Mr. Sanath Manatunge has been appointed as the Chairman of the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC), a prominent organization that advocates for the interests of employers across various industries in Sri Lanka. He currently serves as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Bank of Ceylon.
The bank expressed that this appointment is a testament to Mr. Manatunge’s exemplary leadership and his significant contributions to the business landscape in Sri Lanka, highlighting his active participation in initiatives aimed at economic and business development at the national level.
Mr. Manatunge’s new role was announced during the EFC’s 97th Annual General Meeting, where the Board of Trustees and Council Members were established for the financial year 2026/27. He takes over the chairmanship from Mr. Dinesh Weerakkody and will work alongside Vice Chairman Mr. Dinal Peiris, who is also the Chairman and Managing Director of Lanka Aluminium Industries PLC Group.
With over 36 years of experience in banking and finance, Mr. Manatunge is a well-respected figure in Sri Lanka’s financial services sector. In his first speech as Chairman, he reaffirmed the EFC’s vital role as the National Employers’ Organisation, emphasizing its dedication to advocating for labor law reforms that foster an environment conducive to future-ready businesses and promoting ethical business practices. He also highlighted the necessity for collaborative engagement with tripartite stakeholders to further common national goals and enhance the employment landscape in the country.
His appointment underscores his esteemed position within the business community, supported by a diverse range of leadership and advisory roles. Mr. Manatunge chairs the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association (SLBA) and plays a significant role in various industry organizations, including the UNICEF Business Council, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, and the Private Sector Advisory Council of the World Bank Group. Additionally, he serves as an Ex-Officio Member of the Stakeholder Engagement Committee at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
Furthermore, he holds the position of Deputy Chairman at Commercial Development Company PLC and at Commercial Bank of Maldives (Pvt) Ltd. Having been part of Commercial Bank for over thirty years, he was appointed as Managing Director and CEO in May 2022, following roles as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director. Throughout his career at the bank, he has occupied various senior leadership positions, including Deputy General Manager of Corporate Banking, where he significantly expanded the bank’s corporate loans and trade finance sectors while ensuring asset quality was maintained. As Chief Operating Officer, he managed essential business divisions such as Personal Banking, Corporate Banking, Information Technology, Cards, and Digital Banking, steering them to leading positions within their markets.
Mr. Manatunge is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK) and holds an MBA from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. He is also a Fellow of several institutions, including the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka, the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka, and the Chartered Management Institute (UK). A member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors, he has actively contributed to the advancement of the banking profession, having served as President of the Association of Banking Sector Risk Professionals and as a Council Member of the Association of Professional Bankers. Moreover, he has lent his expertise as a visiting lecturer and resource person to numerous prestigious academic and professional institutions.
