Ishara Chinthaka Nanayakkara epitomizes entrepreneurial triumph, embodying innovation and persistence. He currently holds the position of Deputy Chairman at LOLC Holdings PLC, Sri Lanka’s largest diversified conglomerate. His journey to success is not only marked by personal achievements but also by the legacy of his father, Rajah Nanayakkara, a notable businessman whose ventures paved the way for his son’s illustrious career.
Born into a family with a rich entrepreneurial legacy, Nanayakkara was destined to follow in his father’s footsteps. Rajah Nanayakkara, a pioneer in the automobile industry, founded Ishara Traders in 1973, revolutionizing the importation of reconditioned vehicles from Japan to Sri Lanka. It was within this innovative environment that Ishara Chinthaka Nanayakkara was nurtured, commencing his journey towards greatness from an early age. His academic pursuits took him across Sri Lanka and Australia, culminating in him being conferred an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Professional Managers of Sri Lanka.
Over the years, Nanayakkara assumed various leadership roles within the organization locally and globally, including Chairman of Brown and Company, Browns Investments, Deputy Chairman of Seylan Bank, and Chairman/Chancellor of the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology. His professional journey is characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to driving positive change through innovation.
With extensive training in Japan as a youth, Nanayakkara honed his skills and gained invaluable insights into the world of business. He ventured into the financial services sector, channeling his entrepreneurial spirit into strategic investments in LOLC. Over four decades, his visionary guidance elevated LOLC from a modest entity to a formidable conglomerate diversified across nine sectors and spanning 25 countries across Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Nanayakkara’s penchant for innovation garnered numerous accolades, including being awarded the top-performing subsidiary of ORIX Japan early in his career. Spearheading digital innovation, he introduced groundbreaking products like iPay, revolutionizing the MSME financial arena and championing entrepreneurship globally.
His strategic acumen and bold decision-making propelled LOLC to new heights, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the financial services industry. Nanayakkara’s ascent to becoming the Richest Man in Sri Lanka in 2019 underscores his exceptional leadership and ability to capitalize on emerging opportunities, such as negotiating a landmark deal with a Korean bank during a critical period for the Sri Lankan economy.
Committed to fostering entrepreneurship and driving socio-economic development, Nanayakkara initiates massive humanitarian efforts like ‘LOLC Divi Saviya,’ which champions educational assistance for children nationwide. His ongoing commitment to social responsibility has received national recognition from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Education.
Today, Ishara Chinthaka Nanayakkara continues to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs, showcasing that with passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, anything is possible in the business world. His legacy intertwined with LOLC’s transformative journey resonates through communities worldwide.
