SriLankan Airlines scores hat-trick as Leading International Airline in South Asia at SATA

SriLankan Airlines scored a hat-trick, winning the title of Leading International Airline in South Asia under the Visitors’ Choice Awards category at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, for the third consecutive year, placing the airline at the pinnacle of aviation in the region.

The airline directly connects to 33 destinations in 21 countries across the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Far East, Europe and Australia. This includes major cities in five South Asian countries, covering three-quarters of the region. A comprehensive flight schedule, combined with SriLankan’s legendary warmth and hospitality, continues to make the airline a favourite among discerning travellers time and again.

Since its inception in 2016, SATA has become of one of South Asia’s most esteemed platforms for celebrating excellence in hospitality and travel. Winners are selected through a rigorous nomination process and endorsed by their peers for their service, innovation and impact.

SriLankan Airlines Regional Manager Sri Lanka and Indian Ocean Indunil Wijekoon said: ‘We are delighted to be recognised with this distinction not once, but three times in a row, and we are grateful to everyone who chose SriLankan Airlines for the top place. This award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, strategic growth and connectivity, as well as our vision to shape the future of air travel in our home region – South Asia. It is truly rewarding to know that our customers and peers share this belief.’

SriLankan Airlines said it prides itself on providing passengers with an authentically Sri Lankan experience, while maintaining world-class standards in inflight meals, entertainment and amenities. Travellers from across the region can enjoy cuisine curated to suit every palate, ranging from regional specialties and continental flavours to the airline’s own award-winning Sri Lankan meal option. Passengers also have access to a comprehensive library of movies and music, with the option to stream content directly to their own devices through wireless inflight entertainment.

Sri Lanka Insurance Life maintains growth trajectory in Q3 with 32% increase in GWP

Sri Lanka Insurance Life (SLIC Life) said yesterday it has recorded an impressive performance for the nine months ending 30 September, reflecting the company’s exceptional business strength and resilience.

The company posted a profit before taxation of Rs. 23.9 billion, marking an 11% growth, while achieving a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of Rs. 23.6 billion, a robust 32% year-on-year increase. SLIC Life also recorded a significant rise in New Business premiums, reaching Rs. 5.4 billion, a remarkable 61% growth, reinforcing its position among the top-performing life insurers in the country. Profit After Tax (PAT) for the period stood at Rs. 22 billion, reflecting the company’s strong financial governance and operational excellence.

Further demonstrating its commitment to policyholders, the company disbursed Rs. 13.2 billion in claims and maturity settlements during the nine-month period, averaging Rs. 1.5 billion per month, a 49% increase compared to the same period last year. This performance underscores SLIC Life’s financial strength and unwavering focus on delivering on its promises to customers. With an asset base of Rs. 264 billion and the largest Life Fund in the industry at Rs. 239 billion, SLIC Life continues to display unmatched financial stability and prudent management.

As a State-owned insurer, SLIC Life continues to play a pivotal role in national economic development. During the period, the company paid Rs. 0.9 billion in taxes and maintained significant investments of Rs. 115 billion in Government securities, reflecting its contribution to fiscal stability and economic growth. Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) further strengthened the Treasury through dividend payments of Rs. 1.5 billion in 2025, a 17% increase from the previous year reinforcing the group’s role as a key contributor to national revenue and supporting economic progress.

In line with its continued success, the company recently declared a record Rs. 12.5 billion in annual bonuses for 2024, the highest in the Sri Lankan life insurance industry. This brings the cumulative bonus declarations since 2006 to Rs. 116.6 billion, reflecting the company’s strong investment performance and long-term commitment to delivering value to its policyholders.

With an exceptional nine-month performance in 2025, Sri Lanka Insurance Life has further strengthened its leadership in the life insurance sector while upholding its core values of protection, trust, and care. As the company continues its journey of growth and transformation, it remains focused on innovation, customer confidence, and delivering lasting value to policyholders and the nation at large.

Shameful resistance to protecting our children

It is deeply troubling that Sri Lanka’s long-overdue effort to criminalise corporal punishment of children has met such fierce resistance from sections of teachers and, most disappointingly, the clergy. Equally shameful is the Government’s apparent willingness to bow to this regressive pressure. At a time when countries across the world have evolved to recognise corporal punishment as a form of child abuse, Sri Lanka seems poised to take a step backward, clinging to outdated notions of discipline cloaked in the language of ‘tradition’ and ‘culture.’

