“Women-Friendly Workplace is a core business strategy” – First Capital Holdings PLC 

As a participating organization in Satynmag Women Friendly Workplace Awards 2025, First Capital Holdings PLC (FCH), known as one of Sri Lanka’s leading full-service investment institution and a subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group), has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a truly women-friendly workplace. The company is committed towards setting an industry benchmark through comprehensive policies, transparent practices, and a culture of empowerment.

Led by a mission “To improve the lives of all Sri Lankans through financial solutions”, First Capital believes that the future of work in Sri Lanka can be inclusive, equitable, and supportive of women at every stage of their careers.

Leading by Example: Gender Balance at the Top

First Capital’s commitment to gender equity begins at the boardroom table. Women represent 43% of Board leadership at First Capital Treasuries PLC and 43% at First Capital Holdings PLC itself, seen as among the highest in Sri Lanka’s financial sector. Overall, women comprise 39% of the Group’s workforce, showcasing a culture that values merit and diversity in equal measure.

“At First Capital, inclusivity is not just a policy or a box to tick. It is deeply woven into the fabric of our purpose and long-term vision. It shapes how we lead, how we innovate, and how we grow. We don’t view inclusivity as an initiative. We see it as a mindset that drives sustainable success,” says Dilshan Wirasekara, Managing Director and CEO of First Capital Holdings PLC. “We believe that diverse leadership isn’t just the right thing to do. It is a strategic advantage that fuels stronger performance, better decision-making, and meaningful impact.”

First Capital has invested in creating a safe, respectful environment where all employees feel protected and valued.For example, mandatory safety equipment is provided across all locations while a robust Whistle Blowing Policy ensures concerns can be raised confidentially and addressed fairly.

The company believes in prioritizing mental health and work-life balance which remain central to FCH’s approach; this is affirmed via a flexible working culture, hybrid work policies, and wellness events designed to support the whole person, not just the employee.

Recognising Women’s Achievements – A Women Friendly Work Place

Beyond policies, FCH actively celebrates its women and supports their career path growth. The company was recognised at the Mom Leaders Conference 2025 for fostering a mom-inclusive culture that supports women balancing motherhood and careers. In addition, internal awards have highlighted the outstanding contributions of employees like Nisini Martis and Ayesha Perera, reinforcing a culture of appreciation and inclusion.

Women’s Day celebrations are an important fixture on the corporate calendar, underlining FCH’s commitment to visibility and respect.

Driving Gender Pay Parity

First Capital’s approach to fair remuneration sets a strong precedent for the Company; an annual remuneration review process ensures pay is equitable and competitive, eliminating systemic gender pay gaps that continue to challenge many industries.

Supporting Parents Equally

First Capital recognises the importance of shared parenting responsibilities. Standard maternity leave with extended options and 14 days of paternity leave within six months of childbirth are provided. Compassionate policies for resignation during maternity leave ensure dignity and respect during life’s most important transitions.

Transparent, Inclusive Benefits

The Company offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports both women and men in managing their professional and personal responsibilities. These include medical insurance cover for employees and dependents, life, personal accident, and critical illness cover, distress, housing, and vehicle loans, each designed to reduce financial stress and improve the well-being of their employees.

Fair and Transparent Performance Management

The Company’s SMARTS KPI-based appraisal process ensures fairness and transparency with Aa two-stage cycle with mid-year reviews and annual appraisals, performance measured across customer, internal process, learning, growth, and financial goals and both monetary and non-monetary rewards to recognise excellence. This commitment to fairness helps build trust and motivation across all levels.

Investing in Women’s Career Growth

First Capital actively nurtures its talent pipeline through robust learning and development initiatives. On-the-job mentoring and coaching, cross-training and job rotation is provided as a part of this. In addition, clubs and forums encouraging cross-functional collaboration are also encouraged. All of these are ably supported by a comprehensive training budget that prioritizes core leadership, technical, and soft skills training. In addition, policies in place to cover exam reimbursements, professional subscriptions, and education assistance ensure financial barriers to advancementare removed, thus enabling growth and achieving one’s potential.

In FY2025 alone, among 25 internal promotions  44% was awarded to women—a strong signal of equal opportunity in action.

Why It Matters

First Capital’s approach serves as a strong blueprint for diversity and inclusion. Attracting and retaining talented women not only strengthens business performance but also enriches leadership with diverse perspectives that lead to better decision-making and innovation. This, in turn, fosters a truly inclusive culture – one that drives loyalty, enhances reputation, and supports sustainable growth.