SDB bank welcomes veteran banker Kapila Ariyaratne as new CEO

SDB bank yesterday announced the appointment of Kapila Ariyaratne as its new Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer. 

A renowned banking professional with extensive experience in the financial sector, Ariyaratne is set to lead SDB bank’s ambitious journey of innovation, growth, and transformation, positioning it as a key player in Sri Lanka’s financial landscape. 

With a strong foundation serving the cooperative sector and SMEs, SDB bank is now poised for significant expansion across the island, introducing innovative solutions to its customers with technology at the core of its strategy. Ariyaratne’s arrival will undoubtedly provide the impetus needed to accelerate this growth agenda, bringing a wealth of expertise and visionary leadership that will elevate the bank’s presence and offerings. 

Ariyaratne is no stranger to leading transformational change. Having previously served as the Director/Chief Executive Officer of Seylan Bank PLC for over a decade, he successfully steered the institution through critical periods of transformation and growth. 

His deep expertise, spanning Corporate and Institutional Banking, Commercial Banking, and Development Credit, has been honed through leadership roles at prestigious institutions such as Nations Trust Bank PLC, People’s Bank PLC, ABN Amro Bank, Arab National Bank (Saudi Arabia), and Mashreq Bank in Sri Lanka. His extensive experience, both local and international, will be instrumental in taking SDB bank to the next level. 

Throughout his illustrious career, Ariyaratne has demonstrated exceptional leadership in Sri Lanka’s banking industry. He has held influential roles including Chairman of the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association in 2022 and Governing Board Member of the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka from 2011 to 2023. He has also contributed to key committees at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, providing insights on financial system stability and stakeholder engagement. His contributions to the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon as a Council Member representing the banking and financial sector further highlight his commitment to the industry’s growth and stability. 

Speaking of the appointment of Ariyaratne as the new Executive Director/CEO, SDB bank Chairperson Dinithi Ratnayake stated: “Since its inception, SDB bank has evolved from its roots as a development bank focused on uplifting the SME sector into a vibrant financial institution that serves a diverse range of customer segments. Under Ariyaratne’s visionary leadership, SDB bank aims to deepen its commitment to entrepreneurship, with a particular emphasis on empowering women entrepreneurs – a driving force behind Sri Lanka’s economic progress. His experience and strategic foresight will be a definite advantage in propelling the bank’s growth agenda forward.” 

With a clear focus on enhancing financial inclusion, SDB bank is set to make banking more accessible and convenient through the adoption of innovative digital solutions. Ariyaratne’s appointment aligns perfectly with SDB bank’s vision of harnessing technology as a catalyst for positive change. The bank will continue to deliver forward-thinking, sustainable financial solutions, empowering individuals, SMEs, and cooperatives across the country. 

As SDB bank continues to grow, Ariyaratne’s leadership promises a future where innovation meets sustainability, and financial solutions contribute meaningfully to the prosperity of all Sri Lankans.