Damith Pallewatte, Acting CEO, HNB.
HNB has appointed Damith Pallewatte as Acting CEO, effective from April 6, 2024, subject to Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s approval of his fit and propriety.
This strategic decision is a part of the previously announced leadership transition in May 2023.
Pallewatte is a qualified Banking and Risk Management Professional with over 27 years of experience, out of which he has spent more than 14 years in Senior and Corporate Management positions.
He brings a wealth of diverse experience to his new role, having worked across the full spectrum of banking operations, including Strategy and Risk Management, Credit, Branch Banking and Operations. His most recent tenure was as Deputy General Manager of HNB’s Wholesale Banking Group.
According to Pallewatte, “As a result of the fundamental realignment that has taken place at HNB over the past decade, we are ideally positioned to play a transformative role in the national economy. Our goal is to continue building on this legacy of strength, stability, and innovation. Leveraging best in class customer service, emerging technologies, and unmatched network capabilities, we aim to facilitate Sri Lankan enterprises of all sizes to connect to global opportunities, while engaging with critical sectors and new markets to enable a true economic resurgence.”
Pallewatte brings extensive experience to his role as Acting CEO of HNB, having held leadership positions and director- ships within and beyond Sri Lanka. Since November 2021, he has served as Chairman/ Director of Lanka Ventures and LVL Energy Fund, both listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, showcasing his expertise in venture capital and renewable energy investments across Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
