Highly experienced finance professional, Shanka Abeywardene, appointed new CFO at SDB bank

SDB Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Shanka Abeywardene as its new Chief Financial Officer and DGM Finance and Planning. Shanka brings with him over 30 years of experience in Financial services industry in Sri Lanka and overseas. He assumes duties with effect from 5th September 2022. Shanka brings with him a proven track record of setting up new business lines, and effective business partnering fostering overall organisational growth, and as a member of SDB bank’s senior management team, Shanka’s expertise and experience are expected to help the Bank better navigate the promising but uncertain economic future ahead for Sri Lanka and its SMEs.

Mr. Abeywardene started his career at Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka has since held multiple roles at increasing levels of seniority in the financial services industry. His experience covers Strategy, F&P, Data warehousing and BI, ALCO and Treasury management, Asset Management and Private Banking.

During his career, he has served at Standard Chartered Bank, UAE, Mashreq Bank UAE, Bank Sarasin Alpen, UAE, Alpen Capital Group, Janashakthi Insurance PLC and NDB Bank PLC. He has also carried out consultancy assignments at Mashreq Bank and Al Rajhi Bank KSA. His non-financial services experience includes United Motor PLC and Touchwood PLC. Mr. Abeywardene was the AVP Corporate Planning and Business Intelligence at NDB Bank PLC prior to joining SDB bank.

A management accountant by profession, Mr. Abeywardene is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK) and holds a MSc in Auditing, Management Accounting and IS from SKEMA (Fr).He also holds an Executive Diploma in Management from the University of Cambridge (UK), a Certificate in Islamic Finance from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK) and is a Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (UK) He has an intermediate level diploma from the Association of Institute of Bankers (Sri Lanka).

A future-ready bank, providing holistic, 360-degree support to its customers, SDB bank is a licensed specialized bank, constantly catering to ever-changing needs, through a combination of financial support and value additions to life and business through mentorship and knowledge-sharing focusing on areas such value chain enhancements and financial management. SDB bank is also committed to a sustainable business model in terms of environmental, social and governance sustainability. This commitment is reflected in the Bank’s financing activities, giving preference to businesses and initiatives that take a sustainable approach over those that do not. SDB bank has established itself as a financier that values every customer equally, for their potential and supports the development of individuals and SMEs with a special focus on women empowerment and digital inclusion.

Shanka Abeywardene, Chief Financial Officer - SDB bank