Mr Chandana Guniyangoda has assumed duties as the new Chairman of People’s Bank, marking a significant leadership transition at one of Sri Lanka’s largest state owned commercial banks.

Guniyangoda formally took office on 25 August 2026 at a ceremony held at the Bank’s Head Office. The occasion was attended by former People’s Bank Chairman Prof. Narada Fernando, members of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer/General Manager Mr Clive Fonseka and members of the Bank’s corporate management.

His appointment represents an important milestone under Sri Lanka’s strengthened banking governance framework. Guniyangoda becomes the first Chairman of a state owned licensed commercial bank to be appointed as an Independent Non Executive Director under governance reforms introduced following Sri Lanka’s IMF supported reform programme.

A distinguished finance professional with more than 28 years of experience, including 19 years in commercial banking, Guniyangoda brings extensive expertise spanning finance, strategic planning, business transformation, process re engineering, cost optimisation, human resource management, asset and liability management, risk management and regulatory reporting.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka. His academic qualifications include an MBA in Banking and Finance from the Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and a Master of Arts in Financial Economics from the University of Colombo.

Guniyangoda assumes the chairmanship with extensive experience in banking, finance, corporate governance and strategic management as People’s Bank continues its role in supporting Sri Lanka’s economic development.