Seylan says new Chairman Pieris will further strengthen Board

Confirming Daily FT’s article last Wednesday, Seylan Bank on Friday announced the appointment of Mohan Pieris as its new Chairman and said the former Attorney General will further strengthen the Bank’s Board.

“With his exposure in the spheres of Banking, Finance and Commerce Pieris will further strengthen the Seylan Bank Board which already boasts of an impressive combination of diverse talent and experience,” Seylan said in a statement.

Pieris, a President’s Counsel was appointed as a Director and Chairman of Seylan Bank Plc with effect from 20 April 2012.

Pieris who served as the Attorney General from 2008 to 2011, brings with him a diverse and rich experience which he has acquired across the entire gamut of public and private activity in his 37 years as a practicing lawyer. 



This exposure has enabled him to effectively contribute in a substantial manner in the positions he has held.

A hallmark of his career has been the ability to give life to the spirit of the law, the deep insight and understanding of men and matters and their accommodation and to ensure fairness in the implementation and upholding of the rule of law. 

Amidst his academic achievements he has also an impressive record in non-academic activities.

Pieris who was admitted as Attorney-at-Law in 1975 successfully qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales in 1978. 

Between 1981 and 1996 he served in the Department of the Attorney-General as a State Counsel rising to the position of Senior State Counsel. 

In recognition of his contribution to the legal profession he was bestowed silk in President’s Counsel in 2004.

He has served as a Legal Consultant to the Central Bank where he provided legal oversight in its regulatory mechanism inclusive of the drafting of the rules of corporate governance for Banks and other financial institutions.

He also secured a deep knowledge and insight into the banking procedures as laid down in English law and in the Banking Act, Monetary Law, Exchange Control Act and other attendant statutes in Sri Lanka

Pieris has been a frequent speaker of such topics on trans-national justice, transitional justice, restorative justice, environmental law, corporate governance, money laundering, the law pertaining to the reporting of financial transactions, information technology law, international arbitration, anti-corruption law, human rights.  He has also represented the state in many international forums inclusive of the UN. Pieris has also been a founder member of the Board of Directors of the Civil Aviation Authority.

With his exposure in the spheres of banking, finance and commerce Pieris will further strengthen the Seylan Bank Board which already boasts of an impressive combination of diverse talent and experience.