HNB Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

HNB has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational efficiency, revenue generation, and legal compliance.

Committed to excellence in commercial banking, HNB delivers comprehensive financial solutions while maintaining a robust market presence across Sri Lanka through innovative digital banking and customer-centric service models.

Leadership Roles at HNB

  • MD and Chief Executive Officer - Jonnathan Alles
  • Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer - Jonathan Alles
  • Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer - Damith Pallewatte
  • PA To the Acting Chief Executive Officer - Virosha Amarasuriya
  • Chief Financial Officer - Ajantha De
  • Chief Operating Officer - Sanjay Wijemanne
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Rita Arunan
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer - Melody Wickramanayake
  • Jonnathan Alles - MD and Chief Executive Officer

    Jonnathan Alles, the MD and Chief Executive Officer at HNB, directs the overarching strategic vision for the commercial banking operations. Overseeing the expansion of retail and corporate banking portfolios, the MD and Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with long-term growth objectives. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving digital transformation initiatives across the organization. By optimizing capital allocation and risk management frameworks, Jonnathan Alles directly impacts the competitive positioning of the bank within the regional financial landscape. The MD and Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous oversight of market expansion efforts, ensuring that the institution remains a premier private sector commercial bank. Through consistent focus on operational excellence and sustainable banking practices, Alles secures the financial health of the organization while fostering a culture of innovation and high performance across all departments.

    Jonathan Alles - Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer

    Jonathan Alles, the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer at HNB, architects the institutional framework for sustainable banking and financial inclusion. Focusing on the modernization of core banking systems, the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer drives the integration of advanced financial technologies to enhance customer experience. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the Board to refine corporate governance and regulatory compliance standards. By spearheading initiatives that broaden the reach of commercial banking services, Jonathan Alles strengthens the market impact of the institution. The Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer monitors macroeconomic trends to adjust lending strategies and asset management protocols effectively. Through strategic resource allocation and the promotion of ethical banking standards, Alles ensures that the bank maintains its reputation as a leader in the Sri Lankan financial sector while delivering consistent value to shareholders.
    Jonathan Alles

    Damith Pallewatte - Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer

    Damith Pallewatte, the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer at HNB, executes the operational strategy for the bank's diverse commercial lending and investment divisions. Overseeing the development of specialized financial products, the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the bank meets the evolving needs of corporate and retail clients. This leadership role involves managing cross-functional teams to improve service delivery and operational efficiency. By implementing data-driven decision-making processes, Damith Pallewatte enhances the bank's ability to navigate volatile market conditions. The Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer coordinates with regional heads to scale operations and capture new market opportunities. Through the continuous refinement of credit risk assessment models and the promotion of digital banking adoption, Pallewatte drives the institution toward greater profitability and market stability, reinforcing the bank's status as a cornerstone of the national economy.
    Damith Pallewatte

    Virosha Amarasuriya - PA To the Acting Chief Executive Officer

    Virosha Amarasuriya, the PA To the Acting Chief Executive Officer at HNB, coordinates the executive office workflow and facilitates communication between the leadership team and internal departments. Overseeing the scheduling and preparation of high-level strategic meetings, the PA To the Acting Chief Executive Officer ensures that the executive agenda remains focused on critical business priorities. This leadership role involves managing sensitive information and supporting the Acting Chief Executive Officer in the execution of daily administrative and operational tasks. By streamlining the flow of information across the organization, Virosha Amarasuriya enables the leadership team to make informed decisions rapidly. The PA To the Acting Chief Executive Officer maintains oversight of project timelines and ensures that departmental goals align with the broader mission of the bank. Through meticulous organization and proactive support, Amarasuriya contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the executive management team.

    Ajantha De - Chief Financial Officer

    Ajantha De, the Chief Financial Officer at HNB, manages the financial health and fiscal strategy of the institution. Overseeing the treasury, accounting, and financial reporting functions, the Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with international banking standards and local regulatory requirements. This leadership role involves analyzing market data to optimize the bank's balance sheet and capital structure. By directing the budgeting process and monitoring liquidity ratios, Ajantha De provides the necessary financial insights to support strategic growth initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to evaluate investment opportunities and manage financial risks associated with commercial banking activities. Through the implementation of robust financial controls and transparent reporting practices, De maintains investor confidence and ensures the long-term sustainability of the bank's operations, ultimately supporting the institution's mission to provide premier financial services.

    Sanjay Wijemanne - Chief Operating Officer

    Sanjay Wijemanne, the Chief Operating Officer at HNB, directs the internal processes and infrastructure that support the bank's daily operations. Overseeing the branch network and back-office functions, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that service delivery remains efficient and scalable. This leadership role involves managing the technology stack and operational workflows to enhance productivity across all banking units. By optimizing the supply chain of financial services and streamlining customer-facing processes, Sanjay Wijemanne improves the overall operational performance of the bank. The Chief Operating Officer works closely with the technology and human resources departments to foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. Through the strategic management of physical and digital assets, Wijemanne ensures that the bank maintains its competitive edge in the market, providing reliable and high-quality service to a diverse client base.

    Rita Arunan - Chief Revenue Officer

    Rita Arunan, the Chief Revenue Officer at HNB, drives the growth of the bank's revenue streams through strategic sales and marketing initiatives. Overseeing the customer acquisition and retention programs, the Chief Revenue Officer ensures that the bank effectively captures market share in both retail and corporate segments. This leadership role involves developing innovative pricing strategies and cross-selling opportunities to maximize the value of the existing client base. By analyzing consumer behavior and market trends, Rita Arunan aligns the bank's product offerings with the specific needs of the target demographic. The Chief Revenue Officer collaborates with the product development team to launch new financial services that generate sustainable income. Through the implementation of targeted marketing campaigns and the optimization of the sales funnel, Arunan secures the bank's financial growth and strengthens its market position as a leading commercial bank.
    Melody Wickramanayake, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer at HNB, manages the legal and regulatory framework governing the bank's operations. Overseeing the legal department and compliance teams, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer ensures that all banking activities adhere to national and international laws. This leadership role involves mitigating legal risks associated with lending, investment, and digital banking services. By providing expert counsel to the Board and executive management, Melody Wickramanayake facilitates the safe and ethical execution of the bank's strategic objectives. The Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer monitors changes in the regulatory environment to proactively adjust internal policies and procedures. Through the rigorous protection of the bank's intellectual property and the management of complex litigation, Wickramanayake safeguards the institution's reputation and ensures that all business practices align with the highest standards of corporate governance.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding HNB Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads HNB?
    HNB is led by Jonnathan Alles (MD and Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jonathan Alles (Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer) and Damith Pallewatte (Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of HNB’s executive team?
    The executive team of HNB includes leaders such as Jonnathan Alles (MD and Chief Executive Officer), Jonathan Alles (Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer), Damith Pallewatte (Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does HNB have?
    HNB has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in HNB’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of HNB includes roles such as MD and Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, PA To the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer.