LOLC champions female diversity and leadership on women’s day celebrations

LOLC Holdings PLC, the premier multinational conglomerate spanning over 25 countries across Asia, Africa, and Australia, celebrated International Women's Day under the theme, "Count Her In."

This year’s commemoration of women within the LOLC Group highlighted the organisation's commitment to female diversity and leadership, uniting the extraordinary achievements, resilience, and leadership spirit of its female staff. The focal point of this year’s International Women's Day was the symposium held at LOLC’s head office, featuring two impactful sessions: "LOLC Spotlights" and the "LOLC Panel Discussion," the company said in a media release

The ‘LOLC Spotlights’ session stood out as a distinctive platform meticulously crafted to highlight gender diversity across its nine leading sectors. One of the notable participants was Ms. Priyanthi Makeswaranathan, the first and sole female estate assistant superintendent in Sri Lanka's plantation sector, representing Uddapussellawa Plantations, affiliated to Browns Plantations. This session also showcased the breadth of female talent within the LOLC Group, featuring female scientists, chefs, engineers and chemists. The narratives shared by these inspiring women shed light on the real-life obstacles, from maintaining a delicate work-life balance around the clock, to thriving in competitive environments.

The event then highlighted the prominent panel discussion spearheaded by Ms. Kalsha Amarasinghe, Director, LOLC Holdings PLC. Delving into relevant discussions on female career advancement, the panellists, comprising esteemed female leaders within the group, openhandedly shared their personal journeys and success strategies with the audience. Among them were Ms. Sunjeevani Kotakadeniya, Chief Financial Officer, LOLC Holdings PLC, Ms. Mehra Mendis, Head of Fleet Management, LOLC Finance PLC, Ms. Chamini Attanayake, Chief Operating Officer, LOLC Technologies, Ms. Raveendrini Senevirathne, Director of LOLC Corporate Services, Ms. Roshani Weerasekara, Head of Liability Management, LOLC Finance PLC, Ms. Gayani De Silva, Chief Officer Customer Relationship Management, LOLC Holdings PLC, and Ms. Deepamalie Abeywardena, Head of Factoring, LOLC Finance PLC.

In a significant addition to the forum, Ms. Rohini Nanayakkara, the former Chairman of LOLC Holdings PLC, graced the stage as the keynote speaker exploring into the topic of "Women Breaking the Glass Ceiling." She expounded upon various insights and perspectives, shedding light on this crucial subject matter.

Addressing the female staff at the symposium, Kapila Jayawardena, Group Managing Director/CEO of LOLC Holdings PLC, highlighted the organisation’s dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity. He said, "Within the LOLC Group, our commitment to empowering our female employees goes beyond offering opportunities. We are dedicated to facilitating their ongoing progress through transparent career paths, and equitable compensation structures. Our strategy revolves around providing continuous support, mentorship, and skill enhancement, with a focus on identifying and nurturing their talents while offering solid assistance during times of adversity."