Multi-talented banker and more than a friend to me

I write this brief appreciation on the passing away of my friend and colleague Nilanth De Silva, Chairman of Hatton National Bank (HNB).

Nilanth as we affectionately called him was a close colleague and friend. He had a distinguished career in banking and I first came to know him during my own attachment at HNB which started way back in 1975.

He was a multi-talented personality of high calibre well versed in a variety of topics. It was a great pleasure to have interactions with him - every discussion was a learning as he shared valuable information from his knowledge bank. He was a historian to the core and had so much information at his fingertips. He was well versed in a variety of subjects which bore testimony to his ability to read and update his knowledge in spite of his tight schedule. Personalities of his calibre are rare in today’s context notwithstanding the advanced technology.

Politics was his favourite subject and he loved to talk about political events of yesteryear which shaped the destiny of our country. In addition, he had in his possession the details of Parliamentary elections held in Sri Lanka since Independence and the record of candidates, their background, the number of votes polled etc.

He reached the highest position in the bank becoming Chairman of HNB, having joined at a junior level in 1974. This is a great achievement and we as pioneers of HNB and members of staff were very pleased at his elevation to the position of Chairman as one of ours - a ranker who rose to the position of Chairman. Such achievements, I believe, are rare in the annals of Sri Lanka’s banking history. It is unfortunate the HNB has been deprived of his expertise at a crucial time.

Nilanth was considered an expert in Credit and connected areas which was a very valuable and important tool in banking as any deficiency would have serious repercussions on the Bank. I remember the way he went through the credit memoranda to ensure that every aspect of the credit proposal is looked into to ensure not only speedy delivery but that the bank does not incur any losses as recovery of an advance is more difficult and important than the expeditious credit delivery.

He was a person with excellent human qualities and was a friend in need. I remember numerous instances when he helped people who sought his assistance. His passing away is a personal loss to me - I have lost a brother who stood with me during good times and hard times as an advisor and mentor.

We bid farewell to a great personality who contributed immensely to the development of the banking industry. His advice and guidance were obtained by many bankers from various banks. His passing away is not only a loss to his family, but the large number of friends and the banking community will miss him. The void created by his passing away will be difficult to fill.

He was a loving husband and father and I am confident his wife Suranjanie, daughter Suranthika, son Nimantha and the other members of his family will continue to have the guidance and blessings of Nilanth from heaven during this difficult time.

May his soul Rest in Peace.