LMFN’s Microfinance Leaders’ Forum 2026 Unites Sector Leaders to Chart a Regulated Future

The Lanka Microfinance Network (LMFN), the largest and most inclusive microfinance network in Sri Lanka, hosted its flagship annual gathering, the Microfinance Leaders’ Forum 2026, “An Evening Gathering: Leading Through a Regulated Future”, on Friday, 11th September 2026, at Hotel Clio, Bolgoda. The Forum brought together Chief Executive Officers, Board Members and senior management from microfinance institutions across the island, in what organisers described as one of the sector’s most significant gatherings in recent years. The Forum was convened at a pivotal moment for the industry, as microfinance institutions across the country prepare for a new era of formal regulatory oversight.

Delivering the keynote address on “The Role of CEOs in Leading Institutional Transformation,” Dr. Kishu Gomes called on industry leaders to treat the coming regulatory transition as an opportunity to strengthen governance and rebuild public trust in the sector, rather than as a constraint on growth.

The programme also featured remarks from Mr. Janaka Lakmal, Deputy General Manager of the Credit Information Bureau of Sri Lanka (CRIB), who spoke on the growing role of credit information sharing as the sector moves toward tighter regulation.

In his address, LMFN Secretary Mr. Imran Nafeer traced the journey of Sri Lanka’s microfinance sector, from its early history to its present-day context and shared his perspective on how the industry’s next era would take shape, outlining the role that CEOs, board members, regulators and other stakeholders would need to play in shaping a responsible and sustainable path forward.

Addressing the gathering, LMFN Chairman Mr. Danushka Udugama said:

“As our industry moves into a new regulatory era, evenings like this remind us that regulation and growth are not competing forces, they are two expressions of the same commitment: to protect our clients and strengthen the institutions that serve them. I want to thank every CEO, board member and partner who set aside their evening to stand together as one microfinance family. Tonight, we didn’t just talk about a regulated future, we started building it, together.”

The Forum was supported by LCB Finance PLC, the event’s Finance Partner, represented by Chief Executive Officer Mr. Leelananda; M-CRIL Limited, LMFN’s International Knowledge Partner, represented by Chief Executive Officer Mr. Sudhir Narayan and AVP – Inclusive Finance Mr. Abhinav Ashesh; Evoke Labs, the IT Partner; and Liyasi TV, the Television Partner.

In recognition of his long-standing service to Sri Lanka’s microfinance movement, the Forum conferred Honorary Membership of LMFN upon Mr. G. Victor Rathnayake, a gesture that drew warm applause from the floor.

Formal proceedings ran from 4.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m., followed by a networking dinner that gave CEOs, board members and senior leaders an informal setting to continue discussions on collaboration and the sector’s path forward.