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Colombo, Sri Lanka – Sri Lankan business magnate Ishara Nanayakkara has joined the ranks of South Asia’s billionaires in 2025, with an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion, making him the nation’s wealthiest individual.
The regional list is once again topped by Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, whose fortune stands at $118 billion, spanning industries from telecom to petrochemicals, energy, and retail.
Nanayakkara, who heads LOLC Holdings, has overtaken long-time tycoon Dhammika Perera to claim the top spot in Sri Lanka’s rich list. Under his leadership, LOLC has expanded into over 10 countries, with a strong focus on microfinance and insurance, solidifying Sri Lanka’s footprint in global financial markets.
Other Billionaires in the Region:
Pakistan: Shahid Khan – $13.5 billion (auto parts manufacturing & sports ownership in the U.S.)
Bangladesh: Mossa Bin Shamsher – claims $12 billion (international business & political influence, though unverified)
Nepal: Binod Chaudhary – $1.6 billion (Wai Wai noodles & diversified ventures)
Nanayakkara’s rise reflects the increasing influence of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in the global economy, as the country’s corporate leaders look beyond domestic markets to achieve international growth.
