Dearo Venture Capital strengthens leadership

Chairman and Independent/Non-Executive Director K.M.M. Jabir (third from left) along with the Board of Directors of Dearo Venture Capital

 Unveils strategic vision for Sri Lanka’s economic growth

 Reveals successfully built asset base exceeding Rs. 5 b with over 25,000 customers

Dearo Venture Capital Ltd., has announced the appointment of its new Board of Directors at a special media conference held at the company’s Head Office located on the 9th floor, Ceylinco House, No. 69, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 1.

The event brought together members of the media, business leaders, investors, stakeholders, and members of the Dearo management team to witness the unveiling of the company’s renewed strategic direction and long-term vision for supporting entrepreneurship and economic development in Sri Lanka.

The newly appointed Board of Directors comprises highly respected professionals with extensive experience in finance, banking, governance, technology, risk management, human resources, and corporate leadership. 

Under the leadership of Chairman and Independent/Non-Executive Director K.M.M. Jabir, the Board consists of Neil Bogahalanda, Lalith Fernando, Muditha Welihinda, and Shaheena Mohammed as Independent/Non-Executive Director. The Board also includes Prasanna Ranasinghe, the Non-Independent Executive Director who leads the team at Dearo Ventures Capital. 

Ranasinghe said: “Over the past four years, Dearo Venture Capital Ltd., has emerged as a significant force within Sri Lanka’s investment and financial services sector. Today, we proudly serve over 25,000 customers through a network of 25 branches countrywide, supported by a dedicated workforce of over 350 professionals. Dearo Venture Capital Ltd., has successfully built an asset base exceeding Rs. 5 billion, reflecting the confidence and trust placed in the institution by investors and stakeholders across the country.”

K.M.M. Jabir has previously served as Executive Director and CEO of Janashakthi Finance PLC and Richard Pieris Finance Ltd., while Muditha Welihinda has served as Director and Head of Information Technology at Richard Pieris Group. Lalith Fernando formerly served as a Consultant and Resource Person at the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka (IBSL) and as Deputy General Manager and Chief Risk Officer of PABC Bank. Neil Bogahalanda is the current President of CIPM Sri Lanka and former Head of Human Resources at Royal Ceramics Lanka PLC. Shaheena Mohammed previously served as Deputy General Manager – Compliance and Company Secretary of Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation.

The newly strengthened Board is expected to provide strategic leadership and governance as Dearo Venture Capital Ltd., expands its role as a catalyst for entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable economic development throughout Sri Lanka.

Jabir said: “Unlike traditional investment models, Dearo directs resources toward productive sectors that contribute directly to national development, including tourism, agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, trading, education, engineering and service industries. Through strategic investments and partnerships, Dearo supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (SMEs), helping entrepreneurs access growth capital, expand operations, create employment opportunities, and strengthen local economies. With the newly appointed dynamic and experienced Board of Directors, Dearo Venture Capital intends to strengthen Sri Lanka’s economy in a more feasible way.” 

He emphasised Dearo Venture Capital’s purpose to extend beyond conventional investment management. The company focuses on connecting investment capital with entrepreneurial potential, creating opportunities for business growth while generating sustainable wealth for investors. Dearo Venture Capital Ltd., has further strengthened its commitment to sector-based development through its specialised subsidiaries: Dearo Agri, Dearo Education, Dearo Engineering, Dearo IT and Dearo Investment.

During the press conference, the Board reaffirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and corporate governance. Dearo Venture Capital Ltd., continues to operate in compliance with applicable corporate governance standards and best practices in Sri Lanka, ensuring investors benefit from professionally managed and responsibly governed investment solutions.

The company’s disciplined investment approach, strategic diversification, and strong governance framework have positioned Dearo as a trusted investment partner for thousands of Sri Lankans seeking secure and sustainable wealth creation opportunities. Under the guidance of its newly appointed Board of Directors, Dearo Venture Capital Ltd., intends to become Sri Lanka’s most trusted and impactful venture capital institution, empowering entrepreneurs, transforming industries, creating sustainable wealth for investors, and driving inclusive economic growth across the nation.