Ishara Chinthaka Nanayakkara has overtaken long-time magnate Dhammika Perera to become the richest individual in Sri Lanka, with an estimated net worth of USD 1.6 billion, according to regional business reports.
Nanayakkara, 52, is the Deputy Group Chairman of LOLC Holdings PLC, one of Sri Lanka’s largest and most diversified conglomerates with financial services, microfinance, and investments in over 10 countries.
He also serves as Executive Chairman of Browns Group, a multi-sector business spanning plantations, manufacturing, leisure, construction, and renewable energy.
His rise to the top of Sri Lanka’s wealth rankings reflects years of aggressive expansion, especially in the microfinance and financial services sectors across Asia and beyond.
Last year, he became the youngest person to head LOLC, steering its assets beyond LKR 1 trillion.
In 2012, Nanayakkara was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards.
