Mrs. Thushari Hewawasam – Deputy General Manager – International Banking at People’s Bank

A Distinguished Career Journey

Mrs. Thushari Hewawasam’s professional trajectory is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and exemplary leadership. Her primary education at Pushpadhana Girls College in Kandy ingrained in her the values of discipline and empathy. She pursued higher education at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, where she laid the foundation for her illustrious
career.

Joining People’s Bank as a Management Trainee, Mrs. Hewawasam has progressed remarkably, establishing herself as a successful female banker with numerous achievements. Beginning her career as a Credit Officer and Customer Relationship Officer, she quickly ascended to the role of Branch Manager. Currently serving as the Deputy General Manager of International Banking, she has navigated numerous challenges with distinction.

Career Achievements

Throughout her tenure, Mrs. Hewawasam has consistently delivered outstanding performances across various branches and regions. She has adeptly managed to foster strong relationships with both customers and staff, which has been instrumental in her success.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis, Mrs. Hewawasam played a crucial role in guiding her customers through turbulent times. She strategically utilized available refinance funding lines at lower interest rates to bolster the bank’s loan portfolio, providing much-needed support to the SME sector.

Professional Growth and Academic Excellence

Her career has seen her rise from Branch Manager to Regional Manager, Assistant General Manager, and now to Deputy General Manager. Along the way, she has earned multiple academic and professional qualifications, including an MBA, Associate of Chartered Management Accountants (ACMA), United Kingdom, Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), and Associate of Institute of Bankers, Sri Lanka (AIB). Mrs. Hewawasam is a firm believer in multi-tasking and attributes her success to the unwavering support of her family and colleagues.

Leadership Philosophy

Mrs. Hewawasam is a proponent of leading by example. She maintains that leaders should demonstrate exemplary conduct and a strong work ethic, principles that have been cornerstones of her success. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining professional ethics and integrity while continuously striving for personal and professional development.

Navigating Challenges

She acknowledges that challenges and setbacks are integral to any career journey. Learning from these experiences, rather than being deterred by them, is crucial. Mrs. Hewawasam advocates for taking calculated risks and planning one’s career strategically. Resilience, she believes, is a vital attribute for success.

Work-Life Balance of Mrs. Thushari Hewawasam

A strong advocate for work-life balance, Mrs. Hewawasam emphasizes its importance for anyone seeking to maximize their career potential. As a wife, mother of a teenager, and a leading banker, she understands the significance of prioritizing work-life balance. She employs effective time management techniques such as creating to-do lists, setting deadlines, and time-blocking to allocate time for specific tasks. She also ensures to dedicate quality time to her family while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

Mentorship and Guidance

As a successful career woman and mentor to other women, Mrs. Hewawasam offers career guidance, support, and insights to those aspiring to climb the ladder of success. She credits her husband as her mentor and a strong pillar of support behind her achievements.

Mrs. Thushari Hewawasam’s journey is an inspiring narrative of perseverance, strategic thinking, and compassionate leadership, serving as a beacon for aspiring professionals.