Business
DFCC Bank rated AA- with Stable Outlook by ICRA Lanka
DFCC Bank was recently assigned an issuer rating of “[SL] AA- with Stable Outlook” by ICRA Lanka Limited. ICRA Lanka Limited (ICRA Lanka) is a Credit Rating Agency licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), and is a fully owned subsidiary of ICRA Limited, India. The ultimate parent company of the international credit rating agency, Moody’s Investors Service, is the indirect majority shareholder of ICRA.
ICRA Lanka’s rating factors in DFCC Bank’s established track record as the pioneer development bank in Sri Lanka (the bank consequently became a fully-fledged commercial bank in 2015), healthy asset quality indicators, and the adequate capitalization profile. The bank has a strong corporate banking focus, with about 44% of the total portfolio comprising corporate lending as at June 2020. The rating also takes cognizance of the healthy asset quality indicators of the bank, with gross NPA (GNPA) of 4.8% as at June 2020, which was lower than the systemic average of 5.3%.The rating factors in the adequate capitalization profile of DFCC, with the Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio at 11.1% as at June 2020, above the regulatory requirement of 8.5%. The report also highlights that DFCC bank comfortably meets the minimum core capital requirement set by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka with a reported net worth of about LKR 48 Bn as at June 2020, against the regulatory minimum of LKR 20 Bn by December 2020.
Speaking of credit strengths, the report further highlights that the bank has an established track record of long term financing, as the first development bank in Sri Lanka, having been established in 1955, and as one of the pioneering development banks in the Asian region. The bank has a strong corporate banking focus, with about 44% of the total portfolio comprising corporate lending, followed by the SME and retail segments, contributing to 33% and 18% of the overall portfolio as at June 2020. Some of the most established corporate groups in the country are DFCC’s top clients, as the bank has provided long-term funding for these groups since the inception. As at June 2020, DFCC Bank has a total market share of about 4% in terms of the asset size, with a total asset base of about LKR 435 Bn. Currently, the bank has 140 branches, island-wide.
Speaking on the rating, CEO of DFCC Bank, Lakshman Silva, states the following, “In these turbulent times, we at DFCC are glad that our hard work and commitment to our trade was reflected in the ICRA rating of AA- with Stable Outlook. DFCC Bank will undoubtedly continue to progress towards greater heights prioritizing our valuable customers, employees, shareholders and stakeholders who are the center of our business activities.”
(DFCC)
The Business World International Conference and Awards Ceremony organised by Business World International Organisation INC-USA, the event which is recognized as one of the most prestigious Business Award Festivals in the Asia Pacific Region, was held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, Colombo with the participation of several business personalities and celebrities of Sri Lanka. The Joint Chief Guests were Dr. Purna Bahadur Nepali (Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka) and Prof. Dr. Dietmar Doering (Founder / Chairman – AGSEP Research and Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA). Guests of Honour were Tham Whye Long (First Secretary/Head of Chancery – High Commission of Malaysia in Sri Lanka), Prof. Dr. Rohan De Silva (President – Sri Lanka Chamber of Small and Medium Industries), (Retd) Major General R. A. J. N. Ranasingha (RSP USP NDC MSC – Sri Lanka Army), Dr. Rohan Pallewatta (Excutive Chairman of the Start-Up High Tech Company – Lanka Harness, a BOI approved company operating in the Free Trade Zone at Biyagama in Sri Lanka), Dr. Kishu Gomes (Chairman – Exterminators PLC, Group Managing Director / CEO – Dreamron Group of Companies & Advisory Committee Member – Sri Lanka Tourism), Dian Gomes (Nonorary Consul of Georgia in Sri Lanka, Chairman – Colombo School of Business Management & Independent Non-Executive Director – Nestle Lanka Ltd).
Special Guests were Rt. Rev. Bishop Prof. Dr. Nissanka Weerappulige (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Prof. Dr. Dame Anoma Weeraratne Wijenayake (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Gerd Heinzerling (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Priyantha Padmasiri (President – Sri Lanka Canada Business Council), M. H. K. M. Hameez (Vice President – Sri Lanka Canada Business Council & Immediate Past President – Sri Lanka Malaysia Business Council). The invitees were graciously welcomed by Dr. Anthony Dexter Fernando (Chairman – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter), Dr. Tharindu Wijenayake (Deputy Chairman – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter) and Dr. Emerita Wijenayake (Project Chairperson & Director – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter).
Sampath Bank recently formalised a strategic partnership with the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at its Head Office. This partnership highlights Sampath Bank’s ongoing commitment to promoting innovation, driving business growth, and empowering Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Through this collaboration, Sampath Bank will serve as the official banking partner for the COYLE Awards and the Young Lankan Program, two flagship initiatives that recognise business excellence and nurture emerging leaders. Supporting these initiatives allows the Bank to create a strong pipeline for SME engagement, provide access to tailored financial solutions, and build meaningful relationships with the country’s leading entrepreneurs.
ANC, a leading Lankan higher education provider, partnered with Northwood University to host the 2025 NUCARS simulation in Sri Lanka for the first time. Held from April 7–11, the event brought together students from the U.S., Europe, and Sri Lanka for an immersive, hands-on learning experience in automotive retail strategy. Twenty-two ANC students participated, showcasing their ability to compete globally. Celebrating its 28th anniversary, NUCARS emphasized teamwork, cross-cultural collaboration, and real-world business decision-making—highlighting ANC’s commitment to delivering globally recognized education and empowering students with essential skills for the international marketplace, said a release.
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