins LB Finance Board as Independent Director 🛡️
• LB Finance PLC has appointed Prof. Thirimadura Nandika Kasun De Zoysa as an Independent Non-Executive Director to its Board. • Prof. De Zoysa currently serves as the Deputy Director and Coordinator of the Digital Forensic Centre at the University of Colombo School of Computing. • He brings over 25 years of experience spanning academia, industry, and national cybersecurity initiatives, holding a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stockholm University. • His expertise covers information security, digital forensics, and technology risk management, with prior advisory roles to leading financial institutions. • Prof. De Zoysa has been pivotal in developing cybersecurity frameworks and capacity building programs for the banking and finance sector, strengthening the Board's focus on national digital infrastructure resilience and ICT/BPM strategy.
🏗️ UDA Chairman Eng. Kumudu Lal Appointed to Lead On’ally Holdings
• On’ally Holdings PLC has appointed Eng. Kumudu Lal as the new Chairman. • Mr. Lal currently holds key public sector roles as the Chairman of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and Secretary to the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply. • He brings over 28 years of extensive experience in civil and environmental engineering, specializing in water/wastewater drainage, solid waste management, and project management. • His professional track record includes pivotal roles in major national infrastructure initiatives, such as the World Bank-funded Duplication Road Project and the Greater Colombo Wastewater Management project.
🚨 Key Appointment: Amb. Ravinatha Aryasinha to Lead RCSS
• Ambassador (Retd.) Ravinatha Aryasinha, former Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka, has been appointed Executive Director of the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies (RCSS). • The RCSS is an independent, non-profit, policy research centre, co-founded in 1992 and headquartered in Colombo, focused on conventional and non-conventional conflict and peace studies. • Aryasinha's extensive background in diplomacy includes key roles such as Ambassador to the United States; Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva; and Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union. • Following his retirement, he most recently served as the Executive Director of the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI). • His priority for the RCSS is to strengthen the research programme, deepen regional and international partnerships, and expand opportunities for emerging scholars.
Alpha Fire Services Appoints Menaka Athukorala as Non-Executive Chairman 👨💼
• Alpha Fire Services PLC has named Menaka Athukorala to its Board as the new Non-Executive Chairman. • He is a dynamic executive with over 30 years of experience spanning corporate leadership, renewable energy, and critical plantation management. • Athukorala's expertise includes strategic planning, operational management, and driving sustainable business growth. • His qualifications include an MBA and a Higher National Diploma in Plantation Management and Agriculture.
🧑💼 CBSL Appoints Two New Deputy Governors
• In terms of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, No. 16 of 2023, the Minister of Finance has appointed two new Deputy Governors, effective late October/early November 2025. • Appointees & Effective Dates: • Dr. C Amarasekara (Former Assistant Governor): Effective 24.10.2025. • Mr. K G P Sirikumara (Former Assistant Governor): Effective 03.11.2025. • Key Experience Highlights: • Dr. Amarasekara: Over 22 years experience. Specialises in monetary policy and macroeconomic research. Previously served as Alternate Executive Director at the IMF (Jan 2022-Feb 2024) and oversaw Economic Research and Market Operations. • Mr. Sirikumara: Over 25 years experience. Previously oversaw Public Debt Management, Financial Sector Resolution, and Currency Management. Instrumental in introducing law reforms in the banking/financial sector and anti-money laundering frameworks. Both are Attorneys-at-Law.
🏏 SL Cricket Selection Panel Term Ends in December 🏏
• The two-year term of the current Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) selection committee, chaired by Upul Tharanga, is set to conclude in December. • SLC has initiated the standard process, requesting stakeholders to nominate names for the new panel within a two-week period. The SLC Executive Committee will forward 10 suitable candidates to the Minister of Sports for the final appointment. • The committee was appointed after the 2023 ICC CWC failure, and alongside Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya, has overseen significant improvement: • ODIs: Strong 68% win rate (P25, W17). Currently ranked 4th. • Tests: 50% win rate (P14, W7). Currently ranked 6th. • T20Is: 45.45% win rate (P33, W15). Ranked 8th. • The new (or partially retained) panel will likely pick the squad for the next ICC T20 World Cup (hosted by India/Sri Lanka, Feb-Mar 2026). • Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya's contract, which expires on March 31, 2026, will also come up for review after the T20 World Cup.
