At CUA, we pride ourselves on knowing our customers and having customers get to know our staff, including those who look after our commercial clients. We recently sat down with one of our staff members to help you get to know them as well.

Kapila Dimantha joined CUA in 2021, having gained extensive experience in the financial sector as a consultant, account executive and premium banker. You can find him leading the Pleasant Street branch team and helping CUA members map out their financial future.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is a small island in the Indian Ocean near south India. Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka is famous for its Ceylon Tea. My family immigrated to Canada due to the Sri Lankan civil war. We love Halifax and have called it home since 2007.

Can you highlight your background, education, and experience?

My main background is in sales and marketing. I am certified in marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) in the UK, and I worked as a marketer in the Pharmaceutical and Diagnostics fields in Sri Lanka. After I came to Canada, I became licensed in Mutual Funds and Life Insurance and started to work in the financial sector. 

Before coming to CUA, I worked as a consultant, account executive and premium banker with several national banking providers. I was also with Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) as the Coordinator for a loan project for immigrants getting their Canadian certifications. I have also worked for the Metropolitan Regional Housing Authority as an assistant property manager.

What drew you to banking?

My first job in Canada was in a call centre and I was in search of a career in sales and marketing. I went to a career fair in 2008 and was recruited as a financial consultant. That was my stepping stone to banking.

What does a “regular” workday look like for you?

On a typical day I’ll be busy working with my fantastic team and serving CUA members to our fullest ability.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is working with my team to make a difference in the lives of our members.

How would you describe your leadership style?

My team is my biggest asset. I like to support and empower my team so that they can do their best and take care of our members.

Since being in your role with CUA, what is the most valuable thing you’ve learned?

One of the biggest strengths of CUA is its employees. They can work wonders and provide that “Wow!” experience to our members.

What is one piece of financial advice that you believe everyone should follow?

No matter where you are in life, everyone needs a financial architect to help draw up their future financial plan. That’s where we come in. You dream, we draw.

Outside of your professional life, what is your favourite activity or hobby?

I like spending time with my wife and two boys. I stay active by swimming and biking. In my spare time, I like watching action movies and driving. I love cars and collecting model cars.

Do you perform volunteer or community work?

I have worked with Rotary International, Life Saving Association in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Canada Association of the Atlantic Region (SLCAAR).

What is your favourite meal to cook at home/order at a restaurant?

I am not a great cook, but I do like to BBQ a bit. I’m also good at cleaning dishes!

Email Kapila