First Capital Holdings PLC, a subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group) and a leading player in Sri Lanka’s capital markets industry, has secured a prestigious Gold Award from the Sri Lanka Institute of Training and Development (SLITAD), recognising its innovative approach to human capital development and its contribution to organisational learning and growth.
The accolade recognises First Capital’s commitment to fostering employee development through creative and forward-thinking initiatives that strengthen workforce capabilities while enhancing the organisation’s overall learning and development practices.
The achievement reflects the company’s continued investment in building a future-ready workforce by providing employees with meaningful opportunities to enhance their skills, embrace new challenges and develop in alignment with the evolving requirements of the organisation and the broader capital markets industry.
Commenting on the achievement, Dilshan Wirasekera, Managing Director/CEO of First Capital Holdings PLC, said, “The strength of any organisation is closely connected with the capabilities of its people. At First Capital, we believe that developing our people is an ongoing investment in our future. This recognition by SLITAD reflects the importance we place on creating an environment where our employees can continuously learn, develop, and prepare themselves for the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
Chamara Pussella, Head of Human Resources at First Capital Holdings PLC, added, “We want learning at First Capital to go beyond traditional training and become part of how our people work, grow, and contribute. Our focus is on creating opportunities for employees to build relevant skills, learn from one another, and apply that knowledge in meaningful ways. This Gold Award is an encouraging recognition of the culture of learning and development we continue to build across the organisation.”
Through its ongoing learning and development programmes, First Capital continues to empower employees at every stage of their professional journeys, equipping them with the knowledge and capabilities needed to adapt to changing industry demands and contribute to the organisation’s long-term success.
Venkadeshwara Agro Unveils New Board to Accelerate Growth Beyond Jaffna
Venkadeshwara Agro Industry Ltd, the largest edible oil manufacturer in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, has strengthened its corporate leadership with the formation of a seven-member Board of Directors, bringing together founder leadership and extensive expertise in banking, finance, FMCG, exports and sustainability. With five of its seven members serving as independent directors, the new Board reflects the Company’s commitment to strengthening corporate governance as it prepares for its next phase of expansion.
The appointment of Michael Ranasinghe and L. Chiranthi Cooray further reinforces the Company’s existing leadership team, comprising Dr. Bradley Emerson (Non-Executive Chairman), Kanakasingam Suganthon (Founder/Managing Director), Rizvi Mowlana, R. Suresh and Manjula Priyadarshana.
L. Chiranthi Cooray joins the Board as an Independent Director, bringing specialist expertise in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), enterprise transformation and risk management. She is the Founder of Accedo Intel and has more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning banking, financial services, capital markets, the public sector and academia. Her professional expertise encompasses corporate governance, enterprise risk management, ESG, human capital development, organisational transformation and institutional resilience. She works closely with boards and senior leadership teams to strengthen accountability, organisational culture, leadership capabilities, internal controls and sustainable business performance.
Michael Ranasinghe has been appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director. He holds qualifications in marketing and digital marketing, together with an MBA from the United Kingdom. His professional experience includes international marketing, management and strategic advisory roles, including 11 years with a Japanese multinational and senior management experience with a Hong Kong-based fashion house. An experienced educator, he is also the Co-founder of Synergy School of Business London. He currently serves on the board of an international health technology company and provides consultancy services to multiple boards.
Commenting on the Company's journey and future ambitions, Kanakasingam Suganthon, Founder and Managing Director, said: “We started this journey in Jaffna in 2001 with a simple belief: that the North could produce oils as good as any on a Sri Lankan table. Today our refinery supplies households, bakeries and food manufacturers. This Board gives us the experience to take the next step, with more capacity, stronger brands and new markets overseas, without losing the quality and the community that got us here.”
With its strengthened Board now in place, Venkadeshwara Agro Industry Ltd is focused on expanding its production and marketing capabilities, strengthening its consumer and bakery-ingredient brands, and increasing its presence in international export markets. The Company also plans to develop its laboratory into a centre offering independent third-party quality testing services to businesses across Sri Lanka, further supporting industry standards and product quality.
The new Board marks an important milestone in the Company's evolution, positioning the Jaffna-based manufacturer to pursue wider growth opportunities while maintaining its commitment to quality, strong governance and the communities that have supported its development.
First Capital Secures SLITAD Gold Award for Excellence in Human Capital Development
