Hewage new Chairman at LB Finance

Former diplomat and top civil servant Thosapala Hewage has been appointed as the Chairman and Non Executive Director of LB Finance Plc, with effect from 23 April.

The appointment has been approved by the Central Bank and fills the vacant position as Board member A.M. Weerasinghe was serving as the Acting Chairman until his retirement in January 2013.

Hewage counts 40 years of experience as a professional development administrator and natural resource manager.

He served as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Nepal from 2009 to 2012 and prior to that as Secretary to the Ministries of Ports and Aviation, Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion, Urban Development and Water Supply, Environment and Natural Resources.

He also served as Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Forestry and Environment (Policy Planning), Additional Director of Southern Development Authority of the Ministry of Finance and Planning) and Director, Ministry of Lands, Irrigation and Mahaweli Development.

In addition, Hewage has led Sri Lankan delegations in various fields from 2000 to 2008 to Mauritius, Los Angeles, New York, Europe, Middle East, Bangladesh, Senegal, Thailand, Philippines, India, Korea and Japan.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science from the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya, and a Master of Philosophy (Policy Analysis) from the University of Wales, UK. He has had Post Graduate Diploma in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge UK.

Business leader Dhammika Perera-controlled Vallibel One Plc owns a 51% stake whilst Royal Ceramics Plc holds a 26% stake followed by Esna Holdings Plc with 10%.

 Following the change, the Board of Directors of LB Finance Plc comprises T. Hewage (Chairman), Dhammika Perera (Executive Deputy Chairman), J.A.S. Sumith Adhihetty (Managing Director), Lalit N. de S. Wijeyeratne (Independent Non Executive Director), Anandhiy K. Gunawardena (Independent Non Executive Director), W.D. Nimal H. Perera (Director), Niroshan Udage (Executive Director), B.D. St. A. Perera (Executive Director), Kimarli Fernando (Director) and Shirani Jayasekara (Director).