The National Savings Bank (NSB) Friday announced that the General Manager/Chief Executive Officer, Sharmila Shashi Prabha Kandambi Jassim, has been awarded the prestigious Business Leader of the Year 2025 (Gold) at the CIMA–JXG Pinnacle Awards, held recently at Cinnamon Life, Colombo.
Organized jointly by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Janashakthi Group (JXG), and AICPA & CIMA Sri Lanka, the event brought together over 250 leaders, professionals, and visionaries from across the country to recognize leadership excellence and strategic innovation in Sri Lanka’s corporate and public sectors.
Shashi Kandambi was recognized for her outstanding contributions towards public sector leadership, her transformative role at NSB, and her dedication to purpose-driven banking that extends beyond profit to national impact. The independent judging panel, chaired by the former Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Faizal Salieh, commended her for driving significant growth, ethical governance, and modernization within one of the country’s most vital state financial institutions.
Shashi Kandambi has over 35 years of experience in the banking and financial services sector, with a portfolio that includes international banking, financial risk, retail development, and institutional strategy. She currently serves as the General Manager/CEO of the National Savings Bank and has been instrumental in driving NSB’s digital evolution and policy alignment with national development goals. She is widely recognized for her integrity, humility, and vision—and is a strong advocate for building resilient, inclusive, and future-ready institutions.
Her recognition at the awards ceremony is not only a personal milestone but also a symbol of excellence for Sri Lanka’s public institutions, proving that visionary, ethical, and strategic leadership can thrive in the state sector.
Since her appointment as the General Manager/CEO, Shashi Kandambi has guided the National Savings Bank through a transformative period marked by rapid digital innovation and cultural renewal. Her leadership has redefined the Bank’s strategic direction, aligning operational goals with national priorities and customer needs. In 2024, NSB recorded a remarkable 516% surge in Profit Before Tax (PBT), reaching Rs. 26.4 billion, a testament to prudent decision-making, disciplined financial stewardship, and strategic adaptability. This exceptional financial performance was reflected in substantial improvements across a wide array of key performance indicators, reinforcing the Bank’s position as a pillar of stability and growth.
Demonstrating its enduring commitment to national development, NSB contributed Rs. 19.5 billion in taxes and levies during the year, affirming its integral role as a state-owned institution in supporting the country’s fiscal framework. These outstanding results are a direct reflection of the Bank’s visionary leadership and its steadfast dedication to generating sustainable value for the nation and its people.
Kandambi has also championed a people-centric approach to banking, expanding rural outreach, improving digital accessibility, and promoting inclusive financial practices. Through these efforts, NSB has not only modernized its service delivery but has also deepened its engagement with communities across Sri Lanka.
Accepting the award, Kandambi reaffirmed her commitment to institutional integrity, stakeholder trust, and service-oriented leadership. She highlighted the role of leaders in cultivating new talent, embracing change, and balancing innovation with deep-rooted ethics.
“Leadership is not about position or power—it is about responsibility. We must lead with empathy, act with integrity, and build institutions that will outlast us,” she noted during her acceptance. She also emphasized her strong belief in the collective strength of her team at NSB, “This award is not mine alone—it belongs to the dedicated teams at NSB, whose commitment, resilience, and unwavering focus have made this achievement possible. It also belongs to the people of Sri Lanka who inspire us every day to serve better and strive higher. Together, we have proven that excellence in public service is not only possible—it is powerful.”