The Finance Ministry of Sri Lanka has appointed Dharshan Jayaratne as an Independent, Non-Executive Director of the Bank of Ceylon (BOC). Jayaratne brings with him over 31 years of experience in the banking sector, with a specialization in financial markets. His expertise includes financial markets management, foreign exchange and bond trading, money markets, investment management, capital markets, and structured products.
Jayaratne’s career in banking began in 1993 at ABN AMRO Bank, where he gained essential knowledge in bank operations. He later moved to the Treasury division, laying the foundation for his future roles in the financial sector. In 2002, he joined Citibank’s Treasury Division, further honing his skills in financial markets.
In 2004, Jayaratne joined Standard Chartered Bank as an interbank trader specializing in foreign exchange and money markets. Over the next 20 years, he rose through the ranks, holding several senior positions, including Head of Financial Markets Sri Lanka and member of the Country Management Team. He also took on additional leadership roles, such as Co-Head of Wholesale Banking, Head of Trading, and Acting CEO of Standard Chartered Bank.
Jayaratne’s appointment to the Bank of Ceylon is a significant move, given his extensive experience and expertise in financial markets. His independent, non-executive director role will likely bring a new perspective to the bank’s operations and strategy. With his deep understanding of financial markets and his leadership experience, Jayaratne is well-equipped to contribute to the bank’s growth and development.
The appointment of Jayaratne is also a testament to the Finance Ministry’s efforts to bring in experienced professionals to lead the country’s banking sector. As Sri Lanka navigates its economic challenges, the expertise of individuals like Jayaratne will be crucial in shaping the country’s financial future. Overall, Jayaratne’s appointment is a positive development for the Bank of Ceylon and the Sri Lankan banking sector as a whole.