Business
Lolc Al-Falaah voted Best Islamic Leasing Provider at ifn Global Poll 2024
LOLC Al-Falaah, the alternate financing unit of LOLC Finance, has once again cemented its legacy as a trailblazer in the Islamic finance landscape by being voted the “Best Islamic Leasing Provider (Global)” in the IFN Non-Banking Financial Institutions Poll 2024. This marks the third time in four years that Al-Falaah has achieved this No.1 position in this global accolade, underscoring its excellence as the most preferred alternate financial services provider.
The annual IFN Best NBFI Poll recognizes industry-leading providers of Islamic financial services across global markets and varied sectors. This year, it attracted record-breaking participation from voters in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and North America, highlighting the vibrant global Islamic finance sector. The global winners of various categories listed in the IFN-NBFI Global Poll were announced on the 17th of November 2024, with the prestigious awarding ceremonies set to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in mid-February 2025.
LOLC Al-Falaah’s innovative product portfolio, which spans nine key offerings—including investment instruments, leasing, trade finance, and real estate finance—continues to redefine industry standards. Notably, Al-Falaah pioneered Sri Lanka’s first Wadi’ah gold storage facility, providing a Shari’ah-compliant alternative to conventional gold loans, a portfolio that has surpassed an impressive LKR 2 billion this year. The company’s unwavering commitment to innovation, financial inclusivity, and exceptional customer care has resonated deeply with its clientele, earning it both local and global acclaim.
This recognition comes as LOLC Al-Falaah operates within the formidable framework of LOLC Finance PLC, which holds over 20% of Sri Lanka’s NBFI asset portfolio and boasts a robust balance sheet exceeding Rs. 200 billion. Through its 213-strong branch network and a team of dedicated professionals, Al-Falaah ensures that its tailored solutions are accessible to all Sri Lankans, irrespective of background. As the second-largest alternate finance provider in the country, Al-Falaah commands a total asset base of over Rs. 35 billion, serving more than 65,000 active clients.
Reflecting on this achievement, Shiraz Refai, Head of Alternate Financial Services at LOLC Al-Falaah, shared, “This recognition is a testament to our steadfast focus on achieving excellence in every facet of our operations. From product innovation to customer care and social responsibility, we strive to set benchmarks that resonate with the needs and aspirations of our communities. Being voted the Best Islamic Leasing Provider is a humbling honour that inspires us to continue empowering lives and fostering economic stability through Shari’ah-compliant financial solutions.”
Adding to this, Shafin Iqbal, Manager, Institutional Marketing at LOLC Al-Falaah, expressed, “In the highly competitive and fast-paced industry, receiving a global award is a true testament to the creativity and the innovative impact of the brand’s communication efforts. LOLC Al-Falaah winning the prestigious IFN Award for the ‘Best Leasing Provider, Global’ category recognizes its approach in connecting with various stakeholders across multiple regions and also takes a closer look at the well-executed marketing communication strategies and cross-functional collaboration that led to this remarkable achievement. This win reflects the trust and loyalty of our customers and the support of our communities, whose voices have driven us to this pinnacle of success.”
LOLC Al-Falaah’s enduring success is a powerful affirmation of its comprehensive approach, combining exceptional financial performance with deep-rooted ethical values. This latest recognition not only celebrates its achievements but also reinforces its vision of driving sustained growth and inclusivity, ensuring a brighter future for all Sri Lankans.
Business
Ceylinco Life agent among three global finalists for award
Ceylinco Life’s Ambalantota branch agent AIP Manjula has been named one of three global finalists for the prestigious Insurance Agent of the Year award at the 11th Asia Trusted Life Agents & Advisers Awards (ATLAA) 2026.
The recognition places a Sri Lankan insurance professional among the finalists in a regional field spanning South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
Ceylinco Life said the achievement reflected the calibre and customer-focused approach of its agency force, while recognising Manjula’s professionalism and commitment to policyholders.
The award evaluates insurance agents on criteria extending beyond sales performance, including ethical conduct, client service, policy persistency, digital adoption, innovative practices and contributions to the insurance industry and community.
The awards are organised by Asia Advisers Network and Asia Insurance Review, with LIMRA as co-organiser. An independent judging and balloting process is monitored by KPMG as the official scrutineer. The judging panel comprises senior insurance executives, association presidents and industry experts from across the Asia-Pacific region.
Business
CEAT Kelani retains AA+ rating for sixth year
CEAT Kelani Holdings (CKH) has retained its National Long-Term Rating of ‘AA+(lka)’ with a Stable Outlook from Fitch Ratings for the sixth consecutive year, reflecting the company’s financial resilience and leading position in Sri Lanka’s pneumatic tyre market.
The ‘AA+(lka)’ rating, the second-highest on Fitch’s national scale, indicates a very strong capacity to meet financial commitments.
Fitch said CKH’s established market leadership and resilient financial profile remained key strengths, while noting its exposure to price-sensitive, cyclical and highly competitive markets.
The Stable Outlook reflects expectations that the company will maintain its market position despite rising input costs and increasing competition from imported tyres, while preserving adequate credit metrics during periods of weaker earnings and higher investment.
Fitch expects CKH’s established brand, extensive dealer network and adaptive pricing strategies to support its market position. Planned production facility upgrades are also expected to improve product quality, particularly in the radial tyre segment.
The rating agency expects near-term pressure on margins from higher raw material and energy costs but said the company’s low leverage and sound liquidity would provide a cushion.
CKH Chairman Chanaka De Silva said the rating reinforced the company’s focus on disciplined financial management, operational adaptability and long-term investment.
Business
Commercial Bank leads nationwide aquatic clean-up drive
Commercial Bank of Ceylon mobilised employees, customers, volunteers and community members for a nationwide coastal and aquatic clean-up campaign across 20 locations on September 19 to mark International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026.
Conducted under the bank’s sustainability platform, themed ‘Forward Together for a Cleaner Future’, the initiative covered 16 coastal locations and four inland waterways, bringing together stakeholders for a coordinated environmental conservation effort.
The flagship programme was held at Mount Lavinia Beach, with additional activities at Wellawatte and Galle Face beaches. Similar initiatives were conducted by the bank’s regional offices at locations including Kalutara, Negombo, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Puttalam, Jaffna, Galle, Dondra, Tangalle and along the Mahaweli River.
Employees, management, Future Force volunteers, customers and their families participated alongside the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), United Nations Global Compact Network Sri Lanka, government and local authorities, environmental organisations and community members.
The bank said the initiative reflected its commitment to water stewardship after adopting Sustainable Development Goal 6 — Clean Water and Sanitation — as a priority goal in 2025.
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