By Nishan Sumanadeera – Managing Partner, Frontier Capital Partners (Sep 22, 2025)
At Frontier Capital, we have always believed that the future belongs to those who embrace change early and channel innovation into real-world impact. Over the years, our work in investment banking, restructuring, and corporate advisory has shown us that industries must constantly evolve to remain competitive. Today, I see artificial intelligence (AI) as the single most transformative force that can redefine Sri Lanka’s economic and business landscape.
This conviction is what led us to invest in AI Mart, Sri Lanka’s first dedicated marketplace for AI solutions. AI Mart is not just a platform; it is a strategic step toward democratizing access to cutting-edge AI tools for businesses, professionals, and individuals across the country. By creating an ecosystem where AI solutions are easily discoverable, affordable, and customizable, we are laying the foundation for a digitally empowered Sri Lanka.
As part of this initiative, I am particularly proud of the integration of LankaLaw, LankaBIZ, and LankaTAX—three premier AI assistants designed to serve core sectors of our economy.
LankaLaw makes legal knowledge more accessible, reducing barriers to justice and compliance.
LankaBIZ empowers entrepreneurs, SMEs, and corporates with data-driven insights to strengthen business decision-making.
LankaTAX simplifies tax compliance, an area that has traditionally been complex and resource-heavy, thereby enabling efficiency and transparency.
These AI assistants are not just technological tools; they are catalysts for systemic transformation. They allow professionals and enterprises to reallocate time, talent, and capital toward value creation rather than administrative bottlenecks. Importantly, they reflect our philosophy at Frontier Capital—to invest not only in financial structures but also in ideas that create long-term economic resilience.
Sri Lanka stands at a crossroads. While global economies are rapidly adopting AI to power industries from healthcare to finance, our nation must not fall behind. At Frontier Capital, we see our role as more than financial investors; we are enablers of a vision where Sri Lanka positions itself as a regional hub for AI-powered solutions. By investing in platforms like AI Mart, we aim to accelerate adoption, nurture local talent, and attract international collaboration.
The journey ahead will require collaboration between private sector leaders, policymakers, educators, and innovators. But with initiatives like AI Mart, and with the power of solutions like LankaLaw, LankaBIZ, and LankaTAX, I am confident that Sri Lanka can unlock a new era of growth, efficiency, and competitiveness.
At Frontier Capital, our mission is clear: to bridge finance and innovation, and to ensure that Sri Lanka is not a passive observer of the AI revolution, but an active leader shaping its future.
By Nishan Sumanadeera – Shareholder/Founder ACAP Stockbrokers (pvt) Ltd (Aug 10, 2025)
As the Founder and a shareholder of ACAP Stockbrokers, I have always approached investment decisions with a long-term perspective and a disciplined focus on value creation. My role in leading the restructuring of Asia Capital PLC further reinforced my belief that strategy is not about chasing market cycles, but about making hard, timely choices that safeguard resilience and future growth.
Our recent decision, together with Asia Capital PLC, to divest from ACAP Stockbrokers—even during a period of booming equity market activity—may appear counterintuitive at first glance. However, it was a carefully considered move grounded in financial discipline, portfolio focus, and prudent risk management.
First, stockbroking is a capital-intensive and highly regulated business. While market momentum can drive short-term revenue growth, sustaining competitiveness requires continuous investments in technology, compliance, and human capital. For Asia Capital, which has been navigating a challenging restructuring journey, retaining such a capital-absorbing business was inconsistent with our long-term goals of financial stabilization and portfolio rebalancing.
Second, a booming market creates an opportune moment to exit. Valuations are more attractive, investor appetite is strong, and the ability to realize gains is maximized. By divesting at this stage, we were able to unlock value for shareholders and redirect resources into areas where Frontier Capital and Asia Capital have greater strategic alignment, such as investment banking, corporate advisory, and technology-driven ventures.
Third, this move aligns with the restructuring blueprint I have overseen at Asia Capital—reducing exposure to volatile earnings streams, strengthening the balance sheet, and focusing on sectors with sustainable growth. In today’s financial landscape, diversification into forward-looking industries like artificial intelligence and digital financial services offers greater resilience than doubling down on cyclical businesses.
Finally, the exit sends a strong signal to our stakeholders—local and foreign investors alike—that we are committed to disciplined capital management. It demonstrates that we are willing to take decisive actions, even in favorable conditions, to ensure long-term stability and competitiveness.
Exiting ACAP Stockbrokers was not about walking away from opportunity; it was about seizing the right opportunity. By making this move at a time of market strength, we secured value, reduced risk, and positioned both Asia Capital and Frontier Capital to pursue more strategic, innovative, and future-focused ventures.
In my view, true leadership in investment is not about holding on when markets are high—it is about knowing when to let go, so that capital, talent, and strategy can be redirected to where they will generate the greatest impact.