🏦 Standard Chartered SL Welcomes New Head of Corporate Affairs & Marketing
Standard Chartered Sri Lanka has appointed Kumudu Munasinghe as Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, effective October 15. • Munasinghe joins the Bank's Country Management Team to craft and deliver the overall strategy for Corporate Affairs, Brand, and Marketing for the Sri Lanka franchise. • She brings over 25 years of extensive cross-industry experience in the Sri Lankan corporate sector. • Key expertise includes a strong focus on ESG communications and social impact. • Prior to this, she was a Senior Assistant Vice President at the John Keells Group, heading Corporate Communications, the 'Plasticcycle' project, and Group Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). • She was recognized in 2021 for Excellence in Corporate Communications at the Top 50 Professional and Career Women Awards. CEO Bingumal Thewarathanthri expects her leadership to be instrumental in strengthening the bank's brand presence and stakeholder engagement.
Dr. Gishan Illangakoon Appointed to SMB Finance PLC Board 📈
• Top professional Dr. Gishan Illangakoon has been appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director to the Board of SMB Finance PLC. • He brings over 32 years of progressive experience in banking and finance, covering retail, MSME, corporate banking, risk management, and sustainable finance. • Dr. Illangakoon has held senior leadership roles locally and internationally, including at Hatton National Bank (Sri Lanka), Barclays Bank (UAE), and United Arab Bank (UAE). • He also served as the former CEO of Pan Oceanic Bank, Solomon Islands, and was the former Vice President of the Association of Banking Sector Risk Professionals (Bankers’ CRO Forum – Sri Lanka), contributing significantly to risk governance standards. • Holding a PhD in Management and an MBA, his strategic foresight and cross-regional leadership are expected to enhance governance and sustainability-driven growth at SMB Finance.
Headline: 📈 Key Appointment: Senaka Kakiriwaragodage Joins CSE Board
• Senaka Kakiriwaragodage, CFA, has been appointed as a Director to the Board of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), effective from 03/10/2025. • He is a 22-year veteran with extensive experience in investment banking, private equity, and IT services. • Mr. Kakiriwaragodage currently serves as the Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NDB Capital Holdings Limited and is a Director in several NDB Capital Group and investee companies. • His previous roles include being a member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Finance and Capital Markets Sector Committee, and holding board positions at CIMA and the CFA Society of Sri Lanka. • He holds strong academic and professional qualifications, including an MBA, a B.Sc. First Class Degree in Computer Science and Engineering, and is a CFA Charter holder and a Fellow of CIMA (CGMA).
📈 Global Dairy Major HANNS Canada Appoints Rohan Ariyawansa as SL Country Head
• Global dairy processor HANNS Global Canada Inc. has appointed Rohan Ariyawansa as Director of Corporate Affairs and Country Head for Sri Lanka. • Ariyawansa brings over 40 years of extensive experience, notably in the apparel manufacturing industry, strategic planning, and quality management systems (CTPAT, ISO TQM, 5S, KAIZAN). • He previously held senior leadership positions at companies including Banaras GMBH Export and Import, Metal Recyclers Colombo Ltd., Lanka Felts Ltd., and Supply Room Ltd. • In his new role, Ariyawansa will focus on driving growth, innovation, and community development by strengthening relationships with government, foreign, and industry partners in Sri Lanka. • HANNS Global Canada Inc. is a leading dairy processor globally, with regional partnerships like Three GOSHALA (Pte) Ltd in Kerala, India.
📈 Key Appointments in Finance & Energy
• Veteran investment banking professional Kusal Jayawardana has been appointed Chairman of Lanka Ventures PLC and LVL Energy Fund PLC. • Mr. Jayawardana brings over 27 years of experience in capital markets, corporate advisory, and financial services, holding qualifications including CFA and CIMA/CGMA. • He has held senior leadership roles, including Deputy MD of Alliance Finance PLC and CEO of NDB Capital Ltd., Bangladesh. • Innovation Focus: Noted for pioneering landmark capital market transactions, including introducing the first Green Bond in the NBFI sector and pioneering Social Bonds in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. • The appointment is expected to strengthen leadership and drive portfolio expansion for both entities, particularly leveraging the strong regional presence of LVL Energy Fund in renewable and conventional power generation.
📈 Maskeliya Plantations Strengthens Board with RPC Finance Head
• Maskeliya Plantations PLC has appointed Sudheera Epitakumbura as a Non-Independent Non-Executive Director to its Board. • Epitakumbura is the current Head of Finance at Richard Pieris & Company PLC (RPC) and brings over 25 years of experience in finance and auditing. • His previous roles at RPC, which he joined in 2009, include serving as the Chief Financial Controller of the Plantations Sector and Deputy Group Chief Finance Officer. • He is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and an Associate Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants UK.
