Q: In the context of increasing competition from local and international players, how relevant are awards and accolades for businesses today?

A: Gaining external validation from reputable organisations is crucial, whether from a local or international perspective. It provides a credible measure of an organisation’s excellence to the public and stakeholders, going beyond self-promotion.

Whether in financial reporting, branding, research or management practices, such awards are powerful tools for building brand credibility and attracting new customers.

In today’s competitive landscape, credible third party rankings matter. Genuine recognition comes from competing with industry peers for prestigious, widely accepted accolades. While some awards can be purchased, our success at First Capital Holdings stems from competing on respected platforms that have a proven track record.

For example, our win at the CA Sri Lanka TAGS Awards, recognised as a benchmark for financial reporting, reflects our commitment to excellence. Similarly, earning recognition at the SLIM Brand Excellence Awards, the pinnacle of marketing standards, demonstrates our industry leadership.

Dilshan Wirasekara
Managing Director
CEO

Q: Awards reward good performance… and what other benefits do they offer recipients, in your opinion?

A: Winning awards fosters internal pride and motivates staff by recognising their contributions. Externally, it enhances brand reputation, earning recognition from customers, the public and shareholders.

Awards also boost talent acquisition as top candidates are drawn to companies with strong public reputations. Additionally, they may attract potential partners and investors who view award-winning organisations as credible prospects for mergers, acquisitions or joint ventures.

Q: How should award schemes be designed to inspire and influence companies towards achieving holistic growth?

A: Effective award schemes must prioritise transparency with clear and credible evaluation criteria to ensure fairness and trust. Additionally, the focus should be on a company’s consistent medium to long-term performance.

Awards should also promote ethical standards and fair play, which generate a positive reputational impact for the winners. The true value of an award lies in what goes into winning it, reflecting a commitment to innovation, creativity and growth.

Winning awards creates a benchmark for companies to improve continually. Most companies aim to outperform their previous year’s performance and awards set that standard. This acts as a catalyst for continuous growth, driving companies to exceed past achievements and stay ahead of competitors.

Ultimately, well designed award schemes recognise not only results but also the values and efforts behind success, setting a standard that inspires progress and innovation within the industry.

Q: How can awards and accolades consolidate a company’s reputation as a trustworthy brand?

A: Winning national awards signifies recognition by the Government of Sri Lanka. For instance, our awards such as the NBQSA National ICT Award for our WhatsApp channel solution and the Brand of the Year award at the SLIM Brand Excellence Awards highlight our achievements on a national scale.

These accolades reinforce our credibility and instil trust among stakeholders, solidifying our position as a reliable and innovative leader in the industry.

First Capital Holdings has been honoured with multiple prestigious accolades in 2023/24, reflecting its excellence across various domains. At the CFA Society Sri Lanka Capital Market Awards 2024, First Capital Research and First Capital Money Market Fund secured two silver awards. The company also won a gold award at the SLITD People Development Awards 2023/24.

Adding to its international recognition, International Investor Magazine named MD and CEO Dilshan Wirasekara as Financial CEO of the Year 2024 while Finance Derivative magazine of the Netherlands recognised First Capital Holdings under two categories: Best Investment Banking Company in Sri Lanka 2024 and Most Leading Non-Bank Primary Dealer in Sri Lanka 2024.

The company further received recognition at the Digital Trust Awards and was listed among Sri Lanka’s Most Respected entities by LMD. Business Today also honoured First Capital Holdings and First Capital Treasuries under the Business Today Top 40 for 2023/24.

At the SLIM Brand Excellence Awards 2024, First Capital Holdings was named Brand of the Year, receiving the highest accolade along with the Service Brand of the Year and two additional awards.

Additionally, at the TAGS Awards 2024 organised by CA Sri Lanka, First Capital Holdings, First Capital Treasuries and First Capital Asset Management won five awards including two golds. The company was also recognised at the CMA Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards 2024, further cementing its leadership in the industry.

Such accolades serve as third party validations, assuring customers of our commitment to excellence and industry standards. For instance, winning CA Sri Lanka’s TAGS Award for the best integrated annual report reflects our transparency and accountability in financial reporting. This gives investors, the public and customers confidence in our integrity and performance.

National recognition goes beyond self-promotion – it serves as a credible endorsement from industry experts, reinforcing trust in our brand and showcasing our commitment to quality and innovation.

Telephone 2639898 | Email info@firstcapital.lk | Website www.firstcapital.lk