Prof. Ajantha Samarakoon Appointed as New Chairman of People’s Leasing & Finance PLC
People’s Leasing & Finance PLC, a leader in non-banking financial services, has announced the
appointment of Prof. Ajantha Samarakoon as its new Chairman of the Board, with effect from 31 st
December 2024, subsequent to receiving approval from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. A
distinguished academic and professional, Prof. Samarakoon brings a wealth of expertise and
leadership to his new role, underpinned by an accomplished career spanning academia, industry,
and public service. His appointment signals a fresh chapter for People’s Leasing & Finance, as the
company continues to build on its reputation for innovation and excellence in the financial services
sector.
Prof. Samarakoon also presently serves as a professor at the Department of Commerce and Financial
Management of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies at the University of Kelaniya. He
holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Special) Degree and a Master’s Degree from the same institution. He
has also earned a PhD from the Faculty of Management and Economics at Tomas Bata University in
the Czech Republic, supported by the prestigious Internationalisation Development Scholarship
awarded by the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports. In addition to his academic
accomplishments, which includes mentoring PhD students, and extensive experience participating at
international conferences, including as Cochair of ICBI 2017, Prof. Samarakoon is a member of CMA-
Australia and the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) in Sri Lanka.
Beyond academia, Prof. Samarakoon has made notable contributions to both finance and education.
His three years of experience as an Audit Supervisor have provided him with a strong foundation in
financial governance and operational oversight. As a dedicated educator, he has served as the Chief
Examiner for the G.C.E. A/L examination since 2006 and played an instrumental role in curriculum
development for government and private universities. His efforts have been further recognised
through his work with the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council of the University Grants
Commission, towards maintaining high standards in higher education across Sri Lanka.
Accordingly, as the new Chairman of People’s Leasing & Finance PLC, Prof. Samarakoon is suitably
qualified and experienced to guide the company towards a future marked by innovation,
sustainability, and continued excellence, ensuring it remains a trusted leader in Sri Lanka’s non-bank
financial services sector.