Dilshan Dayananda

Dilshan Dayananda

Import & Export Banking Specialist | Trade Finance Expert | Digital Transformation Advocate

📍 Auckland, New Zealand | 📧 [email protected] | 📞 +64 210 223 5855
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About Me

With over 19 years of experience in international trade finance and banking, I specialize in managing complex import/export operations, letters of credit (L/Cs), shipping guarantees, and documentary credits. As the Manager of Trade Finance at National Development Bank PLC in Sri Lanka, I’ve led high-impact banking operations, introduced digital systems, and championed customer-centric trade solutions.

Currently based in Auckland, I am exploring opportunities in international trade, export documentation, and digital transformation projects in the financial and logistics sectors.

Professional Experience

Manager – Trade Finance
National Development Bank PLC – Colombo 07, Sri Lanka
2006-2025

Oversaw issuance and negotiation of letters of credit (import/export) and foreign remittances.

Managed shipping guarantees, advance document endorsement, and clean collection payments.

Coordinated with correspondent banks, customers, and regulators to ensure smooth trade operations.

Provided expert guidance on UCP 600, ISBP, URC 522, and SWIFT messaging standards.

Led compliance processes with AML and Central Bank requirements.

Key Projects

1. SWIFT Department Digitalisation (2019)

Spearheaded automation of manual SWIFT documentation and reconciliation processes.

Saved over LKR 1 million annually through lean process improvements.

Completed Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification in the same year.

2. Trade Finance Operations Enhancement

Introduced client advisory sessions to educate importers/exporters on L/C management.

Implemented risk-mitigated trade instruments for SMEs.

Reduced average document processing turnaround time by 40%.

Foreign Training – Chennai, India (2018)

Participated in advanced international trade finance and operations training program.

Built regional connections and deepened practical knowledge of cross-border transactions.