September 8 marks the 15th anniversary of the passing of Deshamanya Cyril Herath, a distinguished former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Defence Secretary, and Chairman of the National Savings Bank (NSB) of Sri Lanka. An alumnus of the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya, Herath was widely regarded as a leader of strong character and integrity.

Herath’s career was marked by notable episodes of principled leadership. During his tenure as IGP, he resigned from the post in disagreement with then-President J.R. Jayewardene, despite having several years left before retirement. This decision was driven by a matter of principle, reflecting his steadfast commitment to his values. Following his resignation, the president offered him a High Commissioner position, which Herath respectfully declined.

Later, under President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s administration, Herath was appointed as Chairman of the National Savings Bank. His leadership at NSB coincided with a significant transformation. Until the late 1990s, the bank relied heavily on government subsidies to remain viable. Following Herath’s appointment, the subsidy was withdrawn, yet the bank continued to operate profitably without financial support from the state.

Herath adopted a management philosophy rooted in the traditional principles of savings banks, emphasizing prudence, simplicity, and a philanthropic approach. This aligned with the vision of the bank’s founder, Dr. N.M. Perera. Under his stewardship, NSB raised interest rates on Post Office savings accounts by 1%, demonstrating a sensitivity to the needs of lower-income savers.

His leadership style was characterized by approachability, humility, and respect for staff. Employees could meet with him without appointments, and he was known for engaging closely and informally with bank personnel during social events. Herath was also noted for his frugality, opting for modest official vehicles and economy-class travel when abroad, reflecting his cost-conscious mindset.

He took steps to restore fairness within the bank by reinstating employees who had previously been dismissed unfairly. Throughout his tenure, he maintained a calm demeanor, never raising his voice, and consistently treated subordinates with respect, preserving their self-esteem. A telling detail of his humility was his habit of queuing with staff for the office lift each morning rather than expecting special treatment.

Herath’s contributions to NSB and the broader country have been praised as remarkable, with many highlighting the bank’s progress under his guidance as evidence of effective and principled leadership. His wife, Rani Herath, who passed away one year after him, was remembered as a gracious partner who supported his dedication to the institution.

Herath’s legacy continues to be honored by former and current NSB employees, reflecting the deep respect he earned throughout his career. Many view his example as a model of leadership that could have furthered Sri Lanka’s development if more officers followed his path.