Mr. Kavinda de Zoysa has been appointed Chairman of the Bank of Ceylon (BOC), Sri Lanka’s largest state-owned bank, marking a new era for the institution.
With over 30 years of experience in banking, including 25 years in management, Mr. de Zoysa brings a wealth of expertise to BOC. Known for his leadership, strategic insights, and commitment to ethics, compliance, and diversity, he has been a consistent advocate for meritocracy and agile execution. His experience in both local and global markets aligns with the bank’s vision of meeting the evolving demands of Sri Lanka’s economy.
“It is an honor to lead the Bank of Ceylon, a pillar in Sri Lanka’s financial landscape,” Mr. de Zoysa said. “I am excited to work alongside the talented professionals at BOC to drive growth, deliver value to stakeholders, and strengthen our legacy as the ‘Bankers to the Nation’. Together, we will embrace innovation and contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic resurgence, positioning it as a dynamic force in the region.”
Prior to his appointment, Mr. de Zoysa served as Director and Country Business Head of Citibank N.A., Sri Lanka, where he led strategic initiatives in Corporate & Investment Banking, Capital Markets, M&A, and Risk Management. His tenure at Citi included two decades of leadership, where he played a key role in corporate finance, advisory services, and digitization efforts.
Beginning his career at 18 as a Banking Assistant at Seylan Bank, Mr. de Zoysa’s career has spanned institutions such as NDB Bank, Nations Trust Bank, and National Development Bank, gaining extensive experience in Retail & Branch Banking, Project Finance, Development Banking, SME Lending, and Strategic Planning.
In addition to his banking roles, Mr. de Zoysa is a respected figure in the professional community, serving as a Global Council Member of CIMA U.K. and holding leadership roles in AICPA and CIMA/AICPA. He has also been an active contributor to banking education as an examiner and lecturer and is a former board member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka.
Mr. de Zoysa holds an MBA with honors from the University of Colombo, along with fellowships from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) U.K., Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka, Chartered Institute of Marketing U.K., and Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka. He is also an alumnus of St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa, and has completed executive education at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
