First Capital’s sustainability journey is anchored in the belief that long-term success stems from empowering people through financial literacy and responsible social and environmental practices.
At the heart of our agenda is a commitment to advancing financial stability, enabling individuals and communities to make informed financial decisions, build economic strength and contribute meaningfully to national development.
This core focus is complemented by initiatives in community engagement, climate action, and environmental protection, ensuring a balanced approach to sustainable growth.
Aligned with SLFRS S2 and global best practices, we champion programmes that promote inclusive progress, sustainable development and long-term wellbeing across Sri Lanka.
By embedding financial literacy and sustainability into our core strategies, we aspire to create a financially empowered and environmentally conscious nation.
As part of the partnership, First Capital will fund the restoration of approximately 4 kilometres of riverbank area (around 13–15 acres) along the Nanu Oya within the Great Western Estate in Thalawakele.
The initiative forms part of PLANT’s ongoing Emerald Trails programme, which aims to create interconnected forest ecosystems in Sri Lanka’s highly biodiverse southwestern region, home to most of the island’s endemic species.
In addition to restoring vital ecosystems, this reforestation effort contributes meaningfully to mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Forest restoration plays a critical role in absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide, enhancing carbon sequestration, and stabilizing local microclimates.
By replanting native species and rehabilitating degraded land, the project helps reduce greenhouse gas concentrations while protecting vital water sources and soil health.
Over time, the newly restored forest corridor along the Nanu Oya will not only become a biodiversity haven but also serve as a natural carbon sink strengthening Sri Lanka’s strength to increasingly erratic rainfall, rising temperatures and ecosystem degradation.
Reaffirming its commitment to responsible value creation, First Capital emphasises science-based conservation over ad-hoc tree planting.
The initiative also enables the company to support biodiversity studies and track the species protected through this restoration effort.
Dilshan Wirasekara, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First Capital Holdings PLC, commented,
“At First Capital, we believe that long-term value creation goes beyond financial growth.
It extends to nurturing the environments and communities that sustain us.
Our partnership with WNPS and PLANT reflects our commitment to protecting Sri Lanka’s natural heritage through meaningful, science-based conservation.
This project represents our collective responsibility to restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity and ensure that the next generation inherits a greener planet.”
WNPS Past President Spencer Manualpillai extended his appreciation to the Janashakthi Group and First Capital and mentioned that the Society was proud to partner with companies like First Capital who were having the long-term interest of the nation at heart when pursuing this partnership.
“WNPS is proud to lead the charge in bringing back much needed mountain forest corridors and watersheds, and PLANT is proof that impactful scientific restoration initiatives are possible when partners come together for a common purpose” he added.
The project site, currently comprising tea cultivation and grasslands will be rehabilitated through the planting of 7,200 native trees, scientifically selected to re-establish a thriving forest corridor that supports wildlife movement while complementing the Nanu Oya waterway ecosystem.
A mandatory community engagement component ensures that surrounding communities actively participate in and benefit from the restoration process.
Established in 1894, the WNPS is the third oldest non-governmental organisation of its kind in the world.
WNPS has played a pivotal role in the establishment of Sri Lanka’s first national parks and was instrumental in the creation of the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.
PLANT is a pioneering initiative which works with private sector partners and singularly focuses on developing Forest Corridors, and protecting sensitive lands in the endemic rich regions.
PLANT is currently active in 33 locations and collaborates with landowners and partners, focuses on conserving privately owned lands for ecological preservation and the benefit of future generations.
This collaboration with WNPS and PLANT marks a significant milestone in First Capital’s ongoing commitment to creating measurable environmental impact, fostering community inclusion, and strengthening Sri Lanka’s natural ecosystems as part of a responsible and forward-thinking business agenda.
About First Capital Holdings PLC
First Capital Holdings PLC is a listed full-service investment institution in Sri Lanka, operating as a primary dealer, corporate finance advisor, wealth manager and stockbroker.
With strong emphasis on upholding stability, fostering a competitive advantage, and providing an exceptional customer experience, together with the support of JXG (Janashakthi Group), First Capital focuses on staying true to its ‘Performance First’ ethos.
The company has been recognised as the Most Valuable Consumer Brand in the Investment Banking sector by Brand Finance for two consecutive years.
With over four decades of expertise in providing capital market solutions, the Credit Ratings of First Capital Holdings PLC and First Capital Treasuries PLC (subsidiary) were upgraded by Lanka Credit Rating Agency Limited (LRA) to ‘A+’ from ‘A’, with a stable outlook.
Image Caption Left to Right - Rapti Dirckze, General Secretary, WNPS; Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne, Chairman of WNPS-PLANT; Spencer Manualpillai, Past President, WNPS; Dilshan Wirasekara, Managing Director/CEO, First Capital Holdings PLC; Diluni Danushika, Head - Sustainability and Corporate Reporting, First Capital Holdings PLC and Sashi Schaffter, Vice President - Corporate Finance, First Capital Holdings PLC.