Journey of Nandika Buddhipala: Chief Financial Officer at Commercial Bank of Ceylon
Journey of Nandika Buddhipala:
Early Career and Professional Experience
Nandika Buddhipala's career commenced at KPMG Ford Rhodes
Thornton and Company in Sri Lanka, followed by roles in the Republic of
Maldives and KPMG Peat Marwick Micheal in the Sultanate of Oman from 1991 to
1993. His expertise in financial accounting and management began to solidify
during this period.
Leadership at Mobitel (Pvt) Ltd
From 1993 to 2007, Nandika Buddhipala held various pivotal
roles at Mobitel (Pvt) Ltd, including Financial Accountant, Finance Manager,
General Manager - Finance & Administration (reporting to MD/CEO), and
finally Chief Financial Officer. His responsibilities spanned finance,
treasury, procurement, administration, credit control, logistics, and service
center management.
Current Role at Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC
Since January 2008, Nandika Buddhipala has served as the
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, overseeing the
financial strategy and operations of one of Sri Lanka's leading banks.
Academic Achievements and Qualifications
Advanced Degrees and Certifications
Nandika Buddhipala holds a Master's degree in Financial
Mathematics from the University of Colombo, completed between 2013 and 2015. He
furthered his education with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in
Management from the University of Colombo in 2006-2007, and a Bachelor of
Science in Business Administration from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Professional Certifications
He is a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) from
the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and a Fellow of the
Institute of Chartered Management Accountants (FCMA). His extensive
certifications include memberships in prestigious organizations such as The
Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) and the Institute of
Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka.
Contributions and Professional Recognition
Nandika Buddhipala's contributions extend beyond his roles
in corporate finance. He has actively contributed to the accounting profession
through leadership roles in organizations like the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of Sri Lanka, where he chaired committees and contributed to the
development of financial reporting standards. His leadership and expertise have
been recognized through various appointments and awards within the financial
sector.
Professional Experience and Current Engagements of Nandika
Buddhipala
Chief Financial Officer at Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC
Since January 2008, Nandika Buddhipala has served as the
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC. In this role,
he oversees the financial strategy and operations of one of Sri Lanka's leading
banks, contributing significantly to its growth and stability.
Previous Role at Mobitel (Pvt) Ltd
Prior to his tenure at Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC,
Nandika Buddhipala held the position of Chief Financial Officer at Mobitel
(Pvt) Ltd from December 1993 to December 2007. During his 14-year tenure, he
played a crucial role in shaping the financial and administrative functions of the
telecommunications company.
Journey of Nandika Buddhipala: Financial Officer at Commercial Bank Ceylon/ Angel Investor/Nandika Buddhipala:/ Sri lanka/ Banking sector/ Success
Early Career at KPMG Sri Lanka
Nandika Buddhipala began his professional journey as an
Auditor at KPMG Sri Lanka, where he gained valuable experience in financial
auditing and advisory services. His role spanned across Sri Lanka, the Republic
of Maldives, and the Sultanate of Oman from January 1991 to November 1993.
Current Roles and Contributions
Member - Industrialization Commission
Since January 2023, Nandika Buddhipala has been actively
involved as a Member of the Industrialization Commission, under the Industrial
Promotion Act No. 46 of 1990. His role focuses on promoting industrial
development and economic growth in Sri Lanka.
Non-Executive Director and Trustee at The Chartered
Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI)
Since September 2022, Nandika Buddhipala has served as a
Non-Executive Director and Trustee at The Chartered Institute for Securities
& Investment (CISI). He contributes his expertise in financial markets to
the governance and strategic direction of the institute.
Additional Engagements
Nandika Buddhipala holds several other significant roles
including:
- Member of the Steering Committee to Promote Private Sector Engagement on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the Sustainable Development Council.
- Member of the Council and the Standing Committee on Humanities & Social Sciences at the University of Colombo and University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka respectively.
- External Faculty Board Member at the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Leadership and Contributions
Nandika Buddhipala's leadership extends beyond finance. He
has held esteemed positions such as:
- Immediate Past President of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka.
- Former Chairman of the Member Network Panel of ACCA (UK) Sri Lanka branch.
- Chairman of the National Advisory Council of CISI (UK) Sri Lanka branch.
- Vice President of the Organization of Professional Associations (OPA).
- Director of the Sri Lanka Accounting and Auditing Standards Monitoring Board.
- Chairman of the Annual Conference Technical Committee and Professional Accountant in Business of CA Sri Lanka.
Academic Background and Certifications
Nandika Buddhipala has pursued extensive academic
qualifications including:
- Master's degree in Financial Mathematics from the University of Colombo.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management from the University of Colombo.
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) and Fellow of
the Institute of Chartered Management Accountants (FCMA), among others.
Conclusion
Nandika Buddhipala's career exemplifies dedication and
expertise in financial management across diverse sectors. His leadership roles
in prominent organizations and contributions to academia underscore his
commitment to professional excellence and strategic leadership in Sri Lanka's
financial and industrial sectors.
Nandika Buddhipala's journey is a testament to his
dedication and expertise in financial management across diverse sectors, from
telecommunications to banking. His academic achievements and professional
certifications underscore his commitment to continuous learning and excellence
in finance and accounting. As Chief Financial Officer at Commercial Bank of
Ceylon PLC, he continues to drive financial excellence and strategic growth in
the banking industry of Sri Lanka.
