Prof. P.N.D. Fernando officially took over as Chairman of People’s Bank on 18th November 2024 at a ceremony held at the bank’s Head Office attended by CEO/GM of People's Bank, Clive Fonseka and the bank's senior management.

Prof. Fernando brings with him over 25 years of experience in finance, banking, and higher education. He has made notable contributions as a leading academic, having served as a Professor and Head of the Department of Finance at the University of Kelaniya. With an impressive teaching tenure of more than 27 years, Prof. Fernando is recognized for his pioneering work in the academic sector, where he introduced several innovative degree programs and played a key role in elevating the standards of financial education in Sri Lanka. As Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, he spearheaded numerous initiatives, including the successful acquisition of World Bank AHEAD grants and ISO 21001 certification for the Kelaniya MBA program.

In addition to his academic achievements, Prof. Fernando holds a PhD in Government Economics from Central China Normal University. He also earned an MBA from the West Bengal University of Technology through a prestigious Colombo Plan scholarship and holds an undergraduate degree in Business Management (Accountancy) from the University of Kelaniya.

Prof. Fernando has been a trusted consultant and resource person for leading financial institutions in Sri Lanka, such as the Colombo Stock Exchange and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka.

On this occasion, Prof. Fernando expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead one of Sri Lanka’s most respected financial institutions. He emphasized his vision for People’s Bank, aiming to enhance digital transformation, drive customer-centric growth, and build a stronger, more sustainable banking network to support the evolving needs of the nation.