Nayeni Fernando launches ‘Rising from the Ashes’

Nayeni Fernando presenting her book to Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy

Nayeni Fernando who has spent a lifetime building computer systems that revolutionised banking systems of both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh recently launched a book titled ‘Rising from the Ashes: A Twenty-Year Journey with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’ at the Ecumenical Institute for Study & Dialogue. 

‘Rising from the Ashes’ is published by Vijitha Yapa Bookshops.

Speaking at the launch, Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy said, “IT systems today are very much the lifeblood of the Central Bank. Sri Lanka was one of the first countries in south Asia to implement an automated cheque clearing system and Nayeni played an integral part in this process. She has been an exemplary example of a public servant and a citizen of the world.”

Also speaking at the launch of the book, Dr. Nimal Sanderatne stated: “This is one of the few books that I have read which moved me to tears. It’s a moving personal story that recalls key events of the Central Bank and banking in Sri Lanka. Some of these include the Automated Clearing Facility developed by Nayeni and her team, and the horrendous events from the 31 January 1996 bombing of the Central Bank. It then goes on to share how the Central Bank rose from the ashes as the title says.”

Nayeni Fernando is also a founding member of the Computer Society of Sri Lanka. Her book, dedicated to the memory of the late A.S. Jayawardena – former Governor of the Central Bank – details Fernando’s experiences over the course of her career at the Central Bank. 

This long career saw her leading her team to build complex systems such as the automated cheque clearing system and even rebuild the entire Central Bank IT department following the 1996 Central Bank bombing.