Business
CSE approves Softlogic Finance Rs 1.9 billion rights issue
Softlogic Finance PLC received Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) approval for its rights issue of Rs 1.9 billion and the extraordinary General Meeting of the company is fixed for November 9, 2020, with the funds expected to be received by the company by end November. The rights issue is fully underwritten by its immediate parent Softlogic Capital PLC and the entire equity infusion is hence guaranteed.
The Softlogic Group has also announced purchasing the shares of Abans Finance PLC consequent to which Abans Finance PLC will be amalgamated with Softlogic Finance PLC with the latter being the surviving entity. The transaction is currently pending approval of the regulator, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The combined entity, post-merger, will create a stronger and bigger company that is estimated to have total assets of Rs 32 billion, customer deposits of Rs 22 billion and customer advances of Rs 26 billion, whilst complying with all of the regulatory requirements of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka including the capital adequacy of the company. The capital position of the amalgamated entity is expected to be Rs 4.9 billion by 31st March 2021.
Softlogic Finance is therefore upbeat on its future prospects that will deliver a robust business strategy enhanced by digitalization and delivered by the new management team of the company that is in place since May of this year. Unparalleled customer convenience and ease of doing business are expected to bring about synergies within the Softlogic Group’s large customer base and will follow the tremendous success delivered by its sister company Softlogic Life Insurance PLC that is the country’s fastest growing life insurer having recorded a five-year growth of 30% versus industry growth of 12%.
The Softlogic Group has long viewed Financial Services as an industry with substantial opportunities for growth. This proposed merger compliments Softlogic Finance in its ambition to increase its footprint in the NBFI sector, particularly in the dynamic leasing category, which represents an area of strategic focus for the company.
The Company is currently re-evaluating its product mix and service offering, and work is in progress to streamline its systems and processes to suit a digitized environment, in order to prepare the company to confidently face the constantly changing external landscape and sustainably deliver a distinctive and easily accessible value proposition to its customers.
The Softlogic Group is regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most dynamic and progressive conglomerates, with industry leadership in key business verticals; with its presence visible across the Healthcare, Retail, Financial Services, ICT, Automobiles and Leisure sectors. Softlogic Finance is a registered finance company under Finance Business Act No. 42 of 2011 as well as a Specialised Leasing Company licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka under Finance Leasing Act No. 56 of 2000.
In a significant move for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, NKAR, a stalwart in the industry for over 45 years, has announced a partnership with Holiday Max, Australia’s largest tour operator. Based in Perth, Holiday Max has ventured into Sri Lanka for the first time, marking a promising expansion for both entities.
This collaboration aligns with NKAR’s strategic vision to enhance the country’s appeal to international travelers. Nilmin Nanayakkara, Chairman and Managing Director of NKAR says, “Our policy has always been to promote Sri Lanka to new markets by attracting new operators, rather than competing through price undercutting or making unrealistic promises.” This statement encapsulates NKAR’s commitment to fostering sustainable tourism growth by focusing on quality over cost.
By prioritsing service excellence and maintaining high health and safety standards, NKAR aims to elevate the overall travel experience for visitors. This approach not only positions Sri Lanka as a premium destination but also attracts reputable operators like Holiday Max, who are drawn to the island’s unique experiences and NKAR’s dedication to quality service.
The partnership represents a remarkable opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka’s diverse offerings to Australian travelers, potentially opening new avenues for tourism growth. As NKAR continues to innovate and adapt, this collaboration is set to bolster Sri Lanka’s standing as a sought-after travel destination, steering the industry away from aggressive price competition towards sustainable growth through authentic experiences.
By focusing on attracting new operators and markets, NKAR is paving the way for a revitalised tourism landscape in Sri Lanka, one that values quality, safety, and the unique charm of the island. NKAR is recognised as one of the top five destination management companies in Sri Lanka. The company recently won 3 major awards at Sri Lanka Tourism Awards.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
LOLC Finance secured five Gold Awards and one Merit Award at the LankaPay Technovation Awards 2025, including the prestigious Overall Excellence in Digital Payments Gold Award for the sixth consecutive year.
The company dominated both bank and NBFI categories, winning Best Digital Strategy Gold Award, proving its superiority over traditional banks in digital finance.
Awards won were as follows.
Gold Awards:
Best Digital Payment Strategy (Banks & NBFI)
Best Mobile Application for Retail Payments via JustPay (Banks & NBFI)
Excellence in Customer Convenience (NBFI)
Financial Inclusivity (NBFI)
Overall Excellence in Digital Payments (NBFI)
Merit Award: Most Popular Digital Payment Product (iPay)
CEO Krishan Thilakaratne emphasized digitalization as core to LOLC Finance’s operations, enabling seamless, 24/7 financial access through platforms like LOLC Real Time and iPay.
Chairman Conrad Dias highlighted the audited, performance-based recognition and iPay’s mission to solve real-world financial challenges with cutting-edge tech.
iPay & JustPay innovations were Recognized for leading digital payment adoption with 1M+ downloads, 1.8M monthly transactions, and 65% JustPay market share, featuring biometric security and AI fraud detection.
Financial Inclusivity was recognized for Bridging gaps via multi-lingual services, cashless processes, and rural outreach programs.
Customer Convenience was recognized for real-time solutions (SLIPS, CEFTS) eliminating branch visits for payments and transfers.
Tree House International, located in Dehiwala, has been recognised as the Most Evidence-Based Special Needs School of the Year at BWIO Awards. The only international school in Sri Lanka dedicated exclusively to children with special needs, 75% of its students relocate from abroad for its high-quality, result-driven education.
Last semester, 100% of students transitioned to mainstream or vocational training.
The school is led by Dr. Anton James, a Chartered Behavioural Psychologist with over 20 years of global experience.
His evidence-based approach earned the highest honour from the British Psychological Society, and he was elected a Chartered Scientist. Co-directed by Chrystal Honsaker, an expert with 15 years of international special needs experience, the school also offers an accredited British curriculum alternative to GCSEs.
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