Business
SDB bank hosts Asia Pacific Chapter of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values

In rallying the environmentally and socially conscious banks and financial institutions in the region, SDB bank was the proud host of the Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Chapter of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, on the 16th and 17th of November 2021. The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), founded in 2009, is a network of banking leaders from around the world committed to advancing positive change in the banking sector. This year’s regional gathering conducted virtually due to the ongoing pandemic, provided the platform for member institutions to share insights on the post-Covid 19 strategies that they have adopted to support people and businesses to remain resilient and catalyse a sustainable recovery.
With over half a million people driven into poverty by the Covid 19 pandemic in Sri Lanka – according to the estimates of the World Bank – and with GoSL being constrained due to lack of fiscal space to invest in economic recovery, the dialogue served to highlight the importance of the financial sector in mobilizing sustainable finance in emerging economies like Sri Lanka and the need for international cooperation to reorient capital to where it is most needed. Yvette Fernando – Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and Thilak Piyadigama – CEO of SDB bank made presentations at this regional meeting on Sri Lanka’s progress on sustainable finance and digital finance that served to further enhance Sri Lanka’s position amongst international financiers.
In reviewing the proceedings of the event, Thilak Piyadigama, CEO of SDB bank noted, “It is a great honour for us to have been chosen as the bank to host this event in Sri Lanka. We would have loved to have hosted all the members in person in our beautiful country, but that is not advisable at this time. Thus, we decided on a virtual meeting. We discussed and drew attention to various pressing issues in the region including digitalization challenges, financing of renewal energy projects, asset quality challenges faced by the banking system in the region due to the COVID crisis, and access to finance for the missing middle (SMEs).”
Explaining further, Piyadigama added, “The meeting was structured to enable enhanced engagement of the participants. This helped to further facilitate cross learning amongst members in the region. The meeting also updated participants on the GABV’s work and obtained feedback about how to best showcase the Asia Pacific region during the GABV Annual Meeting 2022. Overall, we are very pleased with the levels of engagement we saw, as participants discussed furthering sustainable progress in the sector. We also take this opportunity to thank the GABV for expressing their confidence in SDB bank, by choosing us to host this international conference here in Sri Lanka.”
SDB bank caters to a wide clientele including a significant retail banking portfolio. However, the Bank’s focus areas are SME development, women empowerment through financing women-led enterprise and digital inclusion, with a view to taking digital banking to the masses, through its extensive network.
The collective goal of the GABV is to change the banking system so that it is more transparent, supports economic, social and environmental sustainability, and is composed of a diverse range of banking institutions serving the real economy. The Alliance connects banks, banking cooperatives and credit unions, microfinance institutions and community development banks and supports their work towards positive systemic change within financial systems.
Business
Softlogic Life at 31.6 Billion GWP in 2024, marks 10 times growth in 10 years

