Governor of the Central Bank (CB) Prof. W. D. Lakshman will step down from his post on September 14 after a short stint spanning nearly two years.
Prof. Lakshman assumed duties on December 24, 2019 as the 15th Governor of the Central Bank succeeding former Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy who stepped down on December 20, 2019.
Prof. Laksham is a well-known economist who served as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo from 1994 to 1999. In 2005, he was awarded the ‘Deshamanya’ title for his contributions to the academic field. His appointment was made by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
The term of office of the governor lasts for six years. The inaugural officeholder was John Exter, an American who helped found the central bank. State Minister of Finance, Money and Capital Market Development Ajith Nivard Cabraal who held the post of Governor until end 2014 is expected to return.