For generations, corporal punishment has been justified as a necessary tool to instil respect and obedience in children. But research, experience, and plain moral reasoning now show the opposite to be true. Striking, humiliating, or inflicting pain on a child does not produce respect, it breeds fear, resentment, and a lifelong internalisation of violence as a normal means of asserting power. Children who are hit to ‘learn a lesson’ learn only that violence works. When they grow up, they repeat this lesson in their adult relationships, in the workplace, and in society at large.

The chain of violence begins in the classroom and the home. A child who learns that pain is part of love or authority may later become a partner who equates aggression with intimacy, or a boss who confuses intimidation with leadership. Studies from around the world have shown that corporal punishment is directly linked to higher rates of domestic violence, bullying, and sexual harassment. It erodes empathy, normalises dominance, and leaves lasting psychological scars that often go untreated.

To those who argue that corporal punishment ‘worked’ in the past, the evidence of our current social decay tells a different story. A society steeped in violence, from domestic abuse to road rage to political thuggery, cannot pretend that its tolerance for ‘disciplinary’ violence has no consequences. The roots of aggression are planted early, and every strike of the cane waters them.

In this context, it is outrageous that religious leaders, those expected to be the moral compass of society, are at the forefront of defending violence against children. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith’s claim that corporal punishment is ‘part of our culture’ is not only misguided but dangerous. Culture is not static. It evolves with understanding, compassion, and the recognition of human dignity. The same argument was once used to defend slavery, caste discrimination, and child marriage. To invoke ‘culture’ as a shield for cruelty is to weaponise tradition against progress.

Every major religious tradition, at its core, preaches compassion and non-violence. Yet, some within our clergy seem determined to preserve their authority by defending harmful practices. Their message to the faithful, in effect, is that hurting a child is acceptable if done in the name of discipline. This is a gross distortion of both morality and theology.

It is particularly disturbing that the Government, instead of standing firm on behalf of the country’s children, appears to be yielding to these patriarchal and authoritarian forces. The reluctance to pass legislation criminalising corporal punishment reflects a political cowardice that values appeasement over principle. Leadership demands moral courage, the courage to protect the vulnerable, even when powerful institutions protest.

If Sri Lanka is to move forward as a humane nation, we must begin by protecting our youngest citizens from violence in all its forms. Criminalising corporal punishment is not an attack on culture but a defence of our future. Those who resist it, whether in cassocks or classrooms, are standing on the wrong side of history.

HNB supports EV transition with Browns EV leasing partnership

HNB PLC has announced a strategic partnership with Browns EV to provide flexible leasing solutions for the growing range of Browns Electric Vehicles.

The agreement supports HNB’s ongoing efforts to facilitate access to sustainable transport solutions through trusted industry partnerships. Customers interested in adopting electric mobility can now benefit from a range of tailored leasing options to purchase Browns EV models.

HNB PLC Senior Vice President/Head of Retail Banking Kanchana Karunagama said: ‘HNB is focused on supporting Sri Lanka’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Through this partnership with Browns EV, we are offering customers access to innovative, energy-efficient vehicles along with competitive, customised leasing solutions that meet their evolving needs.’

Distributed by Browns EV offers a portfolio of reliable electric vehicles suited to both urban and suburban use. Known for their affordability, performance, and zero-emission operation, these vehicles are gaining traction among individual and commercial users alike. The partnership aims to expand market access while reinforcing the financial and environmental benefits of EV ownership.

Browns EV Director Niveyn Nanayakkara said: ‘We are delighted to partner with HNB to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles in Sri Lanka. At Browns EV, our commitment is to provide high-quality mobility solutions that are both environmentally sustainable and accessible to all. With HNB’s flexible leasing support, we look forward to empowering more customers to embrace electric mobility and take part in shaping a cleaner, greener future for the nation.’

HNB Leasing provides end-to-end support, including competitive interest rates, doorstep documentation, insurance facilitation, and a dedicated service team. The bank continues to strengthen its EV financing portfolio by aligning with credible partners across the mobility sector.

Top startups secure $ 160,000 funding at First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch Demo Day

Three startups have secured funding worth $ 160,000 combined at the recently concluded First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch Demo Day.

Seven exceptional finalists pitched their ideas before a panel of local and international investors, with three startups emerging at the top, eligible for a combined $ 160,000 in funding: TorchLabs – Dhevin De Silva, Seashore Gardens – Shawn Senerath and Shavendra Rajapakse, and Docupath AI – Sheran Corera.