Demonstrating exceptional and consistent growth with market leading metrics including the largest customer base, Softlogic Life recorded a stellar financial performance in 2024. The company, which marked a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of just Rs. 3 billion in 2014, achieved a GWP of Rs. 31.6 billion by December 31, 2024, growing 10 times in 10 years. With 20% year-on-year growth and a total market share of 16.8% (Q3 2024). This consistent upward trajectory is a testament to Softlogic Life’s unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled value, financial security, and cutting-edge innovation to its policyholders.
Over the past 10years, Softlogic Life has grown at an impressive 10-year GWP Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 26%, significantly outpacing industry growth. With over 750,000 active policies(Q4 2024), the company continues to lead the charge in expanding insurance penetration where the Company protects more than 1 million Sri Lankan lives, which is 13% of Sri Lanka’s working population, making it the life insurer with the largest customer base in the country.
Reinforcing its commitment to policyholders, Softlogic Life paid out Rs. 14.2 billion in Claims and Benefits in 2024. Total protection claims arising from health and other risk claims paid in 2024 was 11 billion and exclude maturity’s and surrenders related to investment related products. This unwavering dedication to timely and efficient claim settlements has strengthened customer confidence, setting an industry standard for trust and service excellence establishing Softlogic Life as an insurer who stands by its policyholders when needed the most.
The company’s financial strength remains formidable, with a Return on Equity (ROE) of 38.2%, continuing its streak of surpassing 20% ROE over the past six years. Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at Rs. 4.5 billion with a growth of 59% compared to the last year, while Profit Before Tax (PBT) was recorded at Rs. 6.3 billion with a growth of 98% compared to 2023. Total assets surged to Rs. 53.6 billion, with total equity reaching Rs. 10.4 billion. Additionally, financial investments accounted for Rs. 43.9 billion, representing 82% of total assets. With a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 298%—well above the regulatory requirement of 120%—Softlogic Life remains resilient and well-equipped to navigate economic uncertainties.
Commenting on the company’s outstanding performance, Softlogic Life Chairman, Ashok Pathirage, stated: “Softlogic Life continues to deliver exceptional results, reinforcing its position as a leading Sri Lankan life insurer. Our ability to drive sustained growth amid any environment reflects the strength of our strategic vision, operational excellence, and unwavering focus on customer-centric innovation. As we expand our market presence, we remain committed to delivering superior value to our policyholders and stakeholders.”
A key success factor for Softlogic Life’s growth is that it remains at the forefront of the Insurtech revolution, driving industry-first innovations that enhance insurance accessibility, efficiency, and customer experience. Key advancements include the recently announced “Health Score” that will engage policyholders towards proactively managing their health and wellbeing. The Company has actively engaged in driving technology innovation and the introduction of advanced AI and machine learning-powered Claims that processes claims in just minutes has delivered amazing customer satisfaction. Additionally, the company has introduced digitally enabled products and fully digitalized sales platforms, revolutionizing the way insurance is delivered. Through these innovations, Softlogic Life has not only redefined the industry but also played a pivotal role in strengthening public trust in the value of insurance.
Softlogic Life Managing Director, Iftikar Ahamed, remarked, “At Softlogic Life, success is not just measured by financial figures; it’s measured by the lives we protect and the trust we build. Our position today as Sri Lanka’s life insurer with the largest customer base and the highest protection-based claims payouts, stands as a testament to our dedication and our commitment to delivering on the promise of protection to the million plus customers who are our responsibility. This dedication has been a driving force behind our remarkable 10X growth over the past 10years, an exceptional achievement by any standard.
‘’Entering 2025, we embrace the theme ‘Infinite by Nature”, reflecting our belief in the boundless opportunities ahead—both for the industry and the nation. With a strong close in 2024, we are poised to accelerate growth, harness infinite possibilities to create meaningful impact for Sri Lankans across the country.”
As Softlogic Life propels forward, it continues to redefine industry standards, set new benchmarks for growth, and drive innovation, solidifying its position as the life insurer of choice for millions of Sri Lankans. The company’s record-high Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 68, is a testament to its strong customer loyalty and service excellence while it’s multi award winning streak in corporate reporting highlights Softlogic Life’s dedication to transparency, accountability, governance, and sustainability. At the 59th CA TAGS Awards 2024, the company secured a prestigious Top 3 placement among Sri Lanka’s leading corporates, becoming the only stand-alone company to achieve this milestone for the fourth consecutive year. It earned the Insurance Gold and Bronze Award for Overall Excellence in Corporate Reporting, making up six esteemed other category accolades.
(Softlogic Life)
Business
SLT-MOBITEL continues commitment to education as the Official Telecommunication Partner for EDEX Expo 2025

SLT-MOBITEL, Sri Lanka’s national ICT solutions provider reaffirmed its commitment to educational excellence as EDEX Expo 2025’s Official Telecommunication Partner, cementing a partnership of over ten consecutive years with Sri Lanka’s largest education exhibition and job fair.
EDEX Expo 2025 recently concluded its preliminary event at the BMICH, Colombo, from the 17th to the 19th of January 2025. Its second event was hosted from the 25th to 26th January 2025 at the Kandy City Centre.
SLT-MOBITEL provided free Wi-Fi connectivity at both the BMICH in Colombo and the Kandy City Centre during EDEX Expo 2025, ensuring seamless digital access for attendees and enabling exhibitors and stallholders to efficiently showcase their education solutions.
The collaboration reinforces SLT MOBITEL’s vision of empowering Sri Lankan youth through seamless digital connectivity and enhanced educational opportunities.
SLT-MOBITEL’s educational arm, SLT-MOBITEL’s Nebula Institute of Technology, returned as a Gold Sponsor for its second consecutive year with a dedicated exhibition showcasing a range of cutting-edge technology programs.
Partnering with EDEX Expo, SLT-MOBITEL aimed to create an environment enabling students to seamlessly explore global opportunities and advance their careers. SLT-MOBITEL’s comprehensive support demonstrates the company’s expanding role in shaping Sri Lanka’s next generation of technology professionals.
Celebrating its 21st anniversary since launching in 2004, EDEX Expo has established itself as Sri Lanka’s premier educational exhibition, empowering Sri Lankan youth to be globally competitive. Having a built an impressive legacy, EDEX Expo continues to connect students with more than 200 reputed local and overseas educational institutions.
Business
Virtusa announces leadership transition

SOUTHBOROUGH, Virtusa Corporation, a global leader in digital business strategy, digital engineering, and IT services, today announced a leadership transition with the appointment of Nitesh Banga as President and CEO, effective February 3, 2025. Nitesh will succeed Santosh Thomas, who is stepping down to pursue outside opportunities. Mr. Thomas has agreed to stay on as a strategic advisor through the transition process.
“I am immensely proud of the substantial growth we have accomplished together over the past 4 years at Virtusa. It has been exciting to witness firsthand the positive impact our efforts have had on our people, our clients and their customers,” said Santosh. “I firmly believe Virtusa has a bright future ahead, helping our global clients deliver exceptional experiences that will take advantage of the future of technology.”
During his tenure as CEO, Mr. Thomas guided Virtusa through a holistic company transformation. He established the strategic direction of the company, drove worldwide operational excellence through targeted investments in personnel, technology, and commercial initiatives. He oversaw several strategic acquisitions and digital capability expansion efforts which significantly broadened the company’s services and resulted in record-high client and employee net-promoter scores.
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