HNB appoints Dr. Rohan Karunaratne Chairman of Sithma Development

Friday, 6 February 2026 02:54 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Dr. Rohan Karunaratne

Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) has appointed Dr. Rohan Karunaratne as Chairman of its property development subsidiary Sithma Development Ltd., which is responsible for owning, developing, and managing the bank’s landmark properties, including its office towers and strategic real estate assets.

Dr. Karunaratne brings with him more than four decades of experience spanning engineering, construction, development finance, hospitality, and institutional leadership. Widely regarded as a senior figure in Sri Lanka’s construction and development landscape, he has held leadership roles across both the private and public sectors, locally and internationally.

He currently serves as Chairman of AKK Engineers Ltd. and Pinthaliya Resorts and holds/has held chairmanships and directorships in a number of prominent organisations, including on the HNB Bank Main Board, Aprico Finance PLC, Hybrid Airport Ltd., and Associated Motor Finance. He is a past Director of Bank of Ceylon’s BOC Property Development and Management Ltd., bringing additional institutional real estate governance experience.

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Dr. Karunaratne is the President of the Ceylon Institute of Builders CIOB &President of the South Asian Lean Construction Association. He has played a pivotal role in shaping industry standards and policy dialogue and has served as Vice President of the Chamber of Construction Industry, and Past President of the National Construction Association of Sri Lanka. His regional exposure includes representation at SAARC-level industry and development forums.

Beyond industry, Dr. Karunaratne has contributed to national development through advisory and institutional roles linked to the Ministry of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms, the Export Development Board, and human resource development initiatives. He is also actively involved in overseas training and capacity-building programs for construction professionals.

He holds engineering and management qualifications from institutions in India, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and the United States, including postgraduate and doctoral credentials.

HNB said that Dr. Karunaratne’s multidisciplinary expertise, internationally-renowned institutional qualification and strategic perspective would further strengthen Sithma Development’s role in real estate and property development.