LOLC Microfinance Bank Pakistan, a wholly owned subsidiary of the LOLC Group, has relocated its Head Office to Gulberg Greens, Islamabad, marking a significant milestone in the Bank's growth and reinforcing its long-term commitment to Pakistan. As one of the LOLC Group's largest overseas operations in Asia, the Bank continues to play a key role in advancing financial inclusion and supporting sustainable economic development across the country.
The new Head Office was officially inaugurated by H.E. Admiral Fred Seneviratne (Retd.), High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, and Mr. Krishan Thilakaratne, Chairman of LOLC Microfinance Bank Pakistan. The ceremony was attended by members of the Board of Directors, senior management, and employees, celebrating another important chapter in the Bank's continued expansion.
Regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan, LOLC Microfinance Bank Pakistan operates a nationwide network of 88 branches with a workforce of more than 1,200 employees across major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Gilgit. The Bank offers a comprehensive portfolio of financial services, including business loans, microfinance, vehicle financing, gold loans, and other financial solutions. It currently manages a loan portfolio exceeding USD 70 million and a deposit portfolio of more than USD 90 million, comprising savings accounts, current accounts, and fixed deposits.
The relocation to the new headquarters reflects the Bank's rapid growth and its ongoing commitment to expanding access to responsible financial services for individuals, micro-entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Pakistan. Earlier this year, LOLC Microfinance Bank Pakistan was recognised as Pakistan's fastest-growing microfinance bank, underscoring its strong business performance and increasing market presence.
Addressing the gathering, H.E. Admiral Fred Seneviratne (Retd.), High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, said, "The partnership between Sri Lanka and Pakistan continues to flourish through meaningful investments such as this. LOLC Microfinance Bank Pakistan is making a valuable contribution by empowering entrepreneurs, strengthening the SME sector, and expanding financial access to underserved communities. Institutions like these play a vital role in driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth."
Chairman of LOLC Microfinance Bank Pakistan, Mr. Krishan Thilakaratne, highlighted the Group's long-term vision for the country, stating, "The opening of our new Head Office represents another important step in LOLC's journey in Pakistan. Sri Lanka and Pakistan share a longstanding relationship, and we are proud to strengthen those ties through sustainable investment. Drawing on our experience of transforming microfinance across 20 countries, we believe Pakistan offers tremendous opportunities to broaden financial inclusion, particularly for micro-enterprises and SMEs. We remain committed to extending responsible financial services to communities that need them most while contributing to poverty alleviation and economic empowerment."
The establishment of the new Islamabad Head Office further strengthens LOLC's presence in Pakistan and reflects the Group's continued investment in expanding its regional operations while delivering innovative, inclusive, and sustainable financial solutions.
APIIT and HTMi Launch School of Hospitality and Tourism with Swiss Excellence in Sri Lanka
The Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT), in partnership with the Hotel and Tourism Management Institute (HTMi) Switzerland, has officially launched the APIIT School of Hospitality & Tourism, introducing a new era of Swiss hospitality education in Sri Lanka. The school was inaugurated on 17 June 2026 at APIIT's Baybrook Campus, offering students internationally recognised hospitality qualifications supported by extensive industry exposure and practical training.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Her Excellency Dr. Siri Walt, Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, who presented enrolment letters to the inaugural student cohort. The event was also attended by Mr. Nishanth Suri, International Academic Manager of HTMi Switzerland, members of the Swiss Embassy, APIIT Chairman Mr. Bandula Egodage, members of the APIIT Board of Management, Head of the School Mr. Kasun Abeynayaka, faculty members, and representatives from the Commercial Credit Academy.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Dr. Siri Walt highlighted the significance of the initiative as Switzerland and Sri Lanka commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations.
"The launch of this programme represents another important milestone in the longstanding partnership between our two countries. Switzerland is globally recognised for excellence in hospitality education, and I am confident that students in Sri Lanka will greatly benefit from the collaboration between HTMi Switzerland and APIIT. I wish the inaugural cohort every success as they embark on this exciting journey," she said.
The APIIT School of Hospitality & Tourism combines Swiss academic excellence with local industry expertise through a faculty comprising experienced academics and seasoned hospitality professionals. Students will benefit from a learning approach that integrates evidence-based management education with practical operational training in areas such as culinary arts, front office management, and hospitality operations, complemented by industry case studies and masterclasses conducted by leading professionals.
Designed to prepare future hospitality leaders, the academic pathway allows students to progress from Certificate to Diploma, Higher Diploma, and ultimately a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in International Hospitality Management. Flexible entry pathways are available for students completing either GCE Ordinary Level or Advanced Level examinations, enabling them to pursue four-year or three-year degree programmes respectively.
A key feature of the programme is its strong emphasis on practical industry experience. Each academic year includes a 24-week taught semester followed by a six-month paid internship, allowing graduates to accumulate between 18 and 24 months of validated workplace experience before completing their degree. This integrated model ensures students graduate with both internationally recognised academic credentials and the hands-on skills required to excel in the global hospitality and tourism industry.
Through its partnership with HTMi Switzerland, APIIT aims to strengthen Sri Lanka's hospitality education landscape by delivering world-class programmes that equip graduates with the leadership, technical expertise, and international exposure needed to succeed in one of the world's fastest-growing industries.
LOLC Strengthens Pakistan Presence with New Head Office in Islamabad
