Hatton National Bank PLC appointed Sanjay Wijemanne as the bank's new Chief Operating Officer (COO) with effect from April 26, 2024, subject to relevant regulatory clearances. A banking industry veteran with more than 29 years of experience, including more than 14 years of corporate management exposure, Wijemanne previously served as HNB's Deputy General Manager - Retail Banking Group, and brings with him a wealth of technical industry expertise, and deep insight into modern banking. Holding a B.Sc.

in Business and Finance from Mount Saint Mary's University, USA, Wijemanne possesses extensive exposure in local and global banking institutions. Wijemanne went on to join HNB as a Management Trainee where he gained broad exposure in all aspects of core banking functions, and steadily rose through the ranks into the corporate banking unit. He went on to serve in key leadership positions at multiple international banks where he further developed his expertise in banking verticals including Branch Banking, Custody, Network Management, Sales and Business Development.

Joining HSBC's Senior Management Team, Wijemanne served as Head of Sales, Head of Branches - including Premier Banking. He was subsequently selected to head up pivotal roles at Standard Chartered Bank, where he served as General Manager - Premium Banking, Branch Sales & Services, and General Manager - Wealth Management Value Center, and ultimately as Country Head of Retail Banking in 2011 joining the Corporate Management Team, reporting to Bangladesh, India, and Singapore. He also serves as a Director at Acuity Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd, Acuity Partners (Pvt) Ltd, and HNB General Insurance Ltd, and is a former Director at Lanka Pay (Pvt) Ltd.