
Mr. Malith Fernando
Chief Operating Officer / COO
Mr. Malith Fernando is a seasoned professional with over 14 years of extensive experience in the financial services industry, specializing in administration, marketing, and operational management. As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Athugala Credit and Investments (PVT) Ltd., Mr. Fernando plays a pivotal role in driving strategic growth, optimizing operations, and enhancing the company's market presence. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in customer acquisition strategies, market analysis, team management, conflict resolution, and customer relationship management.
His professional journey includes serving as Zonal Head at Nation Lanka PLC, where he successfully managed operations across 12 branches, ensuring alignment with company policies and optimizing recoveries and administrative efficiency. At Abans Finance PLC, as Senior Manager and Head of the Fixed Deposits Department, he enhanced departmental performance while leading and mentoring his team. During his tenure at Commercial Credit & Finance PLC, he achieved significant milestones, including securing a net fixed deposit base of over 1.5 billion, leading a team of over 30 staff members, and establishing strong professional relationships with clients and external agencies.
Mr. Fernando’s academic credentials include a Master of Business Administration from the Cambridge College of Business and Management, along with specialized training in Business Management from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. He possesses a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of fixed deposit and savings products, their adoption lifecycles, and market trends. His ability to lead high-performing teams and develop innovative solutions to challenges has made him an invaluable asset in his previous roles and continues to drive his success at Athugala Credit and Investments.
In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Fernando is an accomplished cricketer who has captained and participated in numerous cricket tournaments at school, club, and mercantile levels. Notable accomplishments include serving as Vice-Captain of the First XI Cricket Team at Mahanama College, Colombo, and being a member of the Western Province under-19 Cricket Team. He also participated in the Sri Lanka under-19 World Cup Pool in 2006 and led his teams to multiple championships in Mercantile Cricket Tournaments, where he was recognized as the Best Batsman and All-Rounder.
Driven by a commitment to achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction, Mr. Fernando combines strategic leadership with operational excellence. His ability to adapt to challenging environments, build strong relationships with stakeholders, and inspire his team makes him a vital force in advancing the vision and mission of Athugala Credit and Investments.