Sri Lanka's Sampath Bank has named Dilip de S Wijeyeratne as deputy chairman, effective September 10, 2026, citing his extensive banking and finance background and strategic focus on data-driven decision-making and artificial intelligence.
Sampath Bank announced the appointment of Dilip de S Wijeyeratne to the position of deputy chairman, effective September 10, 2026. The bank stated that Wijeyeratne brings broad experience spanning banking, finance, risk management, compliance, investment banking and treasury, alongside expertise in corporate governance, strategic planning and financial markets. According to the bank, his appointment is intended to support the institution's strategic priorities and its evolution into a technology-enabled financial organisation.
Wijeyeratne has maintained a long association with Sampath Bank spanning nearly eight years. He initially joined as a non-independent, non-executive director in November 2018, transitioned to independent director status in August 2019, and served as senior independent director from May 2022 before becoming an independent, non-executive director in June 2026. During his tenure, he has chaired the Board Audit Committee and contributed to multiple governance committees focused on sustainability, human resources, treasury, strategic planning and related-party transactions.
His professional background includes senior positions with HSBC Group in Bahrain, where he managed finance and operations, global markets and treasury functions. He subsequently established a career in entrepreneurship and advisory services, providing financial and strategic consultation to both private and public sector organisations across the Middle East, Sri Lanka and Australia. Wijeyeratne holds professional memberships including Fellow Member status with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK), and graduate membership with the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Beyond his Sampath Bank role, Wijeyeratne serves as senior independent director of Singer (Sri Lanka) and Hayleys Fibre, and as an independent, non-executive director of Janashakthi Insurance. The bank framed his appointment as reinforcing its commitment to combining strategic leadership with technology-driven transformation and data-driven decision-making.