Late Lakshman Balasuriya: A Legacy of Integrity in Finance 📈

The Sri Lankan financial community mourns the passing of Lakshman Balasuriya, the long-standing leader of Senkadagala Finance PLC. Known for his humility and ethical leadership, his career spanned over four decades in the non-banking financial institution (NBFI) sector. • Professional Legacy: Served as Managing Director and CEO of Senkadagala Finance PLC from 1981 until 2024. Following his retirement as MD upon reaching age 70, he continued to serve as CEO until his demise in December 2025. • Sector Impact: Under his visionary leadership, the institution grew into one of Sri Lanka’s largest licensed finance companies, expanding to a network of 110 branches across all nine provinces. • Financial Stewardship: Managed a diverse portfolio including leasing, pawn brokering, and deposit mobilization. As of his passing, he held a significant interest of over 5.9 million ordinary voting shares in the company. • Corporate Values: Renowned for a "policy-first" approach, he advocated for professional dignity in the finance and banking industry, eschewing personal security and material displays of wealth despite his high-ranking status. • Personal Influence: Recognized by peers and family as a "true gentleman" who prioritized privacy, humility, and mentorship, profoundly impacting the next generation of leaders in Sri Lanka’s financial services sector.