Each founder showcased how innovation and resilience continue to define Sri Lanka’s new-age entrepreneurs, connecting directly with investors and unlocking opportunities for collaboration and scale.

Reflecting on his experience, Dhevin De Silva of TorchLabs shared ‘It was great participating in First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch. I got to meet a lot of founders, network with investors, it was a valuable experience. Everyone should join this program in the future; it’s a great learning opportunity. To any young founder: get started now. You never know what’s on the next horizon.’

The highly anticipated First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch Demo Day lit up Colombo on 1 October 2025, as Sri Lanka’s brightest founders, investors, and ecosystem partners came together for a powerful evening of innovation, vision, and opportunity.

Hosted at Hatch’s flagship space, the event marked a defining milestone in the country’s startup journey, showcasing the depth of local entrepreneurial talent and the collaborative strength of Sri Lanka’s innovation community.

The evening began with the unveiling of the First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch, followed by opening remarks from First Capital Holdings PLC Chairman Rajendra Theagarajah and Hatch Co-Founder Jeevan Gnanam setting the tone for a night that celebrated both purpose and progress.

Hatch Co-Founder Jeevan Gnanam said: ‘Great ideas don’t happen in a single moment, they evolve through relentless questioning and refinement. What began in 2018 as a co-working space has become the central nervous system of Sri Lanka’s startup ecosystem.

‘With $ 2 million already secured from Draper, existing investors, and GrowValley, and new initiatives like Mesh, HLab, and Hatch Funds, we’re not just building spaces, we’re building an ecosystem that powers a Startup Nation.’

He added, ‘Sri Lanka stands as a neutral bridge between East and West, a nimble testbed for South and Southeast Asia. With partners from nine countries here today, we’re proving that purpose and profit can grow together.’

First Capital Holdings PLC Managing Director/CEO Dilshan Wirasekara said: ‘This initiative represents a significant milestone in strengthening Sri Lanka’s startup ecosystem. The strong participation of over 100 founders and 50 global investors reflects the growing confidence in the country’s innovation potential. The discussions around policy, technology and investment frameworks will play an important role in shaping the next phase of entrepreneurial growth.’

‘At First Capital, our focus remains on enabling progress through innovation and collaboration. Partnering with Hatch on the Startup Nation program aligns with our vision to support scalable businesses and create opportunities that empower all Sri Lankans to be part of a more dynamic, future-ready economy,’ he added.

The event’s Silver Sponsor, Orion City Head of Marketing Sudheera Bandara said: ‘As a hub for innovation and technology, Orion City is proud to have been the Silver Sponsor of First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch.’

‘The event showcased incredible talent within Sri Lanka’s startup community and reaffirmed our belief in nurturing a robust ecosystem where groundbreaking ideas can thrive,’ he added.

Port City Colombo, as a Strategic Partner, was highlighted for its progressive and investor-friendly business environment that serves as a springboard for local and international startups to scale globally.

This Special Economic Zone (SEZ) addresses capital flight challenges by enhancing access to foreign funding, while supporting Sri Lanka’s vision of becoming a global innovation hub through the retention of both investment and top talent.

Dr. Rasitha Wickramasinghe joins CDB Board

Citizen’s Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) has appointed Dr. Rasitha Wickramasinghe to its Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

Dr. Wickramasinghe is a strategy consultant with over 25 years of experience working across US, European and Asian markets. He is a senior member of Stax LLC (Sri Lanka), a global consultancy that services private equity (PE) clients.

He has led multiple engagements with international and local clients, across diverse sectors such as financial services, retail, hospitality, education and manufacturing.

Prior to joining Stax, Dr. Wickramasinghe was a Director at GT Nexus (Sri Lanka), a global supply chain collaboration technology platform. He started his career in the UK, working as a consultant in the telecommunications industry and worked for global organisations such Nokia, Telefonica-O2 and Amdocs, managing pan-European client engagements.

Dr. Wickramasinghe holds a PhD from Sheffield Hallam University, UK. He also holds an MBA from Warwick Business School, UK and Honors Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from London South Bank University, UK.

LB Finance Al-Salamah marks 15 years of excellence in Alternate Financial Services

LB Finance PLC recently celebrated the 15th anniversary of LB Al-Salamah Alternate Financial Services unit at a grand ceremony held at Shangri-La Colombo, marking a significant milestone in its journey of providing Shari’ah-compliant financial solutions in Sri Lanka.

