LankaPay, Sri Lanka’s esteemed National Payment Network, has proudly announced the appointment of Lakshman Silva as its new Chairman, effective from June 1, 2024. This appointment comes as former Chairman Dr. Kenneth De Zilwa concludes a remarkable 3-year term, marking a transition of leadership within the organization. The decision to appoint Silva was endorsed by Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Silva brings with him a wealth of experience, boasting a career spanning over 35 years in the banking industry. His journey commenced at the Department of Inland Revenue of Sri Lanka, before he joined the esteemed ranks of the DFCC Banking Group in 1987. Over the years, he ascended the ranks within the organization, eventually serving as the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director of DFCC Vardhana Bank in January 2010. Notably, he held pivotal roles such as Deputy Chief Executive Officer/Director of DFCC Bank PLC from October 2015 and subsequently assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer/Director in August 2017 until his retirement in 2021.

Throughout his illustrious career, Silva has not only contributed to the growth and success of DFCC Bank PLC but has also served as Chairman of subsidiary companies including DFCC Consulting (Pvt) Limited, Lanka Industrial Estates Limited, and Synapsys Limited. Additionally, he held key positions such as Chairman of Lanka Financial Services Bureau Limited and Sri Lanka Banks’ Association (Guarantee) Limited, showcasing his multifaceted expertise within the industry.

Silva's academic credentials include a BCom (Sp.) Degree from the University of Kelaniya and an MBA from the Postgraduate Institute of Management of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Moreover, he is recognized as an Associate Member of the Association of Development Financial Institutions of Asia & Pacific (ADFIAP).

With his vast experience and leadership acumen, Silva is poised to steer LankaPay towards continued innovation and excellence in the realm of digital payments, further solidifying its pivotal role in Sri Lanka's financial landscape.

In conclusion, Lakshman Silva's appointment as Chairman of LankaPay signifies a new chapter in the organization's journey towards advancing Sri Lanka's digital payment ecosystem. With his extensive experience and proven track record in the banking industry, Silva is well-equipped to lead LankaPay towards greater heights of success and innovation. His strategic vision, coupled with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the financial sector, will undoubtedly propel LankaPay forward as it continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of payments in Sri Lanka. As Silva assumes this prestigious role, stakeholders can anticipate a period of sustained growth, excellence, and transformative initiatives under his astute leadership.