First Capital Holdings as a leading investment institution has been cornerstone of financial excellence for over 40 years. As part of the Janashakthi Group, it upholds a commitment to integrity, performance, respect, collaboration and transparency. The diverse portfolio of services – including investment banking, wealth management and government securities – is designed to deliver positive returns and innovative financial solutions. First Capital is pivotal in fostering economic growth and community development, consistently earning the trust of clients and stakeholders through prudent investment strategies and a dedication to financial integrity.

Q: How does the company ensure corporate respect?

A: At the core of First Capital and the Janashakthi Group lie our fundamental values. These values define how we conduct business, interact with clients, engage with staff, and serve shareholders and stakeholders. Our commitment to these values forms the bedrock of our organisation.

Our first value, which combines honesty and ethics, is non-negotiable. We adhere to the highest standards of integrity, ensuring that every action and decision is ethical and transparent.

Secondly, we emphasise a performance driven culture – aiming not only to excel for our company but also for clients who rely on our products and services, for their business and investment needs. Our motto – ‘performance first’ – reflects this commitment.

Respectfulness is our third core value and we believe in mutual respect, regardless of one’s position or background. We foster a flat organisational structure where respect is measured by how we treat everyone.

Collaboration is our fourth value where we prioritise achieving common goals through teamwork and cooperation. Much like in cricket, we focus on the result of the match rather than individual accolades.

The fifth value is transparency. Our annual reports provide detailed corporate disclosures including integrated risk management; CSR initiatives; and environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) aspects. We are committed to being transparent, both internally and externally, and expect the same level of transparency from those we work with.

Dilshan Wirasekara
Managing Director/CEO

Q: What does it take to earn and maintain corporate respect today, given the volatile and uncertain business environment?

A: As an investment institution, we have a responsibility to our clients, who trust us with their money and rely on our expertise to make sound investment decisions. Over the past 40 years, we have consistently achieved market beating returns, reinforcing the respect we command in the industry.

Our internal mantra – ‘never lose your clients’ money’ – underscores our cautious and prudent approach to investment. When advising clients, we only recommend investments that we ourselves are willing to commit to. This practice of investing in the same products and decisions we recommend instils great confidence in our clients.

As a listed company furthermore, we adhere to rigorous governance frameworks and maintain a high level of transparency. Our ‘A’ credit rating and compliance with stringent governance standards further enhance our credibility, and command respect from stakeholders and the broader market.

Q: In terms of Sri Lanka’s economic future, how is your company contributing?

A: Our contributions extend far beyond financial metrics, illustrating a commitment to fostering economic growth and community development. With an effective tax rate over 40 percent, we are ranked among the highest corporate taxpayers, alongside leading banks.

Beyond taxes, we prioritise educating the public on capital markets and financial products. Currently, Sri Lanka’s financial landscape directs savings predominantly to banks, which lend at high margins and on strict collateral terms.

We advocate for capital markets to efficiently redirect savings across the economy, akin to Western and Indian markets, potentially boosting economic growth through productive investments.

Our primary dealer operations include mobilising seven percent of Sri Lanka’s government funding needs (2023/24), supporting vital public expenditures and national development initiatives.

Q: How do employees play a role in the corporate respect equation? 

A: The true identity of a corporate entity is defined by how it conducts itself in the business world and how its employees are perceived. Employees serve as the face and interface of the organisation, shaping external perceptions through their actions and adherence to our core values.

Our five foundational values are principles that govern every aspect of our operations. They dictate how employees interact with clients, stakeholders and each other, reflecting our commitment to integrity and ethical conduct.

The reputation and identity of our corporation are thus intricately tied to how consistently and authentically our staff embody these values. This fosters respect both for the individuals within our organisation and for our institution as a whole.

First Capital’s steadfast adherence to its core values forms the foundation of its corporate identity. These values guide business practices and shape all interactions fostering integrity. By delivering market beating returns and contributing to economic development, First Capital drives positive and sustainable growth.

Telephone 2651651 | Email info@firstcapital.lk | Website firstcapital.lk