The event brought together valued customers, members of the Shari’ah Supervisory Board, and senior management of LB Finance to commemorate 15 years of integrity, innovation, and service excellence. The evening served as a tribute to the unwavering trust and support of customers, as well as the invaluable guidance of the Shari’ah Supervisory Board in ensuring full compliance with Alternate Finance principles.

Since its inception in 2010, LB Al-Salamah has become one of Sri Lanka’s foremost providers of Shari’ah-compliant financial products and services, catering to the diverse needs of individuals and businesses seeking ethical financial solutions. Guided by the principles of fairness, transparency, and social responsibility, LB Al-Salamah has played a pivotal role in expanding the reach and awareness of Alternate Finance across the nation.

The celebration also featured a special recognition segment honouring the members of the Shari’ah Supervisory Board and long-standing customers whose partnership has been instrumental to Al-Salamah’s success. A special award was presented by Ishrath Rauff, which was graciously accepted by LB Finance PLC Executive Director Ravi Yatawara.

Looking ahead, LB Al-Salamah remains steadfast in its commitment to introducing innovative Shari’ah-compliant financial solutions that align with global Alternate Finance standards, while continuing to support the economic growth and financial well-being of its customers.

CA Sri Lanka honours five Chartered Accountants for lifelong service to nation and profession

In celebration of an enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to excellence, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) recently honoured five distinguished Chartered Accountants for their outstanding contribution, which has not only shaped Sri Lanka’s financial and economic landscape but also enriched the corporate world, society, and the nation through visionary leadership, ethical stewardship, and a deep sense of civic responsibility.

At a grand ceremony held at Monarch Imperial, CA Sri Lanka bestowed the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 on veteran Chartered Accountant Hemaka Amarasuriya. In addition, Chartered Accountants Don Kumaray Uttumdunna Corea, Yoshita Shirani de Silva, M.V. Muhsin, and Mohan Asoka Abeynaike, were inducted into the CA Sri Lanka Hall of Fame for the year 2025, in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to the accounting profession, the business world, and society at large.

CA Sri Lanka President Heshana Kuruppu presented the five distinguished members with mementoes in the presence of Vice President Tishan Subasinghe, Past President Arjuna Herath, and Chief Executive Officer Lakmali Priyangika.

A Fellow Member of CA Sri Lanka, Hemaka Amarasuriya is a distinguished corporate leader whose career spans over four decades. He began his journey with the Singer Group in 1973 and rose to become Chairman in 1985, steering the company to remarkable success until his retirement in 2015. Under his leadership, Singer was consistently ranked among Sri Lanka’s top companies and recognised as a leading brand. Amarasuriya also held key regional and global roles, including Senior Regional Vice President overseeing operations across multiple continents. His inclusive leadership style and commitment to people development were hallmarks of his tenure. Beyond the corporate sphere, he contributed significantly to public service, including roles with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Presidential Task Force on Science and Technology, and leadership positions in the financial sector. He also served as Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket, founding the Cricket Academy and leading the team to an ICC Champions Trophy win.

Don Kumaray Uttumdunna Corea is a globally respected Chartered Accountant whose career spans continents and sectors. After qualifying in Sri Lanka, he built a distinguished international career, notably in Botswana, where he became the founding Senior Partner of Pricewaterhouse Coopers and served on the Governing Board of PwC Southern Africa. He also led the Botswana Institute of Accountants as President. Corea’s leadership extended to public service, including his role as Director General of Botswana’s National Strategy Office and board appointments at key national institutions. He played a pivotal role in recruiting and mentoring over 350 Sri Lankan accountants in Botswana, fostering professional development and cross-cultural exchange. His contributions to conservation and education, including founding the Serendib/Mokolodi African Elephant Project, reflect his deep commitment to societal impact.

De Silva is a trailblazing Chartered Accountant whose career spans over four decades of professional excellence and community service. A Fellow Member of CA Sri Lanka, she began her journey at M.N. Sambamurti and Co. and rose to become Managing Partner of Kreston Sri Lanka, leading the firm until her retirement in 2022. Her expertise in audit, assurance, and tax advisory services has supported a wide range of clients across sectors. She also played a vital role in shaping the profession through her service on the Council of CA Sri Lanka and other key institutions. Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. de Silva has made a profound impact through social service. As President of Soroptimist International of Colombo, she led initiatives in early childhood education, healthcare, and support for visually impaired children.

