Business
Nawaloka Hospitals tops healthcare on LMD’s Most Respected Entities Listing
Affirming its indelible reputation as the country’s pioneering private healthcare provider, Nawaloka Hospitals roars ahead on LMD’s Most Respected Entities Listing. Nawaloka Hospitals Chairman Dr. Jayantha Dharmadasa was thus honoured as one among LMD’s Most Respected Businesspeople in recognition of his steadfast leadership, powerful vision and immense contribution to expanding the boundaries of Sri Lanka’s private healthcare sector.
Nawaloka Hospitals also claimed victory as the top entity in the healthcare sector and was listed among the Top 20 Companies inducted into LMD’s Hall of Fame. The hospital was elected as the sector winner in terms of corporate culture, CSR and Sustainability, crisis management, honesty, dynamism and quality consciousness. Further, Chairman Dr. Jayantha Dharmadasa and Deputy Chairman Harshith Dharmadasa were recognised on LMD’s illustrious Hall of Fame listing for Chairman and Chief Executives.
This victory is in recognition of the remarkable progress achieved by Nawaloka Hospitals in delivering excellence in clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, patient experience and financial health during the challenging past year. The healthcare giant also prides itself in implementing a strong, sustainable business model that has enabled it to offer diversified operational specialities through high-end, value-added medical services, a model that recently had its financial rating of BBB- with a stable outlook reaffirmed by ICRA Lanka.
“We are deeply humbled to receive such honour among our corporate peers at this particularly challenging period in Sri Lanka. Nawaloka Hospital’s has always strived hard to bring quality, compassionate care to communities, expand healthcare access, promote health equity by bringing care to those most in need, and improve the health of all we serve. Our mission has been especially critical during the COVID-19′ pandemic, which was a catalyst for reinvention, and we believe we are currently positioned to emerge stronger and smarter out of this crisis. I am especially grateful for the unwavering and selfless dedication of our doctors, consultants, staff and all our frontline caregivers for their remarkable and life-changing service.
“I want to stress that a hospital cannot earn acceptance overnight. It is gained from the cultivation of trust and respect over a long period of time. This highly coveted national recognition on LMD’s Most Respected Entities Listing is therefore a clear testament to our place among the people and the high level of corporate respect we have garnered thus far,” remarked Nawaloka Hospitals Deputy Chairman Harshith Dharmadasa.
Commencing operations in 1985 as the first private sector hospital in Sri Lanka, the Nawaloka group has over the years established a strong brand name in the Sri Lankan healthcare industry. The premier multi-specialty hospital was designed to replicate the advanced medical technology and care offered by leading healthcare facilities around the world, and ensure that these services are available to all Sri Lankans. Set to become a centre of excellence in high-tech diagnostic and curative facilities, it is driven by a vision of becoming the hospital of tomorrow. It is currently one of the largest hospital chains in Sri Lanka with a total capacity of 365 beds in Colombo and Negombo hospitals, further strengthened by its island-wide network of labs.
The hospital chain houses world-class facilities in strategic locales across the island to enable Sri Lankans everywhere to access the expertise of a team of reputed consultants and specialists, and supporting medical staff. In 2021, Nawaloka commenced the construction of an extension building to the Negombo regional hospital, further enabling the hospital chain to strengthen its regional presence. Nawaloka Hospitals specialist center also operates 14 speciality treatment centres, including a bone marrow transplant unit, post-COVID care center, kidney centre, neuro centre and heart centre.
Starting January 2021, Nawaloka Hospitals also introduced four world-class, fully-geared Intermediary Care Centres with ICU facilities, by partnering with several star class hotels, to offer a total capacity of 900 beds. The hospital also offers in-house treatment for COVID-19 patients in one of their isolated wings. To date, the hospital had treated over 10,000 COVID-19′ patients.
The Most Respected Entities rankings are based on a survey commissioned and conceptualised by Lanka Monthly Digest (LMD) and conducted by leading research firm Nielsen. This year’s survey covered a sample of 800 respondents, managers and above, from listed companies across a set of 12 different attributes; financial performance, quality consciousness, management profile, honesty, innovation, dynamism, corporate culture, CSR, vision and nation-mindedness.
