RDB Bank Chairman assumes duties

Regional Development Bank (RDB) announced the appointment of Lasantha Fernando as its 9th chairman on November 1, 2024.

With over 35 years of industry experience spanning corporate banking, retail and branch banking, development banking, credit administration and recoveries, Fernando is set to lead RDB in its mission to support sustainable rural and semi urban economic growth.

“This fulfills a longstanding aspiration to serve those at the grassroots level in our society. RDB Bank, with its strong and dedicated workforce and extensive branch network, is ideally positioned to make a meaningful impact,” the newly appointed Chairman, RDB Bank said.

“Our goal will be to uplift the livelihoods of enterprising individuals, create new opportunities and generate employment, ultimately contributing to the growth of our domestic economy. Together, we will work towards empowering communities and building a brighter future for all.”

Fernando served as Deputy General Manager of Development Banking at Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB). In this role, he oversaw SME, microfinance, rural, and agricultural financing, developing strategies to bolster the rural economy.

He also helped establish market linkages for micro-entrepreneurs, enabling their growth toward SME and even corporate-level operations. As Deputy General Manager of Recoveries at HNB, Fernando adopted a hands-on leadership approach, working closely with regional managers, field, and branch staff to guide and motivate them toward achieving financial targets. Fernando’s international experience includes a secondment to Lakshmi Bank in Kathmandu, Nepal, where he served as Deputy General Manager.

Additionally, he has served on the boards of HNB subsidiary, Sithma Development (Pvt) Ltd. and Associate, Splender Media (Pvt) Ltd., and as an independent director at Richard Pieris Finance Ltd., where he chaired both the Board Audit Committee and the Board Integrated Risk Committee.

Since his retirement, Fernando has taken on advisory roles with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Vision Fund Lanka, and Sejaya Micro Credit Ltd., focusing on SME and microfinance.

He holds a diploma in Bank Management, is a Fellow of the Institute of Bankers (FIB) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) University of Colombo. He is an old boy of both St. Thomas College, Mount Lavinia, and Royal College, Colombo.