📰 Kegalle Plantations Appoints Finance Veteran Dinusha Perera to Board
• Kegalle Plantations PLC has appointed Dinusha Perera as a Non-Independent Non-Executive Director. • Perera brings over 22 years of experience in finance and operations from leading Sri Lankan conglomerates, bolstering the board's expertise in the plantations sector. • He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Hardware Sector at Richard Pieris & Company PLC. • His professional background is extensive, spanning key leadership roles across diverse sectors, including: • Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for multiple sectors at Hayleys Group. • Head of Finance at the Aitken Spence Hotel Sector. • General Manager (GM) at St. Anthony’s Industries Group. • Perera’s core expertise lies in financial management, corporate governance, strategic planning, and driving organisational performance. • He is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka.
CDB Appoints Dr. Rasitha Wickramasinghe as Independent Director 📈
Citizen’s Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) has appointed Dr. Rasitha Wickramasinghe to its Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director. • Dr. Wickramasinghe is a seasoned strategy consultant with over 25 years of experience across US, European, and Asian markets. • He currently serves as a senior member of Stax LLC (Sri Lanka), a global consultancy focusing on Private Equity (PE) clients. • His sector expertise covers diverse areas including financial services, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and education. • Prior roles include Director at GT Nexus (Sri Lanka), a global supply chain technology platform, and consultancy roles in the UK telecommunications industry with firms like Nokia, Telefonica-O2, and Amdocs. • This appointment reinforces CDB's strategic depth with significant international and strategy consulting experience.
🏦 Banking Veteran Nandika Buddhipala Joins Sarvodaya Development Finance Board
• Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) has appointed banking veteran Nandika Buddhipala as an Independent Non-Executive Director. • Buddhipala brings over 35 years of executive experience across Banking, Telecommunication, and Audit and Assurance industries. • He served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC for over 17 years, a position he held until May 2025. • His prior experience includes working as the CFO of Mobitel Ltd. and being an alumnus of KPMG. • Buddhipala holds influential roles in professional and academic bodies, including Council Member of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and Chairman of the CISI National Advisory Committee, Sri Lanka. • He is a Fellow Member of several prestigious institutions including CA Sri Lanka, ACCA (UK), and CMA.
🏦 Indrajith Boyagoda Appointed Chairman of AMW Capital Leasing
• AMW Capital Leasing and Finance PLC (AMWCL) has named Indrajith Boyagoda as its new Chairman. • Boyagoda possesses more than 30 years of experience in the Financial Services industry, covering Treasury, Capital Markets, Corporate Relationship Management, and Banking Operations. • His career highlights include serving as the former Executive Vice President of Treasury and Investment Banking at Nations Trust Bank PLC, along with senior positions at Citibank Sri Lanka and Samba Financial Group (Saudi Arabia). • He was first appointed to the AMWCL Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director in June 2024, becoming Senior Director in November 2024. • He currently also serves as the Secretary General of the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association Ltd. (SLBA), representing them on the Director Boards of LankaPay Ltd. and Lanka Financial Services Bureau Ltd.
📈 Leadership Change for Youth Empowerment
• Veteran leader Dumindra Ratnayaka has been appointed Chairman of the Avinya Foundation, a registered non-profit providing full scholarships and 21st-Century skills training to underprivileged Sri Lankan youth (18-25). • He takes over from Founder Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarana (CEO & Founder of WSO2). • Avinya Academy in Bandaragama provides this education, focusing on youth who have failed the traditional education stream, in collaboration with partners like Sampath Bank, Singer Sri Lanka, and Sensus BPO for industrial experience. • Ratnayaka's key former roles include: Founding Chairman of 1990 Suwa Seriya Foundation, Former Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI), and Former Board Member of the Information Communication Technology Agency (ICTA). • The 2025 cohort is graduating in early December, receiving an Avinya Foundation certificate (Job, English, Computer, Maths with STEM.org accreditation) and a TVEC NVQ Level 3 (Customer Services). • The Academy plans to double its impact in 2026, commencing two six-month full-time programs for up to 120 students each, starting in January and July.
Mithila Wegapitiya Appointed to LAUGFS Gas & Power Boards 💼
• LAUGFS Gas PLC and LAUGFS Power PLC have appointed Mithila Wegapitiya as a Non-Independent Director to their respective Boards. • He currently serves as the Executive Vice Chairman of LAUGFS Holdings Ltd. • Wegapitiya is a technology entrepreneur and innovation advocate with a multidisciplinary background covering management, finance, global marketing, and ICT/BPM interactive entertainment. • His 12 years of global experience spans roles at organizations like Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (London), Deutsche Bank (Australia), and Virtusa Corporation. • He co-founded POTENZA, a global tech consultancy (SAP, Data & Analytics, Intelligent Automation) headquartered in Singapore with offices in Sri Lanka and Australia, focusing on large-scale digital transformation initiatives.
