Janashakthi Group (JXG), a rapidly emerging financial conglomerate, recently opened its new corporate office at Mireka Tower, Havelock City – Colombo. This move is considered a significant milestone in the company’s journey, coinciding with its 30th anniversary celebrated this year. It symbolizes a transformative shift in workspace culture and fosters an environment where collaboration and innovation thrive.
Janashakthi Group’s roots trace back to the early 1990s when Founder & Chairman Emeritus, Chandra Schaffter, inaugurated Sri Lanka’s first specialized Life Insurance Company. Over the years, JXG has evolved and expanded its reach through strategic mergers and acquisitions. Today, as the company celebrates nearly three decades of operation, the new corporate office represents a bold step forward in its journey of exponential growth and transformation.
Janashakthi Group is the principal holding company and has majority stakes in its key subsidiaries: First Capital Holdings PLC, Janashakthi Insurance PLC (Janashakthi Life), and Orient Finance PLC. Janashakthi Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Group, engages in initiatives that contribute to the well-being and development of society.
A few years ago, the Group implemented a “shared services” model, centralizing functions such as HR, Legal, Marketing, IT, and M&A. This model extends these services to business partners, providing oversight and added value at the Group level. The office at Mireka Tower now houses the teams responsible for these centralized functions, and other corporate functions.
As you enter the new state-of-the-art office, “The Wall of Celebration” is proudly displayed, highlighting Janashakthi’s heritage in the corporate world and cricket, honouring those who have contributed to its illustrious legacy. On another side, the brand name “JXG” is prominently featured, with the “X” symbolically representing exciting opportunities, expansion, and the exponential growth the organization promises.
Transforming Workspace Culture
Constructed with meticulous attention to detail and functionality, the new office features a mini golf course, a Lego room, private pods, inviting, stylish meeting spaces, a designated area for gaming, a café with refreshments, together with an open layout and collaborative workspaces designed to facilitate seamless communication and idea-sharing, fostering a culture of creativity, productivity, and, most importantly, the well-being of the employees. The workspace has been thoughtfully designed with consideration for the work-life balance of their employees, including provisions for working parents who may occasionally need to accommodate their children in the office environment.
The organization’s leadership embraces a humble approach and maintains a flat organizational structure, exemplified by its “open door” policy. Within their office space, Directors, CEOs, and all employees work together in an environment devoid of doors. This intentional design aims to foster a culture where everyone feels connected and respected. By eliminating physical barriers, the company promotes open communication, collaboration, and transparency, reinforcing its dedication to inclusivity and equality in the workplace.
Reinforcement of Company Values and Cultivation of Community within the New Office Space
At Janashakthi Group (JXG), the core values—Ethical and Honest, Collaborative, Respectful, Performance-driven, and Transparent—are central to their operations, uncompromised, and celebrated through biannual “Value Awards.” Integrity, where ethics, honesty, and respectfulness meet, is given utmost importance on a daily basis, supported by zero-tolerance policies on breaches and harassment, with whistleblowing channels and open-door policies in place. Performance drives appraisals and bonus schemes that acknowledge exceptional work. Transparency is maintained through regular Town Hall meetings, “Coffee with CEO” sessions, financial reviews and more, promoting alignment across the organization.
Collaboration is nurtured through the open office space concept, which has increased overall productivity and employee satisfaction, as confirmed by a recent staff survey. This space is further enriched by a diverse array of initiatives that foster a positive workplace culture. A signature weekly event, “Pens Down Thursdays,” encourages knowledge-sharing among teams with expert-led sessions featuring insights from both within and outside the company. Additionally, lively karaoke nights, relaxing movie screenings, and enjoyable breakfast sessions are organized, creating opportunities for team members to unwind and connect.
Looking into the Future with Strong Leadership, a Strong Foundation and a Clear Vision
In recent years, Janashakthi Group has exemplified resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving market dynamics. The organization’s strategic initiatives have not only bolstered its financial performance but have also significantly enhanced its capitalization indicators. These advancements have propelled the company towards sustained growth, reinforcing its position as a leader within the market.
At the Group level, a distinguished Board of Directors is composed of nine accomplished members. This Board provides invaluable guidance as they navigate Sri Lanka’s ever-changing financial landscape. Complementing their leadership, the C-suite professionals manage Group-wide operations and offer essential shared services across our key business units.
Guided by the vision of “Breaking Barriers and Forging Futures,” Janashakthi Group is committed to expanding its footprint beyond national borders. As they pursue their goal of becoming a growth-oriented financial conglomerate with a global presence, a strong foundation rich in heritage and a clear leadership direction will continue to be pivotal in their journey towards international success.