Kapila Jayawardena wins CEO of the Year – Conglomerates

Tuesday, 3 March 2026 03:44 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

LOLC Group Managing Director/CEO Kapila Jayawardena (second from right) receiving the award from CBSL Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe. Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando is also present along with Global CEO Forum Founder Anura Siriwardena

LOLC Group Managing Director/CEO Kapila Jayawardena was named CEO of the Year – Conglomerates at the Global CEO Forum 2025, in recognition of his role in steering one of Sri Lanka’s largest diversified groups through sustained expansion and institutional transformation.

The awards ceremony was held on 26 February at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, drawing a distinguished audience that included senior policymakers, members of the diplomatic corps, and leading figures from the corporate sector.

Jayawardena received the award from Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe. The recognition followed what organisers described as a rigorous and independent evaluation process assessing financial performance, governance standards, organisational resilience, and industry contribution.

Since assuming leadership of LOLC in 2007, Jayawardena has overseen the Group’s evolution into a diversified global conglomerate spanning nine business verticals, with operations extending across multiple international markets. His tenure has been characterised by disciplined capital deployment, consolidation of core sectors and measured expansion into scalable growth areas.

Prior to this, Jayawardena was instrumental in aggressively and rapidly growing Citibank’s business in Sri Lanka after being appointed as one of the youngest CEOs in 1999. His leadership during that period laid the foundation for a results-driven, growth-oriented approach that would later define his stewardship at LOLC.

Market analysts note that LOLC’s ability to navigate volatile economic cycles while maintaining operational stability has been central to its growth trajectory. Under his stewardship, the Group has strengthened its institutional framework and sharpened its long-term strategic direction, positioning itself as a globally active Sri Lankan enterprise.

LOLC is today recognised as the country’s sole conglomerate Superbrand, a status that reflects both brand equity and sustained corporate performance. Industry observers say the latest accolade further cements Jayawardena’s standing among regional corporate leaders driving long-term value creation within complex, multi-sector organisations.

Jayawardena has brought exceptional value creation to both Citibank and LOLC, reflecting a rare Midas touch in financial leadership.