Hatton National Bank has appointed Sanjay Wijemanne as the bank’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO) with effect from April 26, 2024.
A banking industry veteran with more than 29 years of experience, including more than 14 years of corporate management exposure, Sanjay Wijemanne previously served as HNB’s Deputy General Manager—Retail Bank- ing Group. He brings with him a wealth of technical industry expertise and deep insight into modern banking.
“Sanjay’s appointment as COO underscores our commitment to business excellence and our dedication to adapting proactively to the evolving needs of our customers and the wider economic land- scape. His proven expertise and forward-thinking approach are crucial for driving our strategic initiatives and delivering exceptional value and service in an increasingly competitive and dynamic environment,” Acting CEO Damith Pallewatte, HNB said.
With a B.Sc. in Business and Finance from Mount Saint Mary’s University, USA, Wijemanne has extensive exposure to local and global banking institutions. Commencing his career as a financial analyst, Wijemanne went on to join HNB as a Management Trainee. There, he gained broad exposure to all aspects of core banking functions and steadily rose through the ranks into the corporate banking unit. He went on to serve in key leadership positions at multiple international banks, where he further developed his expertise in banking verticals, including Branch Banking, Custody, Network Management, Sales, and Business Development. Joining HSBC’s Senior Management Team, Wijemanne served as Head of Sales and head of Branches, including Premier Banking. He was subsequently selected to head up pivotal roles at Standard Chartered Bank, where he served as General Manager—premium Bank- ing, Branch Sales & Services, and General Manager—wealth Management Value Center. He became Country Head of Re- tail Banking in 2011, joining the Corporate Management Team and reporting to Bangladesh, India, and Singapore. His tenure culminated in local and global recognition in Re- tail Banking, which he carried over to his role at HNB, which has consistently been recognized as Sri Lanka’s Best Re- tail Bank.
“I am honored to step into the role of Chief Operating Officer at HNB, a position that not only challenges me but also offers the opportunity to significantly contribute to our bank’s legacy of innovation and customer satisfaction. I look forward to working closely with Damith and the HNB team to help achieve our shared vision for our organization, industry, and nation,” Wijemanne said.
He also serves as a director at Acuity Stockbrokers, Acuity Partners, and HNB General Insurance, and he is a former director at Lanka Pay.
