Business
NDB Investment Bank wins Euromoney Award for the 13th consecutive year.
NDBIB Team from left to right: Darshan Perera – CEO |NDB Investment Bank, Kaushini Laksumanage – COO | NDB Investment Bank and Senaka Kakiriwaragodage – CEO | NDB Capital Holdings Ltd
NDB Investment Bank (NDBIB) has once again been recognized as the “Best Investment Bank in Sri Lanka” by Euromoney Magazine at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2024. This milestone marks the 13th consecutive year NDBIB has been honoured with this prestigious award, reaffirming the company’s sustained excellence and undisputed leadership in Sri Lanka’s investment banking landscape. NDBIB remains the only investment bank in Sri Lanka to have secured this award despite an increasingly competitive environment.
Expressing his views, NDBIB’s Chief Executive Officer, Darshan Perera stated, “Winning the Euromoney Award for the 13th consecutive time is a remarkable achievement that underscores the exceptional dedication and excellence of the NDBIB team. Throughout the years, our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest standards of service and innovation has set us apart as the leading investment bank in Sri Lanka. This award is a testament to the hard work, resilience and strategic acumen of our team, demonstrated even in the height of macroeconomic and political volatility.”
He further stated, “Our success is built on a foundation of trust and collaboration with our esteemed clients and stakeholders, who have supported us unwaveringly. We are deeply grateful for the confidence our clients have placed in us, and we are committed to leveraging these relationships to create even greater value in both local and global capital markets.”
NDBIB remains steadfast in its pursuit of excellence, ready to navigate the evolving investment banking landscape and seize new opportunities for growth and success, particularly as a facilitator at this pivotal point in time from a Sri Lanka perspective.
NDBIB is in the forefront of structuring, placing and executing equity and debt capital market transactions (i.e. Initial Public Offerings, Private Placements, Mergers and Acquisitions, Debentures and Other Debt and Equity Products) and facilitating other Corporate Advisory assignments.
The Chief Operating Officer of NDBIB, Kaushini Laksumanage commented, “Being recognized by Euromoney for the 13th consecutive year, reflects our enduring commitment to providing top-tier financial services. This recognition highlights our adeptness at navigating our key challenges through strategic foresight and innovation. As we continue to expand our cross-border collaborations and partnerships, we remain dedicated to enhancing our regional presence on top of our recent achievements.”
In 2023, NDBIB made its debut in the African region as the exclusive financial advisor to Hela Apparel Holdings PLC, successfully arranging a debt fundraising of USD 14 Mn via Norfund (Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries), for the Group’s East African operations.
Furthermore, NDBIB was also able to successfully structure and raise two out of three equity Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) that took place in the local market in 2023. The IPO of UB Finance PLC, was the first company to successfully launch an IPO following Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. Furthermore, NDBIB acted as the joint financial advisor and manager to the IPO of Cargills Bank that led to its listing in January 2024. NDBIB also successfully completed three Rights Issues and four de-listings in 2023.
The Chief Executive Officer of NDB Capital Holdings, Senaka Kakiriwaragodage stated, “NDBIB performed a stellar role, acting as the exclusive sell side advisors to Emerald Sri Lanka Fund 1 Limited, a fund managed by the sister company of the Group, in the divestiture of the fund’s stake in Consolidated Business Systems (Private) Limited (a leading coconut-based product exporter). NDBIB has been instrumental in facilitating each of the Fund’s exits to date via both the IPO and M&A routes. Over the years, NDBIB has been a vibrant and an integral member of the wider NDB Group, having provided numerous opportunities to other Group entities whilst executing transactions in complex settings.”
NDBIB was also in the forefront of product innovation in 2023, being an active stakeholder in the structuring of market pioneering Shariah-compliant capital market instruments in the CSE which NDBIB hopes to bring to the market in the near future.
Gigalingua Lanka, a premier German language institute, officially launched in Colombo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Felix Neumann, German ambassador to Sri Lanka. This marks a significant milestone for Sri Lankan professionals, especially nurses, looking to expand their careers in Germany’s thriving healthcare sector.
In collaboration with its strategic partner Global Care Solutions (Pvt) Ltd – a renowned company in the foreign recruitment industry – Gigalingua Lanka offers a unique pathway for Sri Lankan nurses and apprentices to master the German language and pursue rewarding career opportunities in Germany.