M.V. Muhsin, a Fellow Member of CA Sri Lanka, is one of the country’s most distinguished global professionals. He holds the distinction of being the highest-ranking Sri Lankan to serve in senior leadership at the World Bank Group, where he was Vice President and Chief Information Officer. His pioneering work in enterprise transformation and digital development is globally recognised, including in a Harvard Business School case study. Throughout his career, Muhsin has held influential roles across continents, from advising Zambia’s President and leading State enterprise reform, to spearheading post-disaster recovery in Sudan and driving digital transformation through the e-Lanka initiative. In Sri Lanka, he contributed to governance excellence through board roles at John Keells Holdings and Dialog Axiata PLC. A visionary leader and strategic thinker, Muhsin has also served as a consultant and director of global foundations and was a keynote speaker at Microsoft’s Government Leaders Forum alongside Bill Gates.

Mohan Asoka Abeynaike has made a lasting impact on Sri Lanka’s professional and corporate sectors through decades of dedicated service. A former President of CA Sri Lanka, he played a pivotal role in shaping the Institute’s strategic direction, including the establishment of the Faculty of Taxation, a landmark initiative in professional education. His contributions extend beyond the Institute, with leadership roles in regulatory bodies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, and academic institutions including the Postgraduate Institute of Management and the National Institute of Business Management. He also served as Vice President of the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka. In the corporate sphere, Abeynaike held senior roles at Sampath Bank PLC, Pan Asia Bank PLC, and Siyapatha Finance PLC, and is the proprietor of Asia Pacific Investments Ltd.

BOI says realised FDI up 138% YoY to $ 827 m YTD end-Sept.

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) yesterday announced that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows including foreign commercial loans for investments to BOI-approved enterprises have reached $ 827 million from January to September 2025, marking a remarkable 138% increase compared to the corresponding value during the period in 2024.

This investment inflow came from four sources: Equity capital – $ 133 million, reinvested retained earnings – $ 132 million, intra-company foreign borrowings for investments – $ 231 million, long term foreign commercial loans for investments- $ 331 million.

Of the total inflows, $ 124 million was secured through project agreements signed with the BOI in 2025, while the balance was generated from reinvestments and expansions by existing enterprises. This performance reflects both the growing confidence of new investors and the continued commitment of existing investors to expand their operations under a strengthened business environment.

In addition, local investment to the value of $ 326 million was realised from 163 BOI projects, during the first nine months of 2025.

Major investments driving growth

The largest contributor to Foreign Direct Investment inflows during the period was Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) Ltd., which invested $ 229 million in state-of-the-art port infrastructure. Established under a Strategic Development Project Act, agreement signed in 2022, CWIT is an investment from Adani International Port Holdings Ltd., (India) and John Keells Holdings PLC in partnership with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. Once completed, the West Container Terminal at the Port of Colombo will expand the port’s capacity by 3.2 million TEUs, reinforcing Colombo’s role as a key transhipment hub in South Asia.

CEAT OHT Lanka Ltd., established as a new company in Sri Lanka, a subsidiary of India’s CEAT Ltd, contributed $ 111 million to produce off-the-highway (OHT) tyres for export markets, further consolidating Sri Lanka’s position as a competitive tyre manufacturing base.

Michelin Lanka Ltd., continued to reinvest, channelling $ 72 million from its parent into its Sri Lankan operations, while Bluehaven Services Ltd., a subsidiary of Melco Resorts and Entertainment Ltd., (Hong Kong), invested $ 85 million in developing and operating gaming facilities at the City of Dreams Sri Lanka integrated resort project.

Additionally, a major BOI property development project infused $ 47 million, supporting Colombo’s ongoing urban development drive.

Together, foreign capital inflows from these five projects accounted for 66% of the total inflows recorded this year. Beyond these, another 150 BOI-approved enterprises collectively contributed $ 283 million, demonstrating broad-based investor participation across multiple sectors.

Investor confidence and economic stability

BOI Chairman Arjuna Herath said: ‘The growth of foreign capital inflows to $ 827 million in the first nine months of 2025 demonstrates the renewed confidence investors have in Sri Lanka’s business environment. The strong participation of existing enterprises reflects the trust built through economic and political stability, transparency, and good governance. Both new and existing projects have contributed to this impressive performance, underscoring the impact of reforms and ease of doing business initiatives implemented by the Government and the BOI.’

