Business
LOLC Finance offering transformative lending solutions
LOLC Finance PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier financial services provider, has announced the launch of its wide-ranging lending campaign aimed at bridging the gap between aspiration and achievement. In light of the economic challenges faced by the nation, LOLC Finance has activated its new lending campaign, reinforcing its role as an economic enabler. The company’s distinctive approach revolves around providing meticulously customized financial solutions that cater to a diverse clientele, ranging from grassroots start-ups to established enterprises.
Under the comprehensive lending portfolio, LOLC Finance offers an array of financial solutions including auto finance, speed drafts, housing loans, mortgage loans, personal loans, corporate loans, working capital solutions, gold loans, educational loans, and flexi interest loans, among others. This diverse portfolio caters to the specific needs of individuals and enterprises across the economic spectrum.
Boasting over 230 branches and a culturally diverse workforce, LOLC Finance stands stronger than ever to provide personalized services to its wide-ranging customer base. Setting itself apart from other NBFI’s, LOLC Finance offers doorstep services for clients, encompassing both service provision and after-sales support. The well-trained employee base of LOLC Finance contributes significantly to the organization’s exceptional service delivery.
“As the largest Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFI) in the country, LOLC Finance is poised to play a key role in the country’s economic resurgence” stated Charith Jagoda, Head of Microfinance and SME at LOLC Finance PLC. “We see ourselves as enablers of the economy, shouldering the burden of empowering the vulnerable and marginalized, and our lending campaign is an authentication to that commitment. Our lending campaign is not just about loans, it is about building paths to prosperity. We are not just lenders, our commitment to personalized service, our embrace of digital innovation, and our steadfast dedication to the diverse communities we serve define us. We invite you to join us on this journey of empowerment, where together, we fuel ambitions and empower lives of the nation’s people”.
LOLC Finance’s commitment extends beyond financial offerings. The company has established support mechanisms to enhance the resilience of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). These mechanisms include training programs for micro entrepreneurs, facilitating market linkages, debt restructuring, and providing moratoriums during challenging times.
The digitalization roadmap of LOLC Finance adds a new dimension to its customer-centric approach. With the goal of maximizing customer convenience and operational efficiency, the company invests in digital technologies that drive innovation. Offering services such as iPay, Real Time mobile app, and internet banking, customers can access a wide array of financial services without the need for physical visits. Omni channels will be further developed for customers to access financial services through multiple channels while enabling them to switch channels seamlessly.
(LOLC Finance)
Business
Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled
A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).
The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.
Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.
Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.
The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.
Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.
He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.
Business
Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership
Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.
Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”
Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.
“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”
Business
Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive
Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.
For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.
The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.
Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.
Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”
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