Business
Sri Lanka sets bold target to slash cash use, seeks unified Fintech regulator
The inaugural Sri Lanka Fintech Summit 2025 concluded with industry leaders and regulators establishing two critical national priorities: a bold target to reduce physical cash usage and a push for consolidated regulatory oversight.
In a key decision, participants set a clear three-year goal to lower the ratio of cash in circulation to GDP from 4.5% to 3.5%. The strategy will focus on digitizing high-cash sectors like transport, utilities, and SME payments, while expanding digital access through post offices and cooperatives.
For the long-term health of the ecosystem, stakeholders agreed to lobby for the creation of a single, unified regulatory authority dedicated to fintech oversight. This aims to streamline approvals and provide clearer guidance for innovators.
“Our members needed to leave with concrete action points,” said Channa de Silva, Chairman of the Fintech Forum, Sri Lanka. The summit, designed as a series of closed-door roundtables with regulators including the Central Bank, produced actionable frameworks. “It was about defining KPIs, setting targets, and giving the industry a shared direction,” de Silva explained.
The outcomes signal a concerted shift from discussion to execution, aiming to build a more inclusive, efficient, and secure digital financial economy for Sri Lanka.
By Sanath Nanayakkare ✍️
Business
Kukus Group plans 18 outlets across three distinct Sri Lankan hospitality concepts
A new force in Sri Lanka’s food industry, Kukus Group, is gaining momentum with a clear vision to deliver authentic cuisine, high hygiene standards, and affordability. Founded by young entrepreneurs Nadeera Senanayaka, Lakmini Gurusinghe, and Randila Gunasinghe, the group has successfully launched its pilot outlet and is now preparing for a significant nationwide expansion.
The inaugural in Kotte has served as a successful proof of concept. Operating for five months, this modern street-food outlet has garnered a strong customer response, confirming market demand and providing the confidence to fund the group’s ambitious growth strategy.
“The positive reception has been overwhelming and has solidified our plans,” said Lakmini Gurusinghe and Randila Gunasinghe. “Our Kotte outlet is the operational model we will replicate – ensuring consistent quality, disciplined operations, and excellent service across all future locations.”
The group’s expansion strategy is built on three distinct thematic brands:
Kukus Street: Targeting young urban customers, these outlets offer a vibrant, casual dining experience with a menu of Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, snacks, and BBQ, with most meals priced under Rs. 1,500. Services include dine-in, takeaway, and delivery.
Kukus Beach: Planned for coastal areas, beginning in the South, this concept will feature an urban-style beach restaurant and pub designed for relaxed social dining.
Kukus Bioscope: Celebrating Sri Lanka’s cinematic heritage, this dedicated restaurant concept will create a nostalgic cultural space inspired by the golden eras of Sinhala cinema, with the first outlet slated for Colombo.
The immediate plan includes transforming the flagship Kotte location into Kukus Pub & Bar, pending regulatory approvals. The long-term vision is to develop 18 outlets nationwide: 10 Kukus Street locations, 5 Kukus Beach venues, and 3 Kukus Bioscope establishments.
“Kukus Group is more than a hospitality brand; it’s a celebration of Sri Lankan flavors and culture,” the founders concluded. “Our mission is to build trusted, recognizable brands that connect deeply with communities and offer lasting cultural value alongside authentic cuisine. We are dynamic and excited to proceed with this strategic expansion,” they said.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Business
Fcode Labs marks seven years with awards night
Fcode Labs marked its seventh anniversary by hosting its annual Awards Night 2025 at Waters Edge, celebrating team achievements and reinforcing its organizational values.
The event featured keynote addresses from Co-Founders & CEOs Buddhishan Manamperi and Tharindu Malawaraarachchi, who reflected on the company’s annual progress and future strategy. Chief Operating Officer Pamaljith Harshapriya outlined operational priorities for the next phase of growth.
Awards were presented across three key categories. Prabhanu Gunaweera and Dushan Pramod received Customer Excellence awards for partner collaboration. Performance Excellence awards were granted to Munsira Mansoor, Thusara Wanigathunga, Thushan De Silva, Adithya Narasinghe, Avantha Dissanayake, Amanda Janmaweera, Sithika Guruge, and Sandali Gunawardena. The Value-Based Behaviour awards were given to Thilina Hewagama, Udara Sembukuttiarachchi, and Kavindu Dhananjaya for exemplifying company values.
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