Dr. Felix Neumann, the Chief Guest at the event, expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of language education as a bridge to global career prospects. In his speech, Dr. Neumann noted, “German language is not only a means of communication, it is a gateway to global career opportunities.” He commended Gigalingua Lanka for providing valuable opportunities for Sri Lankans and addressing the critical demand for skilled workers, especially in the nursing sector in Germany.
Gigalingua Lanka is the first private institute in Sri Lanka to offer comprehensive German language training up to the B2 level, and conduct TELC exam. The institution also provides language training for apprentices, allowing them to undertake the Apprenticeship Program and contribute to the growing labor market in Germany. The collaboration between Gigalingua Lanka and Global Care Solutions is designed to meet Germany’s growing need for skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector.
The event was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Dr. Felix Neumann , Arthur Senanayake (chairman of IWS Holdings), Eran Wickramaratne – former MP, Chandra Schaffter – ( Founder of Janashakthi Insurance ), Dhammika Attygalle (Director Upali Group of Companies and President Automobile Association of Ceylon) Former Wing Commander Buwaneka Abeysuriya (Ex- chairman Janatha Estates Development Board).
Chairman of Global Care Solutions, Thomas Michael Kriwat, who is also chairman of the Mercmarine Group of Companies in Germany, highlighted the significance of the new training center. He said, “We are bringing world-class German occupational language training to Colombo, offering a structured, career-focused pathway for Sri Lankan professionals. By introducing TELC (The European Language Certificates) as an officially certified German language test authority, we are increasing accessibility for students seeking internationally recognized qualifications.”
At the thanksgiving speech, Dr. Rajan Sara, Managing Director of Global Care Solutions and Director of Gigalingua Lanka, outlined the critical need for foreign nurses in Germany. “Germany is facing a significant shortage of nurses, estimated to need an additional 150,000 by 2025. This is exacerbated by an aging population and increasing healthcare demands. Over 47,000 vacancies in the healthcare sector remain unfilled, making it an ideal time for Sri Lankan nurses to seize this opportunity,” Dr. Sara explained. (Gigalingua Lanka)
In keeping with its vision to consistently evolve and address accelerated business growth needs, Brown & Company PLC recently unveiled its new state-of-the-art manufacturing and warehouse facility in Katunayake. Strategically located within minutes of the Bandaranaike International Airport and the nation’s rapidly evolving highway network, the space is positioned to significantly enhance Browns’ logistical capabilities. The hub will enable seamless access to key markets across the island, further solidifying the Company’s principal role in a cross-section of industries.
The inaugural event of the Browns Group Industrial Park was attended by Ishara Nanayakkara, Chairman, Brown & Company PLC and Deputy Chairman, LOLC Holdings PLC and Kapila Jayawardene, Group Managing Director/CEO, LOLC Holdings PLC along with key officials from the Browns and LOLC Group.
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has successfully launched the highly anticipated vivo V50 smartphone, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to bringing 5G technology and pro-level mobile experiences to Sri Lankan customers, with the first customer handover taking place on 27th March 2025.
The vivo V50, designed in collaboration with ZEISS, combines advanced features such as a 50MP ZEISS OIS Main Camera, a powerful Snapdragon® 7 Gen 3 processor, and a stunning 6,000mAh battery, all housed in a sleek, ultra-slim design. Available at an attractive price, the vivo V50 delivers unmatched mobile performance for work, play, and creativity, offering features such as AI-enhanced photography, 4K video recording, and lightning-fast 90W FlashCharge technology. The vivo V50 also boasts a 41° golden curvature for a comfortable grip and a premium, cinematic mobile experience.
Dialog’s partnership with vivo underscores its commitment to bringing the latest in 5G innovation to Sri Lanka, providing customers with access to next-generation mobile experiences and empowering them to capture, create, and connect like never before. The vivo V50 is now available for purchase at Dialog’s Experience Centers and via https://www.dialog.lk/phones/vivo-v50-5g-12gb.
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Sun directly overhead Nainamadama, Sandalankawa, Kundasale, Mahiyanganaya and Kalmunanai at about 12:12 noon today [08]
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