About Us

Who We Are

Evolved from the respected Acuity Partners, HNB Investment Bank (HNBIB) is one of Sri Lanka’s leading investment banks, offering end-to-end capital market solutions designed to support growth and deliver long-term value. We work closely with individuals, corporates, and institutions, providing tailored financial strategies that evolve with your ambitions, because at HNBIB, we are committed to Empowering your progress.

Our expertise spans across stockbroking, government and corporate debt trading, equity capital market solutions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate advisory, and equity research. From IPOs and private placements to treasury bills, bonds, and debentures, we offer a seamless, integrated approach that enables our clients to navigate complex financial landscapes with confidence and clarity.

Guided by deep insight and steadfast integrity, we continue to be a trusted architect of progress in Sri Lanka’s capital markets.

 

Leadership

Damith Pallewatte

Chairman

Ray Abeywardena

Managing Director
/ Group CEO

Sanjay Wijemanne

Director

David Nigel Bartholomeusz

Independent / Non-Executive Director

Rajive Dissanayake

Director
Ray Abeywardena
Managing Director
/ Group CEO
Prashan Fernando
Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director – HNB Stockbrokers
Shehan Stembo
Chief Executive Officer – HNB Securities Ltd
Yaveen Jayasekara, PhD
Chief Strategy Officer
Sanjeewa Ekanayake
Group Head of Finance
Mayanthi Jayasuriya
Vice President - Legal and Compliance
Sanjeewa Wickremanayake
Vice President – Information Technology (Head of IT)
Andrea Johnpulle
Vice President - HR
Nayana Jayasinghe
Vice President – Administration
Shehan Cooray
Director/Head of Research

Our Core Values

The Foundation of
HNB Investment Bank

Integrity

We uphold the highest ethical standards, building trust through transparency and accountability.

Innovation

We embrace forward-thinking ideas and technology to drive smarter financial solutions.

Collaboration

We work together, across teams and with our clients, to create shared success.

Stability

Rooted in the strength of a leading banking giant, we offer unwavering stability—ensuring dependable partnerships through every market shift.

Excellence

We strive for exceptional performance and continuous improvement to deliver meaningful results for our clients.

Awards and Recognition

Setting the Standard in
Investment Banking

We've Got Awards!

These accolades reflect the trust our clients place in us, the innovation we bring to financial solutions, and the impact we make in the investment landscape.

Most respected entities
in sri lanka

SECTOR WINNER 2023
Compiled by LMD

top Hundred brands
in sri lanka

BRAND FINANCE 2023

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Our Location

No. 53,
Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha,
Colombo 00300

Phone

+94 112 206 206

Email

info@hnbib.lk

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by HNB Investment Bank. Ikonized with Finesse by Team IKON

Damith Pallewatte

Chairman

Damith Pallewatte is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hatton National Bank PLC, bringing over 27 years of experience in Sri Lanka’s banking sector. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Management from the London School of Economics. He is also a certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM) with the Global Association of Risk Professionals, a Fellow Chartered Management Accountant (FCMA), and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).

Ray Abeywardena

Managing Director / Group CEO

Ray Abeywardena is the Managing Director and Group CEO of HNB Investment Bank, with over 30 years of experience in Sri Lanka’s capital markets. He began his career as a Stockbroker and transitioned into Investment Banking in 2009, playing a key role in the growth and evolution of the industry. Prior to his current position, he served as Managing Director/CEO of HNB Stockbrokers from 2001 to 2008.

He currently serves as a Director on the Boards of the Colombo Stock Exchange, Central Depository Systems (Pvt) Ltd, Lanka Ventures PLC, and LVL Energy Fund PLC. His leadership is marked by a deep understanding of market dynamics, a commitment to governance, and a client-centric approach.

Ray holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Wales and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK).

Sanjay Wijemanne

Director

Mr Sanjay Wijemanne is the Chief Operating Officer at Hatton National Bank PLC and manages the areas of Wholesale Banking, SME/Microfinance, Retail Banking, Islamic Banking, Trade, Transaction Banking, Network, Channel Management, Custody, Client Service and Digital Banking. 

He is also a Director at HNB Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd, HNB General Insurance, Fintech Forum (Guarantee) Ltd and former Director of Lank Clear (Pvt) Ltd.

