Kapila to step down as SDB bank CEO in October, Manoj to succeed

Tuesday, 30 June 2026 06:41 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Kapila Ariyaratne | Manoj Akmeemana

SANASA Development Bank PLC (SDB bank) has announced that Executive Director/CEO Kapila Ariyaratne will step down from his position with effect from 6 October 2026, in accordance with the terms of his contractual arrangement with the Bank.

He will concurrently cease to serve on the Board of Directors on the same date.

SDB bank also announced Manoj Akmeemana, presently serving as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, as Chief Executive Officer with effect from 7 October 2026 subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, This transition is in line with the Bank›s formally approved succession plan for the position of Chief Executive Officer.

Akmeemana was appointed as Deputy CEO in January this year. He is a highly accomplished banking professional with over 35 years of experience in the financial services sector. Prior to joining SDB bank, Akmeemana held several senior leadership roles at Sampath Bank PLC, building a reputation for delivering results in complex, high-impact functions spanning credit, risk, and operational oversight. He last served as Senior Deputy General Manager – Credit Control, Credit Administration, Recoveries and Legal, leading teams focused on strengthening credit discipline, improving monitoring frameworks, and ensuring alignment with regulatory and internal policy requirements.

Kapila, a renowned banking professional with extensive experience in the financial sector, joined SDB bank as CEO in October 2024. Previously he served as the Director/Chief Executive Officer of Seylan Bank PLC for over a decade. Prior to that he served at Nations Trust Bank PLC, People’s Bank PLC, ABN Amro Bank, Arab National Bank (Saudi Arabia), and Mashreq Bank in Sri Lanka.