Meet Our Expert Team

Hareesha Walpola

Managing Director

Strategic transformation leader with 20+ years of tenure across HSBC Group (Sri Lanka, Middle East, Australia) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA). Expert at the intersection of large-scale banking operations, IT architecture, and robust AML/CTF frameworks. Specialises in re-engineering legacy operating models into agile, tech-led ecosystems while maintaining uncompromising regulatory compliance. Having navigated the rigorous global standards of HSBC Group in 3 countries, brings a unique dual perspective on scaling technology without compromising the risk frontier. Proven track record in architecting Target Operating Models (TOM) that integrate robust AML/KYC controls with lean IT infrastructure. Proven track record in leading multi-disciplinary teams through high-stakes remediation, digital migration, transformation projects and mergers. Career is defined by navigating diverse regulatory jurisdictions—from the emerging market complexities of Sri Lanka, through the high-volume corridors of the Middle East, to the digital-dominant landscape of Australia.

Ranjith Wanniarachchi

Highly accomplished trade finance and banking professional with over three decades of experience in HSBC Group, across global trade operations, product management, and large-scale banking transformation initiatives. Brings deep expertise in imports, exports, guarantees, trade receivables finance, and end-to-end trade operations, combined with a strong record of digitising trade services, streamlining processes, and driving operational efficiency across multi-country environments. Proven leader in managing global support teams, implementing complex trade systems, and ensuring robust compliance with financial crime, AML, and international sanctions requirements. Widely recognised for strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to balance commercial growth with strong risk and control discipline across highly regulated banking environments.

Rodney Perera

Highly experienced banking professional with nearly 40 years of service at HSBC Group, bringing extensive expertise across branch operations, credit administration, treasury back-office operations, business development, and client relationship management. Proven track record in leading branch-level strategies, managing end-to-end credit operations, and driving revenue growth through effective planning and execution. Demonstrates strong capabilities in customer acquisition, portfolio management, and cross-functional team leadership. Has played a key role in supporting trade finance and commercial banking operations, contributing to regional business performance and customer satisfaction. Recognised for practical problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to deliver results in complex, regulated banking environments.

Rubesh Peerez

Highly experienced banking operations and core systems professional with 35 years of end-to-end experience across AS400-based core banking systems, payments, system deployment, and large-scale operational support. Proven expertise in managing multi-regional production support, leading critical system migrations, and ensuring operational stability across complex banking environments. Has worked extensively on batch processing, payments operations, and system monitoring, supporting both day-to-day operations and major change initiatives. Demonstrates strong capability in incident management, root cause analysis, and process optimisation to minimise operational disruptions. Recognised for deep technical knowledge, calm and methodical approach to problem-solving, and the ability to maintain system integrity across geographically dispersed teams.

Shiraz Sheriff

Accomplished global operations executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in large-scale financial services and centralized operations. Proven expertise in leading global service centres, managing workforces of up to 3,000 employees and overseeing cost bases exceeding USD 45 million. Demonstrated success in driving operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and continuous efficiency improvements, consistently delivering 10–15% productivity gains. Highly regarded for strong governance, stakeholder engagement, and talent development, with deep domain knowledge across Global Banking & Markets, Securities Services, and Transaction Management. Adept at strategic planning, risk management, and cross-cultural leadership to enable sustainable growth in complex, highly regulated environments.

Shiromi Kuruwitaarachchi

Over 35 years of progressive banking sector experience, including seven years of comprehensive, hands-on expertise in end-to-end payments operations covering both outward and inward payment processing across multiple channels and currencies. Extensive practical knowledge of ISO-certified payment processes with consistent adherence to foreign exchange control regulations and international banking standards. Proven track record in managing high-volume customer transfers and interbank payments while ensuring full regulatory and operational compliance. Deep understanding of SWIFT messaging protocols, correspondent banking relationships, and cross-border payment workflows. Demonstrated proficiency in straight-through processing (STP) environments, where outward payments are validated and processed automatically without manual intervention, delivering enhanced accuracy, processing speed, and robust risk control across payment operations. Successfully implemented process improvements that reduced payment exceptions and improved customer satisfaction. Strong capability in payment reconciliation, exception handling, and dispute resolution. Experienced in collaborating with compliance, treasury, and operations teams to maintain seamless payment flows while mitigating operational and financial risks. Skilled in training and mentoring team members on payment systems, regulatory requirements, and best practices in payment operations.

Sumith Peiris

Accomplished banking IT Project Management professional with over 30 years of experience delivering complex, enterprise-scale technology initiatives across global banking environments. Recognised as an AS400 backend expert, with deep hands-on expertise in core banking systems, data migration, solutions integration, deployment, and post-implementation incident management. Highly experienced in leading cross-functional, multi-national teams using Agile, Waterfall, and Hybrid delivery models to execute projects on time, within budget, and with minimal business disruption. Has worked in multiple countries on special business assignments and actively engaged in key transformational projects across HSBC Group, collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders across regions. Demonstrates a strong track record in stakeholder engagement, risk and change management, and regulatory-driven initiatives, with extensive exposure to core banking, payments, digital banking, and financial crime systems across multiple geographies. Recognised for strong leadership, clear communication, and the ability to translate business requirements into effective, scalable technology solutions.