Sanjay began his career at Ceylinco Securities & Financial Services before joining HNB as a Management Trainee/Executive where he covered areas of Branch Banking and Corporate Banking. He then spent several years at HSBC and held  senior roles including Vice President – Custody & Clearing, Head of Sales, Head of Branches, and Branch Manager – Kollupitiya/Premier Centre.  He later moved to Standard Chartered Bank and held positions of Head of Retail Banking, General Manager – Premium Banking Branch Sales & Services, and General Manager – Wealth Management Value Centre. 

He holds a B.Sc. in Business and Finance from Mount Saint Mary’s University, USA.

David Nigel Bartholomeusz

Independent / Non-Executive Director

Mr. David Nigel Bartholomeusz is an Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, with over 30 years of experience, having taken oaths in 1994. He practiced for more than 14 years in the Chambers of Mr. K. Kanag-Isvaran, President’s Counsel, following a year of apprenticeship under Mr. Kanag-Isvaran PC and at the Attorney General’s Department.

In 2008, Mr. Bartholomeusz established his own Chambers and has since continued to practice across both Appellate and Original Courts. His areas of expertise include Corporate Law, Commercial Law, Insurance, Telecommunications Law, Intellectual Property, and Banking and Finance Law. He also provides legal counsel on International Financial Investments, International Trade, Joint Venture Contracts, Shareholder Agreements, and other investment-related documentation.

In addition to his court practice, he is active as Counsel in arbitrations—including construction arbitrations—and in high-level negotiations.

Mr. Bartholomeusz has served as a Director on the Board of Union Bank PLC, acting as an Alternate Director to H.R.H. Prince Faisal Al Abdullah Al Faisal Al Saud from December 2008 to August 2014. He has also served on the Board of Jinasena (Private) Limited and several of its subsidiaries, as well as a brief tenure at Lanka Rating Agency Ltd.

He currently holds directorships at Associated Electrical Corporation Limited, AEC Properties (Pvt) Limited, and the Environmental Foundation (Guarantee) Limited, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to environmental protection in Sri Lanka.

Rajive Dissanayake

Director

Rajive Dissanayake brings over two decades of experience across Sri Lanka’s banking and capital markets landscape. He is currently serving on the Board of HNB Investment Bank and as the Executive Vice President-SME & Micro Finance at Hatton National Bank PLC.  He has also held key leadership roles including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer at the Bank, where he was part of the Corporate Management Team for almost a decade. 

In addition to serving on the Board of HNB Investment Bank, Rajive is the Chairman of HNB Finance PLC, Director of Lanka Ventures PLC, Lanka Energy Fund PLC, and the National Credit Guarantee Institution Ltd. 

Rajive is a CFA Charter holder, a Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Colombo.

Prashan Fernando

Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director – HNB Stockbrokers

Prashan Fernando is the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of HNB Stockbrokers, bringing with him over 32 years of experience in Sri Lanka’s stockbroking industry.

He began his career in 1990 with the Forbes & Walker Group and later joined Forbes & Walker Stockbrokers, where he was appointed Manager – Retail during its joint venture with ABN Amro Securities in 1998. In 2001, he joined DFCC Stockbrokers as Senior Vice President and was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2003.

Prashan played a pivotal role in executing the first-ever share buyback by one of Sri Lanka’s largest conglomerates under the provisions of the new Companies Act. He has also been instrumental in numerous takeovers and strategic stake transactions, and advises many high-net-worth individuals, leading corporates, and global funds active in Sri Lanka.

Shehan Stembo

Chief Executive Officer – HNB Securities Ltd

Shehan Stembo is the Chief Executive Officer of HNB Securities Ltd, the Primary Dealer arm of Hatton National Bank. He brings over 18 years of experience in Sri Lanka’s financial markets.

Shehan began his career in 2004 as a money broker with Capital Alliance (Pvt) Ltd. In 2009, he joined MCB Bank Ltd as a Treasury Dealer, where he was responsible for the bank’s full spectrum of treasury operations, including managing correspondent banking relationships.

In 2019, Shehan joined HNB Securities Ltd as Chief Dealer, where he played a key role in enhancing the company’s profitability by capitalizing on interest rate movements. His strategic acumen and market insight significantly contributed to the company’s performance.

In 2023, Shehan was appointed CEO of HNB Securities Ltd. He is currently responsible for the company’s overall growth, with a focus on market expansion and proprietary trading, while ensuring seamless collaboration across operational and financial functions.

Shehan holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Edinburgh Napier University (UK) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management from the University of Colombo.

Yaveen Jayasekara, PhD

Chief Strategy Officer

Yaveen Jayasekara brings over 16 years of experience across Investment Banking, Corporate Finance, Asset Management, Investor Reporting, and Real Estate. He has worked with leading transactional teams across key global financial hubs, including London, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, Kuwait, and Mauritius, with exposure to over USD 350 million in transactions and project valuations.

