Overview

Providing dynamic and innovative financial solutions since 1957, Central Finance Company Plc is Sri Lanka’s leading financial house. With a range of diversified services including Asset Leasing, Contract Hire, Fleet Management, Insurance Broking, Micro Finance and SME lending together with a broad portfolio of Savings and Deposit products, we help our customers fulfill their diverse financial needs and aspirations.

A company whose success is driven by its people, we continue to uphold the values of innovation instilled by our founder by consistently delivering financial products designed to fit the rising needs of our customers. This along with our experience, expertise and extensive branch network, enables us to deliver an exceptional service each and every time. Carrying the flag of distinction, we help you grow and prosper.

Mission

To be the leader in our industry, conducting business with responsibility, using our expertise in helping customers grow and prosper whilst creating lasting value for our shareholders.

Vision

Central Finance shall be the first choice for progressive customers in delivering innovative financial solutions.

Our History

A conversation with a fellow billiard-player and friend named J.A Ghafoor who owned a motor showroom in Kandy, inspired founder Chandra Wijenaike to start the first finance company in Kandy.Ghafoor mentioned to Wijenaike that he was faced with the task of travelling to Colombo each time he wanted to finance a motorcar for his showroom.This was an inconvenience and Ghafoor joked that if there were a finance company in Kandy,he would have more time on his hands to play billiards.

The first finance company in the hill capital was born. Established in 1957 as a private limited liability company, Central Finance Company commenced operations by providing financial services in the form of hire purchase facilities to the passenger transport and goods haulage of Kandy and the Central Region.

In 1969 the company was converted to a public company with a quotation from the Colombo Brokers Association and was the first firm outside Colombo to obtain such a listing in the post- war period. While the head office remained in Kandy, Central Finance Company PLC subsequently branched out over other parts of the country, progressing over the years to become one of the most respected financial institutions in the country with diversified services including Asset Leasing, Savings and Depossits, Contract Hire, Fleet Management, Micro Finance and SME lending, directly and through its several subsidiary and associate companies.

Group Entities

Central Industries PLC

Established in 1984, as a subsidiary company, Central Industries manufactures and markets a range of materials and products for water supply and drainage systems, including “National PVC’ one of the leading brands of PVC pipes in the country. The Company also pioneered the production of stainless steel water tanks in Sri Lanka.Central Finance Group owns a 49.98% stake in Central Industries PLC.

CF Insurance Brokers (Pvt)Ltd

When the concept of insurance broking was recognised in the local market by the Control of Insurance Amendment Act No. 42 of 1986, Central Finance was among the first to become involved in the industry. Within a decade, the insurance business handled by the Company had reached such proportions that a separate organisation, CFIB was established in 1996 to provide first-class insurance broking service to clients.

Nations Trust Bank PLC

A strategic partnership between John Keells Holdings and Central Finance to acquire the Colombo Branch of Overseas Trust Bank led to the establishment of Nations Trust Bank Plc in 1999, with the participation of International Finance Corporation.Nations Trust Bank has a range of products and services that cater to the financial needs of individuals, corporates and institutions. In addition to obtaining the exclusive franchise for American Express, Nations Trust was also the first to introduce the concept of supermarket banking to the country.Rated ‘A(lka)’ by Fitch Ratings, Nations Trust Bank has established itself as a truly customer-centric financial institution with 365 day banking, extended opening hours and internet banking facilities.

Tea Smallholder Factories PLC

With the privatisation of Tea Smallholder Factories, CF and John Keells Holdings ventured into the tea industry in 1997 by successfully bidding and acquiring this Company.The CF group owns 29.30 % of the company, while its largest shareholder, John Keells, manages the 8 factories. The company specializes in the manufacture of orthodox and CTC low grown teas, with many of the marks consistently achieving record prices.

Kandy Private Hospitals Ltd

Kandy Private Hospitals Ltd. (KPHL) is a subsidiary of Central Finance Company Ltd and commenced operations in 1970. One of the premier hospitals in Kandy, KPHL is equipped with up-to-date machinery, modern facilities and a qualified team of medical experts available for consultations and treatment.Central Finance group owns a 66.58% stake in Kandy Private Hospitals Ltd.

Dehigama Hotels Company Ltd

Formerly Dehigama Walawwa, the Dehigama Hotels building is located at 84 Raja Veediya in Kandy and houses the Head Office of Central Finance Company PLC.Central Finance Group owns a 79% stake in Dehigama Hotels Company Ltd.

Board of Directors

Asite Drupath Bandara Talwatte

Independent Non-Executive Chairman

Eranjith Harendra Wijenaike

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer

Arjuna Kapila Gunaratne

Deputy Managing Director/Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Dhammika Prasanna de Silva

Director/Chief Operating Officer

Agampodi Damitha Nandanie de Zoysa

Independent Non-Executive Director

Arjun Rishya Fernando

Independent Non-executive director

Chandika Kushan Hettiarachchi

Executive Director

Kuda Herath

Independent Non -Executive Director

Manjula de Silva