First ever female CEO/GM at NSB assumes office

Senior banker Shashi Kandambi signs the first document after assuming duties yesterday as the CEO/General Manager of savings giant NSB. Chairman Dr. Harsha Cabral PC (right) is also present – Pic by Lasantha Kumara

Top professional Shashi Kandambi yesterday assumed office as the first ever female CEO/General Manager of the National Savings Bank which has been in existence for over 50 years.

She joined NSB after serving as the Senior Deputy General Manager of International Banking at Sampath Bank, where she had a long-standing and successful career. 

NSB Chairman Dr. Harsha Cabral PC, Directors and senior management and staff were present at the occasion of assumption of duties by the 19th General Manager/CEO. Shashi succeeded Ajith Peiris who retired recently as GM/CEO of NSB after assuming the post in October 2020 and completing over 30 years at NSB.

Shashi is a seasoned banker with 34 years’ experience including 10 years in corporate management. She has a proven track record of successfully developing and executing strategic plans, managing financial resources, risk mitigation and maintaining strict corporate governance standards. She also has expertise in customer focus, innovation and technology, regulatory compliance and crisis management.

Among positions held at Sampath Bank include Senior Deputy General Manager - Corporate Banking, and Deputy General Manager - Credit.

She holds an MBA from the Post Graduate Institute of Management University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Post-graduate Diploma in Business and Finance, CA Sri Lanka and Diploma in Banking from Institute of Bankers Sri Lanka. She is a past President of Association of Professional Banks Sri Lanka as well.

State owned NSB was founded in 1972 following incorporation in Ceylon by the National Savings Bank Act No. 30 of 1971 and was granted the status of the Licensed Specialised Bank in terms of the Banking Act No. 30 of 1988.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Dr. Cabraal PC, reminded that as a Bank and individuals, NSB has tread upon a difficult path and now reached the year 2024, passing yet another year full of challenges, grievances, and hardships.

He said the employees have been the pillar of strength behind the Bank’s resilience and

success. 

Dr. Cabral warmly welcomed Kandambi to the NSB family and invited to join

hands with the excellent team of employees to take the Bank to greater heights.

Kandambi, in her address noted that NSB, having over 4000 service points can achieve a competitive edge, by maintaining the human  connection in the service offered by the Bank, while ensuring that the technology is in the forefront of our strategy. She guaranteed her strong commitment and will towards steering the Bank amidst challenges to realise corporate goals.