He holds a BSc (Hons) in Computing and Information Systems from London Metropolitan University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management from the University of Colombo, and is a CIMA (UK) qualified professional. He has also completed the SEC (Sri Lanka) Investment Advisor Certification and passed Level 1 of the CFA Program.

Yaveen earned his PhD in Finance from the University of Colombo, specializing in capital structures and behavioral finance. His research excellence was recognized internationally when he became the first Sri Lankan to win a Gold Medal at the International Conference on Accounting and Finance for his research paper.

In addition to his professional career, Yaveen has served as a visiting lecturer at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for over a decade, contributing to the curriculum in Economics, Econometrics, and Mathematical Modeling for Research.

Sanjeewa Ekanayake

Group Head of Finance

Sanjeewa Ekanayake brings over 21 years of experience in the finance sector. He currently serves as the Group Head of Finance at HNB Investment Bank. Sanjeewa holds a Special Degree in Commerce from the University of Kelaniya and has completed the Final-I level examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka. He is also pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Finance at Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK.

Mayanthi Jayasuriya

Vice President - Legal and Compliance

Mayanthi Jayasuriya is a senior banking management professional with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as the Vice President of Legal and Compliance at HNB Investment Bank. Prior to this, she headed the Retail Risk function at HSBC Sri Lanka from 2017 to 2020. Mayanthi specializes in Retail Credit risk functions, including retail banking product development, credit policies, risk analysis, and collections.

She holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the Open University of Sri Lanka, an LLM from the University of Colombo, and is an Attorney-at-Law. She also holds a Diploma in Banking and Finance from the Institute of Bankers in Sri Lanka. Mayanthi is currently pursuing a PhD in Law, specializing in Debt Recovery Laws in Sri Lanka, at the University of Colombo.

Sanjeewa Wickremanayake

Vice President – Information Technology (Head of IT)

Sanjeewa Wickremanayake is the Vice President of Information Technology and Head of the IT division at HNB Investment Bank, bringing over 20 years of experience in the IT sector. Throughout his career, he has held several roles, including Manager IT Implementation at Analytical Instruments (Pvt) Ltd, and positions at McShaw Automotive Ltd (McLarens Group of Companies), Egis BCEOM International (French Engineering Consultants), and CardnoMBK in association with SMEC International.

Sanjeewa holds a BSc (Hons) in Computing and Information Systems from London Metropolitan University, UK, and an Executive MSc in Project Management from Asia e University, Malaysia. He is a member of the British Computer Society, the Computer Society of Sri Lanka, and the Project Management Institute (USA).

Andrea Johnpulle

Vice President - HR

Andrea Johnpulle is an experienced Human Resource professional with over two decades of expertise in high-performance management. Throughout her career, she has held various HR and administrative roles, including overseeing Sri Lankan-based manufacturing units in both the Maldives and Sri Lanka, before taking her current position at HNB Investment Bank.

Andrea holds an MBA in Human Resource Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Advancement. She is a graduate member of the Institute of Chartered Governance, UK.

Nayana Jayasinghe

Vice President – Administration

Nayana Jayasinghe is the Vice President of Administration at HNB Investment Bank, with over 22 years of experience in the Broker Back Office System within Sri Lanka’s stockbroking industry. He began his career as a Computer Analyst Programmer at Open Arc System (Pvt) Ltd in 1993, where he developed a multiuser back office system integrated with the general ledger for the stockbroking industry. Nayana has held key roles at HDF Securities (Pvt) Ltd and HNB Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd, before joining HNB Investment Bank as Manager – IT in 2009.

Nayana is a member of the British Computer Society (Chartered Institute for IT) and the Australian Computer Society. He holds a Higher Diploma in Computer System Analysis & Design from NIBM.

Shehan Cooray

Director/Head of Research

Shehan Cooray is the Director and Head of Research at HNB Investment Bank. With over 20 years of experience in research and investment banking, Shehan has worked across both equity and debt capital markets. Before joining HNB, he worked in the investment banking department of HNB and as an analyst at Fitch Ratings.

Shehan has been involved in numerous Initial Public Offerings, Private Placements, and Mergers & Acquisitions transactions, working with leading Sri Lankan corporates across various sectors, from conglomerates to tech companies. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Development Economics from SOAS, University of London, and an MSc in Corporate & International Finance from the University of Durham.