First Capital partners ‘Bunty Loves Chocolates’ to champion early financial literacy

Dinesha Samaranayake presenting a copy of her book to Mikhail with First Capital Holdings MD/CEO Dilshan Wirasekara and AGM/Head of Marketing Randinith Madanayake 

From left: Global Unites Founder Prashan De Visser, First Capital Holdings Vice President Deshani Ratnayake, AMW Capital Leasing and Finance Chairman Indrajith Boyagoda, Dinesha Samaranayake and Good Life X COO Christina Gunasinghe

Attendees enjoying interactive games inspired by the book 

A new children’s book, Bunty Loves Chocolates, was recently launched at the Colombo Swimming Club, introducing young readers to the basics of financial literacy through relatable experiences and engaging storytelling. Whilst exploring themes of saving, making intentional choices, understanding wants vs. needs, the book also includes fun, interactive activities for children to complete with their parents, helping families learn money - smart lessons through play.

Written by Dinesha Samaranayake, a banking professional with over a decade of experience across the World Bank Group, Standard Chartered and HSBC, the book brings together her financial expertise, her passion for storytelling and her experience as a mother of two. Dinesha, a University of London alum now living in Singapore, serves on the management team of Aidha, a Singaporean charity that promotes financial literacy and communication skills among migrant domestic workers and lower - income Singaporean women. 

First Capital, a JXG (Janashakthi Group) Company and the event’s Financial Literacy Partner, supports the initiative as part of its commitment to democratising financial knowledge and encouraging responsible investing. For First Capital, financial literacy goes beyond saving; it is about building a healthy relationship with money from an early age. 

At the launch, Dinesha also introduced @JoinCurie, a platform she founded that is dedicated to nurturing curiosity and a love of reading. The launch featured a lively conversation under the banner “Raising a Money - Smart Generation” moderated by Christina Gunasinghe - COO, Good Life X.

Guest Speaker Global Unites Founder Prashan De Visser highlighted the financial pressures facing young people and the need for early financial education. Sharing his experience of investing in his own children’s Happy Waffles business, he illustrated how entrepreneurship can teach children about profit, money management and delayed gratification.

The Author, Dinesha Samaranayake spoke about how conversations around money are often overlooked in busy family life. Through Bunty Loves Chocolates, she introduces children to saving for emergencies, budgeting and working towards financial goals through storytelling.

AMW Capital Leasing and Finance PLC Chairman Indrajith Boyagoda encouraged parents to use pocket money, saving incentives and everyday conversations to help children practise financial responsibility, emphasising the importance of leading by example at home.

First Capital Holdings PLC Vice President Deshani Ratnayake urged parents to avoid passing their own fears about money and investing on to children, encouraging them instead to explore and learn through practical experiences, including small business ventures.

An engaging activation for children brought the lessons from Bunty Loves Chocolates to life through fun, hands - on experiences, with treats generously provided by Revello, the Official Chocolate Partner. A series of upcoming events will continue to introduce the book to young readers and families, while raising awareness of the importance of nurturing financial literacy from an early age.