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‘Mahindra Ideal Finance’ geared up for a top slot in financial services industry in Sri Lanka

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From left : Raul Rebello - Chief Operating Officer, Mahindra Finance, Nalin Welgama - Chairman, Ideal Group, Aravinda De Silva - Deputy Chairman, Ideal Group, Mufaddal Choonia - Director, Mahindra Ideal Finance Limited, Duminda Weerasekara - Chief Executive Officer, Mahindra Ideal Finance Limited. Pic by Jude Denzil Pathiraja

Ideal Finance Limited, a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (Mahindra Finance/ MMFSL), recently announced the rebranding of its company name as Mahindra Ideal Finance Limited (MIFL). This rebranding will form the bedrock on which the two joint venture partners (Mahindra Finance and Ideal Group) will build the vision of making Mahindra Ideal Finance one of the leading licensed finance companies (LFCs) in Sri Lanka.

The investment by Mahindra Finance has already resulted in a strong recognition for the company with a re-rating from Fitch ratings to AA – (Outlook Stable). MMFSL’s investment in Sri Lanka is part of Mahindra Finance’s international strategy of expanding into India like Asian markets; especially those that are of strategic importance for the Mahindra Group for its automotive and farm equipment products.

Ideal Finance already provides a wide range of financial services products to the Sri Lankan customers. The rebranded entity – Mahindra Ideal Finance – will further look at enhancing its customer value proposition by offering an even wider suite of products. These would include Gold Loans, leases for personal vehicles, commercial trucks, two & three-wheelers, consumer finance loans and personal loans. The company is also aiming at rapidly increasing its branch network across the island to ensure it is able to service its customers as close to their doorstep as possible.

Speaking on the occasion, Ramesh Iyer, Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, Mahindra Finance said, “We are looking at expanding in Asia and this strategic partnership with the Ideal Group is a significant step in that direction. We believe that the Sri Lankan market holds great growth potential with a strong, long-term growth opportunity. The newly christened entity will be a win-win for both partners in this market as we bring in the required resources, capital and expertise to fuel this growth”.

Nalin Welgama, Chairman, Ideal Group mentioned, “Our association with the Mahindra Group has been a long standing one and the Mahindra Group lending its name to the erstwhile Ideal Finance is a testimony to the confidence that the Mahindra Group has in this partnership. We are confident that MIFL will facilitate exponential growth opportunities in Sri Lanka’s financial services market and help achieve our goal to become one of the leading financial institutions in the country. We strongly believe that the new brand – Mahindra Ideal Finance will have positive influence on the business and will propel the company to greater heights in Sri Lanka”.

Mahindra Ideal Finance intends to capitalize on Mahindra Finance’s over 25-years of expertise in the financial services domain, and Ideal Finance’s market knowledge – to build a robust financial services business in Sri Lanka. Mahindra Finance aims to replicate its successful and socially inclusive business model in Sri Lanka by expanding the scope of business. Sri Lanka, with its cultural and geographical similarity to India, and its vibrant financial services market has emerged as a promising opportunity for Mahindra Finance. Sri Lanka as an automotive market holds strategic importance for the Mahindra Group, where it has also set up an assembly line operation.



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SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure

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SLT-MOBITEL marks its triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026

Corporate accolades underscore the alignment between its operational excellence and national development

In an era where national competitiveness is intrinsically tied to digital connectivity, strengthening the country’s digital backbone has become an urgent priority. Within this context, the evolving role of Sri Lanka’s leading telecommunications provider, SLT-MOBITEL, offers valuable insight into how technological infrastructure can underpin broader economic resilience.

Telecommunications and digital networks are foundational to economic transformation. By expanding high-speed broadband access, upgrading enterprise cloud capabilities, and bridging the urban-rural connectivity divide, SLT-MOBITEL helps reduce business transaction costs, streamline supply chains, and enable micro, small, and medium enterprises to reach global markets.

Recent corporate accolades further underscore this alignment between operational excellence and national development. SLT-MOBITEL’s triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026 – winning in the Infrastructure and Utilities sector, Performance Management, and ICT Services categories – highlights its growing impact. Notably, the recognition of eChannelling’s contributions to digital healthcare reflects a broader strategic pivot toward integrated technology solutions.

“Institutional efficiency of this nature is critical for attracting foreign direct investment, as global partners increasingly assess a country’s digital maturity and systemic stability before committing capital,” noted industry observers.

Moreover, the company’s transition from a conventional telecom utility to a comprehensive digital solutions provider aligns seamlessly with Sri Lanka’s national digitalisation agenda. As the country pursues public sector modernisation, enhanced e-governance, and a competitive knowledge economy, the private sector must step up to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready networks. Investments in data centres, cybersecurity frameworks, and advanced ICT infrastructure act as strategic buffers, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economic apparatus remains agile and resilient amid future global uncertainties.

However, industry experts caution that while these achievements are commendable, SLT-MOBITEL still has a considerable distance to cover in fully enabling a truly digital economy.

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Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic engagement

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The panel discussion at the engagement

Port City Colombo (PCC) took a prominent role as Platinum Sponsor at the second edition of Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams, a high-level diplomatic and investment engagement hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The event, held on 2nd September 2026 at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, brought together over 400 senior UAE-based business leaders, investors, diplomats, and institutional stakeholders, alongside Sri Lanka’s most senior government representatives.

The gathering was graced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, as Guest of Honour, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation – including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Investment, the Chairman of the Export Development Board, and the Director General of Commerce – underscored the government’s strong commitment to deepening economic diplomacy with the UAE.

In his keynote address, Minister Herath reaffirmed the centuries-old ties between Sri Lanka and the Arab region, emphasising the UAE’s vital role as a key economic partner. He stressed the urgency of finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which would establish a robust framework to elevate trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation. Declaring Sri Lanka “open and ready for business,” he positioned Port City Colombo as the physical embodiment of this economic mission – a modern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with a dedicated legal framework and competitive incentives, offering UAE investors a natural gateway to South Asia while maintaining strong Gulf connectivity.

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American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026

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The achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories.

American Premium Water has secured four wins at Dragons of Sri Lanka Awards 2026, including three Gold Dragons and one Black Dragon, marking a significant milestone for the brand following its relaunch last year.

Part of the prestigious Dragons of Asia awards, Dragons of Sri Lanka brings the program’s regional platform to the local market, celebrating creative and effective marketing communications, with entries evaluated on strategic thinking, creativity, execution and impact. Established in 2000, Dragons of Asia is one of Asia’s premier results-driven marketing awards programs.

For American Premium Water, the achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories. In the distinction of Gold Dragons, American Premium Water was recognized across three categories including Product Launch or Re Launch, Cause, Environment or Sustainability and Creative Excellence while the Black Dragon was awarded in recognition of Small Budget.

Competing alongside leading brands and agencies in Sri Lanka, American Premium Water’s four wins demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of its recent work. Winning three Gold Dragons across three distinct categories highlights the breadth of the brand’s achievements, while the Black Dragon for Small Budget further emphasizes its ability to create meaningful impact through focused and efficient investment.

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