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DFCC Bank leads the way in supporting corporates and spurring an economic recovery

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Sohantha Wijesingha, - Senior Vice President-Head of Corporate Banking at DFCC Bank PLC

With a rich heritage spanning 68 years, and a strong commitment to customer-centric solutions, DFCC Bank is at the forefront of providing tailored support to address the special needs of the corporate sector and support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. In an exclusive interview, Sohantha Wijesingha – Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Banking at DFCC Bank PLC, explained further:

What does Sri Lanka’s corporate sector need right now, and how is DFCC Bank helping?

The crises of 2022 and ongoing macroeconomic conditions present significant challenges, such as reduced demand, supply chain disruptions, import restrictions, inflation, and subdued sentiment. Amidst this landscape, DFCC Bank is helping customers overcome these challenges.

We extend concessions and moratoria to corporate clients beyond central-bank mandates, alongside tailored solutions and debt restructuring based on present and future cashflows. This grants companies space to refine strategies. Working capital support, notably for exporters, addresses shifting trading terms amid deteriorating international credit ratings.

Unprecedented interest- and exchange-rate fluctuations pose significant challenges too, though recent easing has offered some respite. Still, we offer fixed interest rates for corporate short-term obligations, and flexible hedging products to mitigate exchange rate risks for up to 12 months, supporting price stability.

What role could DFCC Bank play in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery?

Our proactive focus lies in bolstering export trade, which strengthens Sri Lanka’s fiscal position. However, notably, even amidst the initial severe foreign exchange liquidity crunch this year, we fulfilled obligations for importer clients as well, facilitating essential imports and other external transactions.

It is important to note that, even amidst the severe foreign exchange liquidity crunch faced at the beginning of the year, we have been able to meet all obligations on behalf of our importer clients. DFCC Bank’s steadfast commitment spans its inception, catering to diverse corporate clients – micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs), middle market, and large corporations. Our 68-year legacy underscores our pivotal role in supporting numerous corporates, providing long-term funding spanning vanilla CAPEX to equity financing.

Despite prevailing economic challenges leading to operational cutbacks, the onset of monetary easing marks a positive turning point. Anticipating a business resurgence, we are ready to back enterprises of all sizes with top-tier lending, and a range of financial products and services, catalysing economic recovery.

How is DFCC Bank supporting sustainable economic growth?

In 2022, we secured a USD 150Mln (approx. LKR 45Bln) concessional funding line from DFC USA, expressly dedicated to SMEs, middle market enterprises, women entrepreneurs, and sustainable development. This entailed term funding and working capital support for extended contracts, up to 7 years, at favourable fixed rates amidst tight conditions. Disbursement is still ongoing and will conclude by year’s end.

Our new “Green Deposits” also empower customers to earmark deposits exclusively for sustainable project and business financing. Corporate clients with robust sustainability goals can thus access credit aligned with development objectives.

Obtaining Green Climate Fund (GCF) accreditation also propels us as Sri Lanka’s first bank to achieve this distinction. This milestone solidifies our commitment and capacity to provide concessional funding for green and sustainable ventures.

What is the significance of DFCC’s recent victories at the Euromoney Awards?

Amidst fierce competition, domestically and globally, DFCC Bank was recognized for “iConnect”, our renowned top-tier electronic cash management solution and banking platform. Uniquely, this award hinges on a popular vote by customers. Thus, our genuine popularity has won us the titles of Best in Service (2020), Market Leader (2021), and Market Leader and Best in Service (2022), outperforming both domestic and foreign peers.

DFCC iConnect comprehensively covers payments, liquidity, and collections, tailored to individual client needs. Seamlessly delivered with industry-leading security features, integration into customers’ ERP systems via host-to-host connectivity, iConnect meets all corporate cash management needs, while also facilitating end-to-end supply chain financing, incorporating Distributor Financing and Supplier Financing.

Through a major update in Q4 2023, iConnect will enjoy even more added features, bolstering functionality, and optimizing user experiences. This evolution caters to modern corporations navigating an increasingly digital landscape.



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Janashakthi Life delivers 36% revenue growth, ‘outperforming the industry’

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Janashakthi Life, the flagship company of JXG (Janashakthi Group), delivered a strong first-half performance in 2026, with Gross Written Premiums (GWP) increasing by 36% year-on-year to Rs. 5.11 billion. The Company’s growth significantly outpaced the industry’s 20.8% growth during the period, reflecting continued demand for its life insurance solutions and progress in expanding its customer base and strengthening its market presence.

The Company’s balance sheet also continued to expand, with total assets increasing to Rs. 41.14 billion as at Q2 2026, compared to Rs. 40.37 billion at the end of 2025. The growth reflects the continued scale of the business and provides a stronger platform to serve an expanding policyholder base while investing in the capabilities required to support its next phase of growth.

During the first half, Janashakthi Life paid Rs. 2.24 billion in claims and benefits, reaffirming its commitment to supporting policyholders when it matters most. These payments provide essential financial support at critical moments in the lives of individuals and families, highlighting the vital role of life insurance in protecting their financial wellbeing and long-term security.

The Company remained profitable during the period, recording Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 271 million, excluding the surplus transfer for the period. With the declaration of the surplus transfer, profitability is expected to be substantially higher. Janashakthi Life remains focused on strengthening earnings quality, managing costs effectively, and translating business growth into sustained improvements in overall performance.

