National Development Bank PLC (NDB) Director and CEO Dimantha Seneviratne is set to retire from service on January 31, 2024, after a remarkable 34-year banking career, including seven years of transformative leadership at NDB and Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC (PABC).
Under Seneviratne’s guidance, NDB witnessed a remarkable transformation in its operations, becoming a digi-savvy and customer-centric bank. His strategic vision and leadership propelled NDB to the fourth position among Sri Lanka’s listed banks, a significant jump from its previous seventh position, within just three years. Seneviratne also capitalized on the strengths of the wider NDB group, leveraging its full-spectrum capital market solutions to drive growth and unify teams toward a common goal.
Despite facing external challenges such as the Easter Sunday terror attacks in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2022 financial crisis, Seneviratne’s agile and empathetic leadership ensured that NDB and the entire Sri Lankan banking industry remained safeguarded. He chaired the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association during the pandemic, collaborating with peer bank CEOs and regulators to establish measures that preserved sector stability, employee well-being, and customer resilience.
One of the notable achievements during Seneviratne’s tenure was securing direct foreign investment into the country through Norway’s Norfund, which became an anchor shareholder in NDB in 2021. This investment not only fueled NDB’s growth blueprint but also facilitated the transfer of technical expertise and best practices from the investor.
Seneviratne’s strategic realignments at NDB yielded lasting benefits for the bank and the economy. By embracing digitization, NDB transformed its internal processes and customer solutions, positioning itself for accelerated growth. The bank’s focus on environmental, social, and governance aspects, as well as its support for women’s market segments and exports, further contributed to economic growth and community empowerment.
The positive transformation under Seneviratne’s leadership earned NDB numerous accolades, including being named Best Bank in Sri Lanka by Euromoney and Global Finance USA, Bank of the Year by The Banker UK, and the Most Awarded Corporate in Sri Lanka by LMD for two consecutive years.
As Seneviratne relinquishes his duties, he leaves behind a legacy of nurturing competent leaders and fostering an inclusive corporate culture at NDB. His extensive experience in leading two local banks and his cross-border exposure across multiple countries make him a valuable asset as he continues to contribute to the Sri Lankan economy and the corporate sector.
Dimantha Seneviratne’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable banking career that has left an indelible mark on Sri Lanka’s financial sector. His transformative leadership and commitment to driving positive change have positioned NDB as a forward-thinking and customer-centric bank, poised for continued success in the years ahead.
With a legacy that includes industry-leading digital innovations, strategic realignments, and a focus on corporate sustainability, Seneviratne’s contributions will be remembered as a driving force behind NDB’s enduring success. As he embarks on a new chapter, his expertise and experience will undoubtedly continue to shape Sri Lanka’s banking landscape, contributing to the revitalization of the country’s economy.
Having witnessed firsthand the impact of events such as the Easter Sunday attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the financial crisis, Seneviratne’s leadership during challenging times has proven invaluable, safeguarding the interests of not only NDB but the entire banking industry.
As the banking sector bids farewell to one of its stalwart CEOs, Dimantha Seneviratne’s retirement serves as a reminder of the importance of visionary and transformative leadership in navigating the ever-changing landscape of the financial sector. With his departure, NDB prepares to embark on its next phase of growth, building upon the strong foundation laid by Seneviratne’s tenure.
