SANASA Life Insurance Company PLC has appointed Mr. Susantha De Silva as its new Chief Executive Officer, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the insurance sector to the company’s leadership.
De Silva officially assumed duties on 8 October 2026 at a ceremony held at the SANASA Life Head Office in Colombo. The event began with religious observances and was attended by Dr. P. A. Kiriwandeniya, Founder of the SANASA Movement, the Chairman and Board of Directors, and the Corporate Management of SANASA Life Insurance.
The appointment also brings a change in the company’s senior management structure. Outgoing CEO Mr. Nuwanpriya Gunawardena will continue with SANASA Life as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO).
Susantha De Silva brings 30 years of insurance experience
De Silva brings experience across sales, business development, operations and executive management.
He began his career as an Insurance Agent at Ceylinco General Insurance Ltd. He later held senior leadership positions at Eagle Insurance, Union Assurance PLC, Janashakthi Insurance PLC, Allianz Life Insurance Lanka Ltd and Coop Life Insurance Co. Ltd.
Before joining SANASA Life as CEO, he served as a Consultant at Janashakthi Life.
De Silva holds an MBA in Marketing Management from Irish International University (UK). He also holds a CMI Level 7 Extended Diploma in Professional Consulting from CIPM (UK), an Advanced Diploma in Teaching Training and Assessment from City & Guilds, and a Diploma in Marketing from the Society of Sales and Marketing (UK).
Speaking on his appointment, De Silva said:
“I am honoured to take on the responsibility of leading SANASA Life at an important stage of its journey. The Company has a strong heritage, a valuable connection with communities and a clear purpose in protecting the lives and aspirations of Sri Lankan families.
My focus will be on building on these strengths, strengthening our customer relationships, empowering our people and driving sustainable business growth. Together with our team, I look forward to taking SANASA Life to greater heights while creating lasting value for our customers and all our stakeholders.”
Gunawardena moves to technology and digital leadership
Gunawardena, who took over as CEO during a particularly challenging period in SANASA Life’s journey, will now return to his original area of expertise as CIO.
In his new role, he will focus on strengthening the company’s information technology, digital capabilities and technology-led transformation.
The leadership change therefore brings together De Silva’s insurance-sector experience with Gunawardena’s focus on technology and digital capabilities.
SANASA Life said the transition supports its continued focus on customer experience, operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Last modified: October 19, 2026
