Nilanth De Silva: A tribute to a banker par excellence

It was with shock and sadness that we came to know about the untimely passing away of Nilanth De Silva, Chairman HNB on 29 September 2021.                  

Nilanth De Silva who doesn’t need any introduction among the banking fraternity, was a pioneer member of HNB, having joined the bank in 1974 as a Banking Assistant and during his colourful and remarkable career in banking of close to five decades, he rose to the highest position of the bank to become the Chairman of HNB in July, 2021. The highest position any individual banker could aspire. Those of us who had the opportunity of working with him and members of the ‘Hatna Family’ were rejoiced to hear of his elevation to become the Chairman. It is no exaggeration to state, his commitment, dedication and above all his hard work took him to the highest position of the bank.

I write this brief tribute with a sense of sadness. I have known Nilanth from the time he joined the bank in 1974 and had cultivated a close friendship which lasted until his unfortunate demise. Those of us who had the opportunity to work under his purview remember him as a highly dedicated and committed member of the bank. He was above all a perfectionist who ensured to every minute detail towards ensuring professionalism is adhered to at all times. 

He was a personality with an unblemished character, integrity and possessed a vast amount of knowledge in every aspect, whether it is banking, science, technology, sports and a variety of subjects inclusive of politics, whether local or global. He was fully equipped in all aspects. To put it in a nutshell, he was an intellectual giant and a wizard of banking. He immensely contributed to the success story of HNB especially in the area of Credit which was his forte. Nilanth, wherever, he worked was very careful in selecting his team and had his own methodology of managing people. His expectation was always high and primarily centred towards ensuring the benefits are derived for the greater interest of the bank and its interest is safeguarded at all times. He was instrumental in moulding the banking career of a vast number of bankers spread out in various parts of the globe, who I have no doubt will remember him with great affection and gratitude.

After his premature retirement from HNB, he continued with his journey in banking and joined Union Bank of Colombo as the Chief Operating Officer and was also the Acting CEO of the bank. It was during his tenure at Union Bank, he invited me to join his team at Union Bank, as he recognised and valued my strength. Even though I was at Pan Asia Bank, I accepted his invitation and was pleased to join his team. Thereafter, he was appointed as a Director to the HNB Board and greatly valued the opportunity in steering the bank which was close to his heart. In July this year, when he was appointed Chairman of HNB, I commented that HNB was in safe hands for which he sent me a “thank you mcv” note in spite of his busy schedule. That was the calibre of his personality.

I last met him at my book launch where he participated and made a review of my publication to the audience, which added greater value and appreciated my efforts in donating all proceeds to the Sri Lanka Cancer Society as he himself was a generous personality ever willing to help the needy. In fact, he made a generous contribution towards this worthy cause at the launch. 

Many members of the ‘Hatna family’ will vouch of his generosity towards helping the needy and downtrodden. He spoke to me on my birthday and in spite of his tight schedule he gave me a call and had a long conversation. I remember his call was the very first call I received. I never thought this was going to be our last conversation. However, we were in touch thanks to Facebook and WhatsApp. 

We bid farewell to a great friend, colleague, gentleman, and a banker par excellence, and salute and thank him for all his valuable contributions to the banking industry especially to HNB. It’s very unfortunate and a matter of great regret to note he is leaving at a time when the bank would have benefitted from his expertise to guide it through challenging times ahead. His untimely passing away is a great and irreparable loss to HNB, his wife Suranjanie, children Suranthika, Nimantha, and all members of his family and the large number of friends and associates all of whom were very close to him and hold cherish memories of this great personality.

May he Rest in Peace in the Kingdom of God Almighty. 

M.C.V. Rajanathan

Past President HNB – Retired Employees Association