RDB Bank Names Dr. Asanga Tennakoon as New GM/CEO 📈
• The Regional Development Bank (RDB), a premier state-owned development bank, has appointed Dr. Asanga Tennakoon as its new General Manager/CEO, effective October 13, 2025. • RDB operates the third largest branch network in Sri Lanka with 272 branches and serves a base of 6 million customers island-wide. • Dr. Tennakoon is a C-suite banking professional with over 25 years of experience in wholesale banking, covering corporate and SME segments across Sri Lanka and the Middle East. • He specializes in credit appraisal, risk management, and project financing. Prior roles include Vice President – Corporate Banking at Union Bank of Colombo PLC, and managing corporate clients at Doha Bank in Qatar and Dubai. • The new leadership is set to reinforce RDB's core mission of facilitating regional economic development by promoting sectors such as agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and industry.
🚗 Automotive Sector Update: AMW Appoints Jawahar Ganesh as Group Managing Director
• Associated Motorways Ltd. (AMW), a unit of Dubai’s Al-Futtaim Company, has appointed Jawahar Ganesh as its new Group Managing Director. • New Role: Ganesh will oversee AMW's diverse operations, including automotive sales and after-sales, lubricants, batteries, tyres, retreading, and financial services (leasing/hire purchase). He will also serve on the Boards of AMW Ltd. and AMW Capital Leasing and Finance PLC. • Experience: He brings over three decades of international experience in strategic leadership, business transformation, and finance, having held key roles with global automotive brands like Nissan and Mitsubishi in Europe and the Middle East. • Outlook: Ganesh is committed to accelerating AMW's transformation and strengthening its customer focus, aiming to enhance the company’s position in Sri Lanka’s evolving mobility landscape. The appointment also mirrors confidence in the country's economic policies and government stability to drive business investment.
📈 PE Veteran Nissanka Weerasekera Joins Lanka Ventures & LVL Energy Fund Boards
• Nissanka Weerasekera has been appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director (INED) to the Boards of Lanka Ventures PLC and LVL Energy Fund PLC. • A seasoned Private Equity (PE) and Venture Capital (VC) veteran, he served as the Regional Managing Partner for Central and South Asia of Aureos Capital (2003-2012) and later as Managing Director for Sri Lanka and Bangladesh of The Abraaj Group until 2017. • He started his VC career as CEO of the pioneer Sri Lankan firm PVIC and subsequently MD of Nextventures in the mid-1990s. • Past Nominee Director roles spanned numerous investee companies, including key entities such as MillenniumIT, Interblocks, e-Channelling, Richlife Dairies, Asiri Central Hospital, and Apollo Hospital Dhaka. • His extensive board experience also includes previous INED roles at public listed companies like Dipped Products PLC, John Keells Hotels PLC, Sunshine Holdings PLC, and Watawala Plantations PLC. • He currently serves as an INED for ACL Cables PLC and TAL Lanka Hotels PLC.
📈 Coca-Cola Appoints New Country Head for Sri Lanka & Maldives
The Coca-Cola Company has announced the appointment of Mario Perera as the new Country Head for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, succeeding Kaushali Kusumapala. • Experience: Mario Perera brings over 14 years of regional and global leadership in the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry, having previously served as Frontline Marketing Lead for Coca-Cola India & Southwest Asia (INSWA). • Key Focus: He will collaborate closely with bottling partners and stakeholders to accelerate growth, innovation, and community impact across both nations. • Strategic Direction: The mandate includes providing overall business direction, focusing on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and expanding the beverage portfolio with new product introductions. • Stakeholder Role: A vital part of the role will be strengthening relationships with government authorities, regulators, and industry partners to ensure a supportive operating environment.
Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governing Board Appointment ⚖️
• H.E. the President has appointed Mr. Maithri Evan Wickremesinghe, P.C. as a member of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governing Board (GB), effective 02.10.2025. • He succeeds Mr. Rajeev Amarasuriya in this role. • The GB is tasked under the CBSL Act, No. 16 of 2023, with overseeing the administration, management, and determination of general policies for the CBSL. All GB members also serve on the Monetary Policy Board. • Profile Highlights: • Mr. Wickremesinghe is a President's Counsel (P.C.), a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK), and holds an Honours Degree in Law from the University of Colombo. • He is an active practicing lawyer and arbitrator in national and international proceedings. • His previous experience includes serving as a Senior Independent Director of a listed commercial bank (chairing its Audit Review and Nominations Committees) and an Independent Director of a listed conglomerate. • He currently serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Convenience Foods Lanka PLC.