Mr. Deshal de Mel is a distinguished Sri Lankan economist and corporate professional with extensive experience in economic policy, financial markets, and corporate governance.
He has served as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Sampath Bank PLC, including in the capacity of Senior Independent Director, contributing to the Bank’s strategic direction and governance oversight.
Mr. de Mel has held several key positions in both the public and private sectors. He served as an Economic Advisor to the Ministry of Finance, where he was closely involved in macroeconomic policy formulation and reform initiatives. He has also been a Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, providing regulatory oversight to the capital market.
In the corporate sector, he has served on the Boards of leading institutions, including at present Capital Alliance PLC and Fairfirst Insurance Ltd and previously Janashakthi Insurance PLC. He has also held senior roles within the Hayleys Group, contributing to economic analysis and business strategy.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford and a Master of Science in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Mr. de Mel was recognised as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.
Appointed to the Board:
Appointed to the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director on 18th May 2026.
Membership of Board Sub-Committees:
He is a member of the Board Integrated Risk Management Committee and the Board Nominations and Governance Committee.
