HNB appoints Damith Pallewatte as MD/CEO

HNB PLC announced the official appointment of Damith Pallewatte as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, effective from 22 November 2024, following on his previous appointment as Acting CEO in April this year.

A veteran banking and risk management professional with over 28 years of experience, including over 14 years in senior and corporate management positions, Pallewatte brings a wealth of diverse experience to his new role. 

His career has spanned the full spectrum of banking operations, including Strategy and Risk Management, Credit, Branch Banking and Operations, and most recently as Deputy General Manager of HNB’s Wholesale Banking Group, prior to being appointed as Acting CEO.

Prior to his appointment as MD/CEO Pallewatte served as Acting CEO effective from April 2024, following a track record of success at the helm of HNB’s fast growing Wholesale Banking Group (WBG).  

Under his custodian leadership, HNB Group has successfully consolidated its strong growth momentum, recording Rs 38.7 billion in PBT for the 9 months of FY24, showcasing substantial capital and liquidity levels.

Speaking on the bank’s top priorities over the coming year, Pallewatte said HNB would continue to focus on inclusive growth, MSME revival, trade and export facilitation, digital banking innovation, disciplined risk management, and strategic partnerships that foster maximum value for customers and the nation.  

In addition to his leadership roles at HNB, Pallewatte also serves as Chairman at Acuity Partners (Pvt) Ltd, Acuity Securities Limited and Director of Lanka Financial Services Bureau Limited.

Pallewatte holds an MBA from PIM-SJP, a BSc. Management (Hons.) from the London School of Economics (LSE) and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK), a Chartered Global Management Accountant, and a Certified Financial Risk Manager from the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP).

He is also an ACI Operations Certificate holder of the Financial Markets Association—France and holds a Sustainability and Climate Risk Certificate (SCR) from GARP, underscoring his dedication to advancing financial, social, and environmental sustainability practices.