Ishara Nanayakkara named Sri Lanka’s richest person

Sri Lankan business magnate Ishara Nanayakkara has entered South Asia’s billionaire ranks with an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion, making him the country’s wealthiest individual. Accordingly, Nanayakkara has emerged as Sri Lanka’s wealthiest person, overtaking long-time tycoon Dhammika Perera. With a net worth of around $1.6 billion, Nanayakkara leads LOLC Holdings, a diversified financial services and investment conglomerate operating in more than 10 countries.

He has been instrumental in driving Sri Lanka’s presence in global microfinance and insurance markets, positioning himself as a key figure in the island’s corporate landscape.   

Nanayakkara joins regional heavyweights led by India’s Mukesh Ambani, who tops the list at $118 billion, alongside Pakistan’s Shahid Khan ($13.5 billion), Bangladesh’s Mossa Bin Shamsher ($12 billion, unverified), and Nepal’s Binod Chaudhary ($1.6 billion).