SIYAPATHA FINANCE ANNOUNCES SEAMLESS LEADERSHIP TRANSITION: MATHISHA HEWAVITHARANA APPOINTED CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AS VETERAN ANANDA SENEVIRATNE CONCLUDES HIS TENURE AS MANAGING DIRECTOR
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA – Siyapatha Finance PLC, a leading licensed finance company and the largest fully-owned subsidiary of Sampath Bank PLC, today announced a landmark leadership transition. Mr. Mathisha Hewavitharana, the current Chief Executive Officer (Designate), has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st January 2026. He succeeds industry veteran Mr. Ananda Seneviratne, who concludes a distinguished seven years tenure at the helm of the organization as its Managing Director.
The appointment marks a milestone in Siyapatha’s commitment to internal talent development. Mr. Hewavitharana, a pioneering member of the team, joined the Company in 2005 as a Junior Marketing Executive. Over 20 years, he rose through the ranks, serving as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) from 2021 and the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) from 2025.
A Legacy of Growth
Under the outgoing leadership of Mr. Ananda Seneviratne, Siyapatha Finance transformed into a powerhouse in the Non-Bank Financial Institutions(NBFI) sector. During his tenure, the Company:
- Expanded its footprint to a 61-branch network island-wide.
- Grew its asset base to exceed LKR 75 Billion.
- Secured an A (lka) Stable rating from Fitch Ratings.
- Consistently ranked among the top ten Finance Companies in Sri Lanka.
The New Era of Leadership
Mr. Hewavitharana brings a formidable blend of academic excellence and deep institutional knowledge to the role. A graduate of the University of Colombo with both a Bachelor’s and an MBA, his credentials include MCIM (UK), AIB, and ACMA/CGMA (UK). He also received Executive Leadership training at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, USA.
“We are delighted to appoint Mathisha to the top job,” said Mr. Sumith Cumaranatunga, Chairman of Siyapatha Finance PLC. “Mathisha is indisputably one of the most brilliant minds of his generation. His appointment is a testament to our robust leadership development process; he has undergone three years of intensive mentoring by the Board. We are confident that he will build upon the strong foundation of transparency, governance, and profitability laid by his predecessor.”
“Today Siyapatha is considered one of the well-managed, low risk, highly compliant and most profitable Non-Banking Finance Institutions. The Board and I are confident that the Company will grow on that strong foundation under the leadership of the new CEO Mathisha as well” he further added.
Outgoing Managing Director, Mr. Ananda Seneviratne, expressed his confidence in the transition: “Mathisha was a key pillar of my Management Team. He demonstrated exceptional resilience during national-level economic hardships and possesses the fine business acumen required to lead in a volatile market. I wish him every success.”
Known for an empathetic and humble leadership style, Mr. Hewavitharana is recognized across the industry for fostering a culture of self-reliant leadership. His vision for Siyapatha Finance involves leveraging the Company’s strong financial health to drive further innovation and community-centric growth.
About Siyapatha Finance PLC
Siyapatha Finance PLC is a leading licensed Finance Company regulated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and it is the largest fully-owned subsidiary of the Sampath Bank Group. With a history spanning over two decades, the Company offers a wide range of financial services including Leasing, Gold Loans, Factoring, Business Loans and Fixed Deposits.
Siyapatha Finance PLC has secured the title of “Best Employer Brand” for the third consecutive year at the recently concluded Employer Branding Awards 2025. The accolade recognizes the Company’s outstanding practices and innovative strategies in employer branding, reaffirming its strong commitment to employee engagement, retention, and creating an inspiring workplace culture.
In line with its Corporate Vision 2028, Siyapatha Finance PLC achieved ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification reaffirming the Company’s commitment to global best practices and operational excellence.
