Siyapatha Finance Appoints Deshal de Mel and Nishani De Zoysa as Independent Non-Executive Directors
Siyapatha Finance PLC has announced the appointment of Deshal de Mel and Nishani De Zoysa as Independent Non-Executive Directors to its Board, effective from 18 May 2026.
Mr. Deshal de Mel is a renowned Sri Lankan economist and corporate professional with extensive expertise in economic policy, financial markets, and corporate governance.
He previously served as an Independent Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director of Sampath Bank PLC, contributing to the institution’s strategic direction and governance framework. He has also held several influential roles across both public and private sectors, including serving as an Economic Advisor to the Ministry of Finance, where he contributed to macroeconomic policy development and reform initiatives.
Mr. de Mel has also served as a Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, supporting regulatory oversight of the capital market. His corporate experience includes board positions at leading organisations, including his current roles at Capital Alliance PLC and Fairfirst Insurance Ltd, as well as previous positions at Janashakthi Insurance PLC. He has also held senior positions within the Hayleys Group, contributing to economic analysis and strategic planning.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford and a Master of Science in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Mr. de Mel was also recognised as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.
At Siyapatha Finance PLC, he will serve as a member of the Board Integrated Risk Management Committee and the Board Nominations and Governance Committee.
Ms. Nishani De Zoysa brings over three decades of experience in banking, specialising in Corporate Banking, Project Finance, and Development Finance.
She served at DFCC Bank PLC from July 2003 to November 2024, most recently as Assistant Vice President – Corporate Banking, where she managed major corporate portfolios, oversaw risk and profitability responsibilities, and structured complex financing solutions, including syndicated and project finance facilities.
With extensive expertise in stakeholder management, credit risk, and portfolio governance, Ms. De Zoysa has worked closely with government institutions, state-owned enterprises, and leading corporates. Prior to joining DFCC Bank, she held multiple positions at Seylan Bank PLC, gaining experience across corporate and retail banking operations.
She holds an MBA from the University of Colombo (Merit), is an Associate Member of CIMA (UK) and the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka, and also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from CIM (UK).
At Siyapatha Finance PLC, Ms. De Zoysa will serve as a member of the Board Human Resources and Remuneration Committee and the Board Audit Committee.
The appointments further strengthen Siyapatha Finance PLC’s Board with enhanced expertise in finance, governance, risk management, and strategic leadership.