Seated (L–R): Laswie Tsung, Company Secretary; Sandamali Munasinghe, Vice President – Legal; Thishani Dissanayake, Vice President – Marketing.
Standing: Rushira De Silva, Vice President – Corporate Banking.
Union Bank has always encouraged fostering diverse leadership and empowering women at all levels. Women represent over half of the Bank’s workforce highlighting its commitment to diversity. Union Bank’s efforts have also been recognised externally with several accolades over the years with the latest being a Special Award at the 2025 Satyn Women Friendly Workplace Awards for championing women in leadership. This International Women’s Day, Union Bank recognises some of its inspiring women, whose dedication and vision continue to shape its transformation.
More Than a Career
Thishani Dissanayake (Vice President Marketing)
I made a pivotal shift from consumer marketing to the world of banking 16 years ago when I joined Union Bank as Head of Marketing. Today, my journey has evolved into a multifaceted role where I lead not only Marketing but also Customer Experience (CX) and Contact Center operations.
It has been a transformation fuelled by passion, and today I lead several dynamic teams in creating brand communications and customer experiences that truly matter. For me, Union Bank is more than just a workplace; it is my second home. It has fuelled my career growth, and enabled me to grow immensely on a personal level. There is great energy here, and I love coming to work, to a team of vibrant, fun, and dynamic people.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I feel immense pride in the teams I lead, where over 60% are women, demonstrating that Union Bank supports women and their success at all levels. To women starting their journeys today, I say: find a place that treats you like family, challenges you to be your best, and surrounds you with a team that celebrates your wins.
Inspiring By Example
Rushira De Silva (Vice President Corporate Banking)
My arrival at Union Bank started a defining chapter in my life, and 15 years later, that journey has led me to serve as Head of Corporate Banking. Throughout this period, the bank has fostered an enabling environment that has strengthened my strategic leadership, broadened my expertise through cross-functional collaboration, and entrusted me with leading a high-performing team that includes energetic relationship managers.
Beyond professional growth, Union Bank has empowered me as a woman in leadership by creating space for my voice at the decision-making table, recognising performance without bias, and fostering a culture where merit, resilience, and excellence define advancement. My experience reflects an institution that not only drives business success but also intentionally cultivates inclusive leadership.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, my message to women everywhere is this: own your ambition, embrace every opportunity to lead and never underestimate the value of your voice; because when you evolve, you inspire everyone around you.
Leading with Voice and Vision
Sandamali Munasinghe (Vice President Legal)
Fifteen years ago, Union Bank appointed me to lead its litigation function. I was given the platform to lead a dynamic team of professionals, and more importantly, the opportunity to be directly involved in litigation, going beyond traditional counsel to drive the bank’s legal strategy from the front lines.
The bank has empowered me at the highest levels, ensuring my voice is heard and valued in every key initiative. Leading these critical efforts provides me with immense satisfaction and a deep sense of purpose.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, my message to all women is this: seek an environment that doesn’t just give you a seat at the table, but empowers you to lead the conversation.
Lifting Each Other Higher
Laswie Tsung (Company Secretary)
Joining Union Bank hasn’t just been a step forward in my career; it has been a place of growth, encouragement, and limitless opportunities. When I stepped into the role of Company Secretary relatively early in my career, the weight of the responsibility felt, quite honestly, overwhelming. But thanks to the patience of my mentors, the strength of my family, and the incredible support from leaders across the Bank, that daunting challenge transformed into a deeply rewarding journey of lifelong learning.
What truly sets us apart, and what I value most, is our inclusive culture. I am honoured to lead a predominantly female team of talented professionals. Every day, they bring dedication, insight, and compassion to everything they do. I am equally proud of the Bank’s initiatives that actively uplift female entrepreneurs, ensuring our collective impact resonates far beyond these walls and into the wider community.
Today, we celebrate the everyday leadership, resilience, and boundless creativity of the women across this Bank. Happy International Women’s Day. May we continue to grow together, mentor the next generation and always lift each other higher!