First Capital Holdings PLC, a subsidiary of the Janashakthi Group (JXG) and a prominent entity within Sri Lanka’s capital markets, achieved several significant sustainability partnerships both on a global and local scale during the fiscal year 2025/26, furthering its dedication to responsible finance, climate accountability, financial inclusion, and the creation of long-term stakeholder value.
Throughout the year, the company established a number of globally recognized sustainability affiliations, many of which marked milestones for Sri Lanka’s capital market sector.
A notable achievement was First Capital being the first investment institution worldwide to obtain the Certificate of Acceptance from the Sustainability Standards & Certification Initiative (SSCI) by the European Organisation for Sustainable Development. Additionally, the company became the first investment institution in Sri Lanka to join the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP), and the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF). These affiliations underscore its commitment to ethical governance, gender equality, climate transparency, and sustainable finance practices. Moreover, First Capital Asset Management Limited was recognized as the first corporate entity in Sri Lanka to join the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).
Regarding First Capital’s overarching sustainability objectives, Dilshan Wirasekara, the Managing Director and CEO of First Capital Holdings PLC, remarked, “As an investment entity, we are aware of our role in fostering sustainable economic development through responsible investments and inclusive growth. Sustainability is now integral to our business strategy, essential for long-term resilience and value creation. In the capital markets arena, First Capital is taking the lead in promoting sustainable finance practices and establishing benchmarks for responsible growth. Our accomplishments during FY 2025/26 reflect our ongoing commitment to creating a positive impact for stakeholders, communities, and the overall economy.”
Throughout the year, environmental stewardship remained a key focus. First Capital enhanced its operational sustainability by installing solar power systems on its Deal Place rooftop, which helped minimize its environmental impact and reinforced its commitment to renewable energy. The company also collaborated with the WNPS PLANT initiative to support forest restoration in Sri Lanka’s central highlands and conducted environmental leadership programs aimed at combating plastic pollution and promoting marine conservation. Additionally, sustainability governance was bolstered through training sessions on SLFRS S1 and S2 for Board members and senior management, enhancing their preparedness for climate-related reporting and disclosure.
Diluni Danushika, Head of Sustainability and Corporate Reporting at First Capital Holdings PLC, commented on the company’s sustainability advancements, stating, “At First Capital, sustainability is woven into our approach to creating long-term value. In FY 2025/26, we concentrated on transforming our sustainability commitments into actionable outcomes by strengthening our governance frameworks, enhancing climate accountability, promoting financial inclusion, and aligning with internationally recognized sustainability standards. Our strategy reflects a long-term vision of constructing a resilient, transparent, and future-ready organization.”
Financial literacy and investor empowerment also remained integral to First Capital’s sustainability strategy. Through initiatives such as the investED university outreach program, multilingual investor forums, the Stock Talk Webinar Series, and national awareness campaigns, First Capital worked to broaden access to financial knowledge and responsible investment education throughout Sri Lanka, engaging over 1,000 university students through the investED program alone.
Moreover, First Capital reinforced its commitment to gender inclusion and women’s empowerment through its FinPowerHer initiative. This program embodies First Capital’s belief that empowerment, especially in financial participation, involves changing narratives and fostering behavioral shifts rather than merely implementing standalone initiatives. As an investment firm dedicated to enhancing lives through capital markets, supporting women’s entry into finance and leadership roles is central to the company’s mission.
Simultaneously, the company continued to enhance its community and social impact through various initiatives focused on education, environmental preservation, and grassroots support. Activities included awareness sessions, turtle conservation efforts, provision of school supplies, and upgrades to menstrual hygiene facilities, all aimed at improving conditions in underserved school communities.
Additionally, First Capital supported entrepreneurship and youth development through its First Capital Startup Nation collaboration with Hatch, partnerships for SME advisory, educational outreach initiatives, and a contribution of Rs. 15 million to the Rebuild Sri Lanka Fund.
Internally, First Capital worked to foster a culture of sustainability by integrating awareness throughout the organization via training programs, internal communications, email campaigns, and the official declaration of a Sustainability Month, which promoted employee engagement on environmental, social, and governance issues. This initiative was complemented by ongoing efforts to enhance governance structures, ensuring accountability, oversight, and long-term resilience within the company.
Looking forward, First Capital plans to focus on operationalizing its PCAF-aligned financed emissions baseline, advancing SLFRS S1 and S2 disclosure readiness, and progressing its SSCI High Impact Goals as the next steps in its sustainability journey.
