With a distinguished career spanning over three decades in the banking and finance sector, Manoj Akmeemana, Senior Deputy General Manager at Sampath Bank, has witnessed and steered through both the stable and turbulent phases of Sri Lanka’s economic landscape. His expertise in Credit Control, Credit Administration, Recoveries, and Legal matters has not only contributed to the success of his institution but also shaped his approach to leadership, grounded in empathy, transparency, and strategic insight.
Manoj’s career path and leadership philosophy were not born out of a conventional journey. Instead, his evolution as a leader is deeply intertwined with the socio-political turmoil Sri Lanka experienced during his formative years. In 1988-1989, when political violence and civil unrest swept through the country, his academic ambitions were momentarily derailed. Despite graduating at the top of the island in the Commerce stream and securing a place in the prestigious University of Sri Jayewardenepura for a degree in Business Administration, the closure of universities left him at a crossroads.
At this pivotal juncture, he could have chosen a different path. His original aspiration was to pursue a career in academia, dedicating himself to scholarship in the field of management. However, life had other plans for him. In 1989, at the height of Sri Lanka’s instability, he took an unexpected turn and joined Sampath Bank as a young executive. Despite entering the banking industry unintentionally, Manoj continued to nurture his passion for knowledge, advancing his academic qualifications in various fields such as business management, banking, accounting, and strategic management.
Reflecting on these early challenges, he often attributes his leadership philosophy to the values instilled in him by his upbringing and education. His parents, who emphasized ethical principles and fostered a sense of independence, laid the foundation for his future success. His education at Royal College, one of Sri Lanka’s most prestigious schools, also played a critical role. There, the school’s ethos of discipline, fair play, and balance between academic and extracurricular pursuits deeply resonated with him. The motto “learn of books and men and learn to play the game” continues to influence his leadership philosophy to this day.
Manoj’s experience of navigating life’s unexpected turns led to his firm belief that leadership is not a title or a destination but a continuous process of growth and learning. In a constantly evolving sector like banking, leadership requires adaptability, empathy, and resilience. “Leadership is not about achieving a position or title, it is about responsibility and guiding others through challenges,” he explains.
At the heart of his leadership style lies the belief that leaders must foster an environment where individuals are empowered to realize their full potential. Manoj views leadership as a collaborative effort—one that demands trust, humility, and a commitment to transparency. He believes that success is achieved when a team works collectively towards shared goals, and this sense of ownership stems from clear communication and mutual respect.
His exposure to people from all walks of life has greatly influenced his understanding of leadership. His ability to connect with individuals across various social and professional backgrounds has helped him develop a keen sense of empathy—an attribute that he considers essential for effective leadership. In his view, a leader’s role extends beyond mere decision-making; it is about inspiring others, fostering an environment of trust, and helping people unlock their potential.
“Leadership is about continuous learning,” he states. “It exists at every level of an organization and is not restricted to those in formal leadership positions. The key to leadership is creating an environment where people feel valued and empowered to contribute.”
This philosophy has been a cornerstone of his approach to leadership throughout his career. In his current role, managing multiple teams across various disciplines, he remains committed to transparency and meritocracy. He believes that every individual, regardless of their position, should have an equal opportunity to contribute and grow within the organization. For him, leadership is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it is about striking a balance between providing guidance and allowing team members the freedom to showcase their abilities.
The generational shift within the workforce, particularly the rise of millennials and Gen Z employees, has brought about new challenges and opportunities for leaders like Manoj. Some leaders may view these generations as less loyal or more self-centered, but Manoj has taken a different perspective. He sees them as highly committed and passionate when given a clear sense of purpose and direction.
He has successfully fostered a culture of openness, trust, and accountability within his teams. By sharing relevant information and setting transparent goals, he ensures that each team member understands their role in the broader context of the organization’s objectives. This approach has not only led to higher levels of engagement but has also strengthened the alignment between individual and organizational goals.
“Meritocracy, transparency, equality, and integrity are the cornerstones of my leadership style,” says Manoj. “I believe in leading by example—walking the talk, as the saying goes. In my view, there are no bad teams, only ineffective leaders.”
His ability to blend traditional leadership values with a modern, empathetic approach has allowed him to successfully navigate the complexities of the banking sector while staying true to his core values.
Manoj’s extensive experience in the field of lending has been the foundation of much of his professional success. His career, which has spanned various roles from retail and corporate lending to strategy formulation, credit control, and recovery management, has given him a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the lending process. It is this depth of experience that inspired him to write his book *Lending: Concepts, Theory, and Practice*.
Recognizing the gaps in knowledge and understanding that existed even among senior professionals in the banking sector, he decided to share his insights with a broader audience. Initially, he intended to write a series of articles on the subject. However, the project soon expanded into a full-length book, which covers the entire spectrum of lending, from theoretical concepts to practical application.
The book was launched in August 2024 and has been met with widespread acclaim from industry professionals and academics alike. Manoj’s hope is that it will serve as a valuable resource for a wide audience, including banking professionals, students of business and commerce, board members, and even borrowers themselves.
*Lending: Concepts, Theory, and Practice* provides a comprehensive overview of lending practices, grounded in Manoj’s years of experience in the field. His multidisciplinary approach, which draws on insights from marketing, accounting, strategic management, and other disciplines, offers readers a deeper understanding of the complexities of lending. The book is not just a technical manual—it is a reflection of his commitment to elevating professional standards within the banking sector.
Perhaps one of the most significant tests of his leadership has been the recent economic challenges that have beset Sri Lanka. The Easter Sunday attacks of 2018, the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, and the country’s external debt default in 2022 have placed immense strain on the banking sector. Rising levels of non-performing advances (NPAs), severe inflation, and rupee depreciation have created a high-stress environment for financial institutions.
In his current role, Manoj is tasked with managing complex recoveries and minimizing overdue portfolios—a responsibility that requires not only technical expertise but also emotional intelligence. His approach to handling high-stress situations is rooted in empathy and transparency. He believes that recovery should be viewed as a collaborative process, not an adversarial one. “Many of the borrowers who are now struggling were once some of our best customers,” he explains. “It is important to approach these situations with an understanding of their circumstances.”
One of the standout examples of his leadership in recovery management involved a company that had been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than taking a hardline approach, Manoj worked closely with the company’s management to develop a tailored recovery plan. This plan included restructuring their debt, extending repayment terms, and providing additional working capital support. Over time, the company stabilized its operations and eventually returned to a performing status.
This experience reinforced his belief in the importance of building trust with borrowers and focusing on long-term solutions. His approach to recovery management prioritizes business revival and sustainability over short-term fixes, a strategy that has proven effective in helping both the bank and its clients navigate challenging economic conditions.
Manoj’s career serves as a powerful example of how leadership, grounded in empathy, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning, can guide organizations through even the most challenging times. His ability to adapt to changing circumstances, foster trust within his teams, and remain focused on long-term goals has allowed him to successfully navigate the complexities of the banking and finance industry.
Whether through his leadership at Sampath Bank or his contributions to the broader field of lending, his impact on the industry is undeniable. As the sector continues to evolve, leaders like him will play a crucial role in shaping its future—one where trust, transparency, and collaboration remain at the forefront of success.