‘Projects such as Colombo West International Terminal, CEAT OHT Lanka, Michelin, and Melco not only bring capital but also create employment, transfer technology, and integrate Sri Lanka into global value chains. The BOI remains fully committed to facilitating strategic investments and ensuring Sri Lanka continues to attract high-value, long-term investors,’ Herath added.

Strong pipeline and future outlook

Between January and September 2025, BOI approved 104 projects with a total estimated investment value of $ 1,060 million, comprising 48 new projects, 49 expansions of existing projects approved under Section 17 of the BOI Law and 7 projects approved under section 16 of the BOI Law. Of this, $ 540 million represents foreign capital and $520 million is local capital.

Approved projects span a wide range of sectors including: Rubber product manufacturing, solar power generation, mixed-use developments, medicinal crop-based manufacturing for export, cement grinding and packing, mining and processing, dairy product manufacturing etc.

Expansions were also approved in telecommunications, residential developments, training institutions, and manufacturing plants, signalling sustained investor confidence.

With several new proposals in the pipeline and the approved projects being implemented-particularly in ICT, petroleum refining, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing-the BOI is optimistic that total Foreign Direct Inflows for 2025, including foreign commercial loans for investment will exceed $ 1 billion. The agency remains focused on enhancing facilitation measures, streamlining approvals, and strengthening investor protection, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s position as a competitive and sustainable hub for international investment in the region.

Janashakthi Finance and Toyota Lanka launch strategic vehicle leasing partnership

In a landmark collaboration set to reshape vehicle ownership in Sri Lanka, Janashakthi Finance PLC, formerly known as Orient Finance PLC, a subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group) and Toyota Lanka Ltd., have entered a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently. This alliance brings together the financial strength and customer-centric expertise of Janashakthi Finance with the automotive excellence of Toyota Lanka to provide an innovative and flexible leasing solution for a wide range of customers.

At the core of this partnership is a joint lease promotion designed to offer tailored financial solutions for all registered and unregistered vehicles imported, purchased and sold by Toyota Lanka. Whether it’s a brand-new model or a pre-owned vehicle, customers can now access affordable, accessible and seamless leasing options that align with their financial goals and lifestyle needs.

The collaboration responds directly to the increasing demand for more practical and flexible vehicle financing solutions in Sri Lanka. By combining Toyota Lanka’s market leadership in the automotive sector with Janashakthi Finance’s trusted 44-year legacy in financial services, the partnership promises to deliver unmatched convenience, reliability, and customer value.

Janashakthi Finance PLC Acting CEO Sithambaram Sri Ganendran said: ‘This strategic partnership with Toyota Lanka is a key milestone in our continued mission to drive financial inclusion and provide customer-first solutions that empower livelihoods. By leveraging our leasing expertise alongside Toyota Lanka’s strong product offering, we are able to offer customers a simpler, faster and smarter path to vehicle ownership.’

The MoU outlines a broader collaborative framework to enhance customer engagement and service delivery. Janashakthi Finance will provide comprehensive training to Toyota Lanka’s sales staff to ensure they are well-equipped to guide customers through available leasing options. In turn, Toyota Lanka will actively refer customers seeking financing to Janashakthi Finance, creating a fully integrated customer journey from showroom to on-road experience.

Both brands are also committed to ensuring equal marketing visibility, with co-branded campaigns across social media, in-store promotions, and advertising platforms, maximizing awareness of the joint lease promotion. These efforts aim to elevate the visibility of the offering while reinforcing the positioning of both organizations as forward-thinking, customer-centric industry leaders.

Toyota Lanka Managing Director/CEO Manohara Atukorala said: ‘At Toyota Lanka, we are committed to enriching lives through sustainable mobility. Our partnership with Janashakthi Finance strengthens this mission by enabling more customers to experience the quality and reliability of Toyota vehicles with greater ease. Together, we strive to advance our shared vision of promoting safer, smarter and more accessible mobility for all Sri Lankans.’

This collaboration offers significant strategic benefits for both parties, from enhanced brand positioning and market reach to deeper customer relationships and long-term business growth. Most importantly, it provides customers with the tools and confidence to access high-quality vehicles through financial solutions that are both transparent and trustworthy.

More than a financial offering, this partnership represents a shared vision for mobility, inclusion and innovation. It’s a step forward in making vehicle ownership more attainable across the country, and a reflection of the commitment both Janashakthi Finance and Toyota Lanka share in serving Sri Lankans with excellence.