Charana Jayasuriya appointed Fitch Sri Lanka head marks a significant leadership transition in the country’s credit ratings sector, as the experienced capital markets professional assumes responsibility for steering Fitch’s local operations.
Charana Jayasuriya appointed Fitch Sri Lanka head to lead ratings business
Charana Jayasuriya has been appointed as Head of Fitch Ratings Lanka Ltd (Fitch Lanka), effective immediately, the global ratings agency announced. Based in Colombo, he will oversee both national and international ratings operations, reinforcing Fitch’s role in Sri Lanka’s financial ecosystem.
Jayasuriya brings over 25 years of experience across Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, with a career spanning credit ratings, capital markets, asset management, and regulatory frameworks. His appointment comes at a time when Sri Lanka’s financial markets continue to evolve amid macroeconomic adjustments and increasing demand for credible credit assessments.
Prior to this role, Jayasuriya held several senior leadership positions in the financial services sector. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Innovest Investments (Pvt) Ltd, Lanka Rating Agency Limited, and National Asset Management Limited, gaining extensive exposure to debt markets, corporate governance, and investment management. His cross-functional expertise is expected to strengthen Fitch Lanka’s analytical capabilities and market positioning.
In his new capacity, Jayasuriya will be responsible for managing Fitch’s ratings portfolio in Sri Lanka, ensuring adherence to global standards while addressing local market dynamics. Fitch Ratings plays a critical role in providing independent credit opinions that support investor confidence and facilitate capital market development.
The leadership transition follows the retirement of Maninda Wickramasinghe in January 2026, after a tenure spanning 16 years at Fitch. Wickramasinghe was instrumental in establishing Fitch Lanka as a key player in the domestic ratings landscape, contributing to the growth and transparency of Sri Lanka’s debt markets.
Fitch Lanka itself has a longstanding presence in the country, having been established in 1999 at the invitation of the International Finance Corporation and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Since its inception, the agency has provided credit ratings across a wide spectrum of issuers, including financial institutions, corporates, and structured finance instruments.
Market analysts view Jayasuriya’s appointment as a continuation of Fitch’s commitment to strengthening its leadership bench in emerging markets. His experience in both domestic and international financial systems positions him to navigate the complexities of Sri Lanka’s post-crisis recovery phase, where credit risk assessment remains a critical function.
The Sri Lankan capital market has undergone significant transformation in recent years, driven by regulatory reforms, increased investor participation, and evolving financing needs. In this context, rating agencies such as Fitch Lanka serve as a vital link between issuers and investors, offering independent evaluations that inform investment decisions and risk management strategies.
Jayasuriya’s appointment is also expected to enhance collaboration between local stakeholders and international investors, particularly as Sri Lanka seeks to rebuild market confidence and attract foreign capital inflows. His background in governance and regulation may further support efforts to align local practices with global benchmarks.
As Fitch Lanka continues to expand its coverage and analytical depth, the leadership of Charana Jayasuriya is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping the agency’s strategic direction. His mandate will include maintaining the integrity and credibility of ratings while adapting to the evolving financial landscape in Sri Lanka.