FIRST CAPITAL HOLDINGS PLC
First Capital becomes world’s first investment institution accepted for SSCI certification
In a historic milestone for sustainable finance, First Capital Holdings PLC, a subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group) and a pioneering full-service investment institution, has been awarded the Certificate of Acceptance to the Sustainability Standards & Certification Initiative (SSCI) by the European Organisation for Sustainable Development (EOSD). This landmark recognition was conferred recently during the Annual Global Sustainable Finance Conference held in Karlsruhe, Germany, positioning First Capital as the world’s first investment institution to receive this prestigious accolade.
This achievement underscores First Capital’s commitment to embedding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles at the core of its investment philosophy. The SSCI Certificate of Acceptance affirms the company’s alignment with globally accepted sustainability standards and best practices, reinforcing its status as a responsible, future-ready leader in the global financial landscape.
In addition to receiving the SSCI recognition, Dilshan Wirasekara, Managing Director/CEO of First Capital Holdings PLC, was invited to participate as a panelist at the Annual Global Sustainable Finance Conference, hosted by the European Organisation for Sustainable Development in Karlsruhe, Germany.
Mr. Wirasekara joined an elite panel of global financial leaders to discuss “Financial Services in a Fast-Changing Economic World,” offering strategic insights into how financial institutions must respond to evolving market dynamics through resilience, innovation and ESG integration. His contribution reflected First Capital’s deep commitment to aligning financial performance with sustainable impact, particularly within emerging markets.
The combination of thought leadership and global recognition at the same event positioned First Capital at the forefront of the sustainable finance movement, creating significant visibility for the company’s pioneering role on the international stage.
“Receiving the Certificate of Acceptance to the SSCI is a transformative moment, not only for First Capital, but also for the broader South Asian financial sector,” said Dilshan Wirasekara, Managing Director/CEO of First Capital Holdings PLC. “This recognition reinforces our belief that sustainable finance is no longer a future ambition but a current imperative. We remain deeply committed to advancing ESG integration across all our operations, driving long-term value for our stakeholders, our economy and the environment.”
Arshad Rab, Chairman of the International Council of Sustainability Standards for Value-Driven Financial Institutions and CEO of EOSD, commented, “The International Council of Sustainability Standards for Value-Driven Financial Institutions is pleased to announce that First Capital PLC, one of Sri Lanka’s most forward-looking investment institutions, has officially joined the Sustainability Standards and Certification Initiative (SSCI). With over three decades of experience in capital markets, First Capital has been instrumental in strengthening Sri Lanka’s financial sector and supporting both individuals and businesses in achieving their financial goals. Its entry into SSCI reflects the company’s deep commitment to embedding true and holistic sustainability. We are delighted to welcome First Capital into the Sustainability Standards and Certification Initiative. Together, we will demonstrate that creating social, economic, and environmental value while reporting strong corporate performance are two sides of the same coin. We have no doubt about the commitment of First Capital, its management, and its shareholders to this vision.”
He further noted, “The presence of Mr. Ramesh Schaffter, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of Janashakthi Limited, the parent company of First Capital, alongside Mr. Dilshan Wirasekera, CEO of First Capital, at the announcement underscores the strong commitment of both shareholders and top management to advancing sustainability. We look forward to working with First Capital to build a purpose-led institution that champions sustainable finance and contributes meaningfully to Sri Lanka’s economic and social progress while preserving the nature and combatting climate change.”
The Sustainability Standards & Certification Initiative (SSCI) is a global benchmark developed by EOSD to promote responsible financial institutions that actively support sustainable operations through transparent, accountable and verifiable ESG frameworks. First Capital’s acceptance to certification is not only a validation of its ongoing sustainability journey, but also a call to action for the investment community to align capital with purpose.
As the financial industry increasingly acknowledges the strategic imperative of sustainability, First Capital’s pioneering recognition by SSCI affirms its readiness to shape the future of finance where returns are measured not only in financial metrics, but also in social and environmental outcomes.