Annika Senanayake, Chairperson of Janashakthi Insurance PLC, said, “The performance in the first half reflects the strength of Janashakthi Life’s business and the opportunities that exist to further develop the life insurance market in Sri Lanka. We remain focused on building a business that combines sustainable growth with sound fundamentals, while making insurance more accessible to a wider segment of the population. As part of JXG, Janashakthi Life is well positioned to leverage the Group’s financial services ecosystem and continue strengthening its position in the market.”

Ravi Liyanage, Director/CEO of Janashakthi Insurance PLC, said, “The first half delivered strong growth across key areas of the business, with GWP increasing 36% to Rs. 5.11 billion. In all key segments, namely regular business, group life business and single premium business, the Company has outperformed the industry significantly, demonstrating its market challenger behaviour. The Company is strengthening its stability, crossing LKR 41 billion in assets under management. Our focus now is on building on this momentum through stronger distribution, improved productivity and disciplined cost management, while continuing to enhance the customer experience by providing an unmatched service throughout the lifespan of the service contract.”

The first-half performance provides a strong platform for Janashakthi Life to build on its growth plans for the remainder of the year. The Company will continue to focus on expanding access to life insurance, strengthening customer relationships and developing solutions that respond to changing financial priorities.

With GWP growth significantly ahead of the industry, a growing asset base and increased claims and benefits delivered to policyholders, Janashakthi Life continues to build scale across its core operations. The Company remains focused on disciplined growth, stronger execution and improving the quality of its performance, with the objective of creating sustainable value for policyholders, shareholders and the wider business.

Further reinforcing its strong market standing, Janashakthi Life was recognised among Sri Lanka’s 50 Best Workplaces™ for 2026 by Great Place To Work® Sri Lanka and was also named among Brand Finance’s Sri Lanka 100 Most Valuable Brands. These recognitions reflect the Company’s continued focus on building a strong brand, delivering value to customers and creating a high-performing organisation. (JXG)

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Hunas Holdings and CCH enter strategic collaborative partnership

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(L-R): Dhanuka Samarasinghe (Chairman - Hunas Holdings PLC) Yoshihiko Tanabe, Director CCH

Major Japanese business group sees long-term potential in Hunas Holdings as the two organisations explore new opportunities for growth in Sri Lanka

Hunas Holdings PLC is entering a new phase of growth through a collaborative partnership with CCH Co., Ltd. (CCH INC.), a major Tokyo-based business group with experience across business process outsourcing (BPO), in-house services, investment, mergers and acquisitions, and business development.

The partnership follows a period in which Hunas Holdings maintained a measured approach to new investments amid volatile market conditions, focusing on identifying the right opportunities and international relationships capable of creating sustainable long-term value.

Founded in Japan in 2008, CCH has grown into a significant and diversified business group with interests across multiple industries. Its approach combines investment with M&A, business development and operational expertise, enabling the company to play an active role in the businesses and markets it enters.

For CCH, the partnership represents an opportunity to bring this experience to Sri Lanka through Hunas Holdings, an established local group with a strong platform and long-term growth ambitions.

Yoshihiko Tanabe, Director of CCH Co., Ltd., said: “Through our discussions with Hunas Holdings, we see a company with strong foundations, local expertise and a clear ambition for growth. We believe there is meaningful potential in bringing the strengths of CCH and Hunas Holdings together. I am excited about this partnership, and particularly about some of the projects and opportunities we are already exploring together. There is much to look forward to soon”

For Hunas Holdings, the collaboration marks a renewed chapter of investment and international partnership, while for CCH, it reflects confidence in Hunas Holdings and the opportunities presented by the Sri Lankan market.

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Prime Minister to headline Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit session

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Dr Harini Amarasuriya

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, will deliver the keynote address at a special session on day 2 of the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026 organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, titled “Nation Building in the Digital Age”, on 13 October 2026 at the Shangri-La Colombo.

The session will examine how Sri Lanka can use artificial intelligence, digital transformation, innovation and education to accelerate economic growth, improve productivity and build a knowledge-driven economy. As technology reshapes industries and the nature of work, the discussion will focus on how Sri Lanka can develop the capabilities needed to remain competitive and create opportunities for future generations.

The Prime Minister will be joined by Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Secretary, Ministry of Digital Economy; Prof. Roshan Ragel, Senior Lecturer in Computer Engineering, University of Peradeniya; and Sanjay Shah, Founder and CEO, Elevante AI, who together will add perspectives from government, academia, and industry. Vinod Hirdaramani, Chairman of Hirdaramani Group and Deputy Vice Chairperson of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, will moderate the session.

The discussion will look at the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation, and their potential to transform industries and create new areas of economic activity. It will also consider the role of digitalisation in improving public services and supporting entrepreneurship.

Education and skills development will be another important part of the conversation, particularly as the demand for new capabilities grows alongside technological change. The panel will consider how Sri Lanka can prepare its workforce for future jobs while developing an environment that supports innovation and technology-led businesses.

The session will also look beyond technology itself to the wider conditions needed for a digital economy to grow. Policy, investment, infrastructure, education and collaboration between government, industry and academia will all have a role in determining how effectively Sri Lanka can turn technological change into economic opportunity.

Held under the theme “Positioning Sri Lanka in a Changing Global Economy: Resilience, Reform, and the Future of Economic Policy,” SLEIS 2026 will offer perspectives from senior policymakers, business leaders, investors and international experts over two days of discussions on Sri Lanka’s economic direction, investment opportunities and the reforms needed to support future growth.

Registrations are now open at https://sleis.chamber.lk/. For more information, contact Alikie on 011 558 8805 (alikie@chamber.lk) or Shanuka on 0701082541 (events.division@chamber.lk).

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