Siyapatha Finance appoints 2 board directors as the company strengthens its leadership team with the addition of two experienced professionals bringing extensive expertise in economics, banking, finance, and corporate governance.
Siyapatha Finance appoints 2 board directors to strengthen governance
Siyapatha Finance PLC announced the appointment of Deshal de Mel and Nishani De Zoysa as Independent Non-Executive Directors to its Board of Directors, effective May 18, 2026. The appointments are expected to further enhance the company’s governance framework and strategic oversight as Sri Lanka’s financial services sector continues to navigate a dynamic operating environment.
The addition of the two independent directors reflects the growing emphasis placed by listed financial institutions on strong corporate governance, risk management, and board-level expertise. Both appointees bring decades of experience across banking, finance, economic policy, regulatory affairs, and business leadership.
Deshal de Mel joins the board with a distinguished career spanning both the public and private sectors. Widely recognized as one of Sri Lanka’s leading economists, he has played an influential role in shaping economic policy discussions and financial sector development over the years.
De Mel currently serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Sampath Bank PLC and has previously held the position of Senior Independent Director at the bank. His experience in board governance, financial oversight, and strategic planning is expected to contribute significantly to Siyapatha Finance’s long-term objectives.
His public sector experience includes serving as an Economic Advisor to the Ministry of Finance, where he was involved in macroeconomic policy formulation and reform initiatives. He also served as a Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, providing oversight and regulatory guidance to the country’s capital market.
Within the corporate sector, de Mel has served on the boards of several leading organizations. He currently holds directorships at Capital Alliance PLC and Fairfirst Insurance Ltd and has previously served on the board of Janashakthi Insurance PLC. He has also held senior positions within the Hayleys Group, contributing to economic research, strategic planning, and business development initiatives.
His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford and a Master of Science degree in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics and Political Science. De Mel has also received international recognition as a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum.
At Siyapatha Finance, he has been appointed to the Board Integrated Risk Management Committee and the Board Nominations and Governance Committee, where his expertise is expected to support policy oversight and strategic decision-making.
Joining him on the board is Nishani De Zoysa, a highly experienced banking professional with more than three decades of experience in corporate banking, project finance, and development finance.
De Zoysa most recently served at DFCC Bank PLC, where she worked from July 2003 until November 2024. Her last position at the bank was Assistant Vice President – Corporate Banking, where she managed large corporate portfolios and held responsibility for profit and loss performance, risk management, and the structuring of complex financing solutions.
Throughout her career, she has developed extensive expertise in syndicated lending, project finance transactions, stakeholder engagement, and credit risk assessment. Her professional experience includes working closely with government institutions, state-owned enterprises, and major corporate clients across a broad range of industries.
Before joining DFCC Bank, De Zoysa held several positions at Seylan Bank PLC, gaining valuable exposure to both corporate and retail banking operations. This diverse banking background provides her with a strong understanding of the evolving financial services landscape and customer needs.
Her academic qualifications include a Master of Business Administration from the University of Colombo, awarded with Merit. She is also an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA UK) and the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka. In addition, she holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM UK).
Within Siyapatha Finance, De Zoysa has been appointed to the Board Human Resources and Remuneration Committee and the Board Audit Committee, where she is expected to contribute her expertise in governance, risk management, and organizational leadership.
The appointments come at a time when financial institutions are increasingly focused on strengthening board diversity, enhancing governance standards, and ensuring robust oversight in response to evolving regulatory and market expectations.
As Siyapatha Finance appoints 2 board directors with extensive professional and academic credentials, the company is reinforcing its commitment to strong corporate governance and sustainable growth. The addition of Deshal de Mel and Nishani De Zoysa is expected to support the company’s strategic direction while enhancing oversight across key areas of risk management, compliance, and business performance within Sri Lanka’s competitive financial services sector.