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CDB raises EUR 5 mn

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Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) raised €5 Mn in Tier II qualifying capital, strengthening its capital ratios aimed at supporting its business growth. The Tier II qualified subordinated loan which has a tenure of five years, has been extended by Triodos Microfinance Fund and Triodos Fair Share Fund which are two financial inclusion funds managed by Triodos Investment Management.

“In strengthening CDB’s future aspirations and in our quest to grow strategic sustainable partnerships, CDB now adds Triodos Investment Management into our portfolio of foreign funding partners,” states CDB’s Director Corporate Finance Roshan Abeygoonewardena. “CDB has always been incisively focused on a sustainability triad that encompasses environmental, social and governance (ESG) pivots which form the framework for infusing investment into sustainable business activities. The fundamental role of financial inclusion that supports economic growth therefore must reduce environmental impacts and have positive social influences. With this latest addition to our funding sources, these business fundamentals which are ingrained in the CDB business psyche are now further strengthened.”

CDB’s diversified interest bearing funding sources have a deposit to debt composition of 60:40 and includes retail, institutional deposits, savings, securitization, bank borrowings, debentures and foreign funding.

“CDB’s philosophy, strategy and operations are those of an organisation truly driven by values,” says Investment Manager for Asia at Triodos IM Constant Tilman. “It has a strong social and environmental focus, whereby the impact of every action or activity on society, the economy and environment is taken into account. This makes CDB a perfect fit with our mission and vision.”



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ANC Campus and Adelaide University launch new Australian study pathway for Lankan students

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ANC Campus has announced the launch of a formal articulation partnership with Adelaide University at Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo, creating a clear progression pathway for Sri Lankan students seeking an Australian university degree.

Through this pathway, students can begin their university-level studies at ANC Campus in Sri Lanka before progressing to Adelaide University in Australia, subject to the relevant academic, English language, and entry requirements. By completing the first year through ANC’s Australian Diploma pathway in Sri Lanka, students can significantly reduce the overall cost of their Australian education journey, with estimated first-year savings of up to LKR 13 million when tuition and living expenses are considered.

The launch was attended by representatives of ANC Campus, Adelaide University, and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), alongside members of the media, students, parents, and invited guests. Austrade’s presence highlighted the continued importance of Australia-Sri Lanka education links.

Speaking at the launch, Dayan D. L. Fernando, Chief Executive Officer of ANC Campus, said the partnership gives Sri Lankan students a credible and well-supported route into Australian higher education.

“For over two decades, ANC has worked with international university partners to help Sri Lankan students begin their global education journey with the right academic preparation and guidance. This partnership with Adelaide University gives students a clearer route to an Australian degree and gives parents greater confidence in the pathway their children are choosing,” he said.

Fernando added that international education is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and proper guidance is essential.

“At ANC, our responsibility is to guide students correctly. We must help them understand the pathway, the requirements, the destination, and the opportunities ahead. ANC prepares students for the highest likelihood of success.

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Union Assurance honours new batch of certified financial advisers

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Union Assurance PLC, Sri Lanka’s longest-standing private Life Insurer, recently hosted the SLIM Certified Financial Adviser Graduation Ceremony at its Head Office premises, recognising 38 professionals who successfully completed the programme, a milestone that reflects the company’s focus on building a highly capable and accredited sales force.

The Certified Financial Adviser programme, delivered in partnership with the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), the National Body of Marketing in Sri Lanka, which was designed to elevate the expertise of the company’s high performing adviser force. Spanning 11 comprehensive modules covering areas such as Advanced Consultative Selling Skills, Negotiation Mastery, Digital Prospecting Techniques, and Emotional Resilience in Sales, participants underwent a rigorous learning journey that concluded with a formal assignment, bringing the full cohort to completion.

The programme reflects Union Assurance’s commitment to ensuring its advisers are positioned to serve customers with confidence, credibility, and genuine understanding of their needs; values that are central to the company’s purpose of protecting what matters most. The SLIM qualification also opens a structured educational pathway for graduates, with opportunities to advance through further nationally recognised certifications.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Agency Officer at Union Assurance, Imtiyaz Aniff stated: “We are pleased to recognise the dedication of our people who committed to this programme alongside their core responsibilities. The SLIM certification equips our advisers with the skills and credentials to serve our customers at a higher standard, and that directly supports the quality of advice we deliver. We look forward to seeing this cohort carry forward what they have learned and continue to grow in their careers.”

Union Assurance is a subsidiary of John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), the largest conglomerate listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, operating with over 80 companies in 7 diverse industry sectors. The Company has completed nearly four decades of success with a Market Capitalisation of Rs. 45.6 Bn and a Life Fund of Rs. 92.8 Bn as of end December 2025. Set to protect lives and enrich the well-being of all Sri Lankans, Union Assurance offers Life Insurance solutions that cover the health, investment, protection, retirement and education needs of Sri Lankans. With an island-wide branch network and a workforce that is over 3000-strong, Union Assurance continues to invest in people, products and processes with a customer-centric focus to be responsive to emerging changes in the Life Insurance industry.

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HNB Life Celebrates Leadership Excellence with Fourth Consecutive ‘Company with Great Managers’ Recognition

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Team HNB Life with the Great Manager Award Winners.

HNB Life continues to strengthen its position as one of Sri Lanka’s most people centric organizations, securing the prestigious Company with Great Managers recognition for the fourth consecutive year at the Great Manager Awards 2025. Seven of its outstanding leaders, Alan Baker, Rangamal Bandara, N. Galagedera, Lalith Hapangama, Ruwan Chandana, Hiran Chandimal, and Shanil De Silva, were individually recognized at the Great Manager Awards 2025, highlighting the depth of leadership excellence across the organization.

The recognition comes at a defining moment in the Company’s journey, as HNB Assurance evolves into HNB Life, marking a bold new chapter built on a 25 year legacy of trust.

Commenting on the achievement, Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer of HNB Life, Lasitha Wimalaratne stated, “Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our Great Manager Award winners. Being named a ‘Company with Great Managers’ for the fourth consecutive year is a proud reflection of the strength and consistency of our leadership culture. As we embrace our transformation into HNB Life, this recognition holds even greater significance. As we aspire to grow and reach new heights, it is this strong foundation of leadership that will continue to guide our journey.”

Executive Vice President / Chief People Officer, Navin Rupasinghe, added,”Our culture has always been our greatest differentiator. This recognition reflects the environment we have created, one where individuals feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.”

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