SREI Infrastructure Finance to boost aid development

By Shanuka Tissera

SREI Infrastructure Finance Ltd (India) announced their launch in Sri Lanka through a partnership with Arinma Holdings Pvt Ltd. SREI has helped over 30,000 entrepreneurs over its 23 years in operation offering a range of services in the infrastructure sector: Infrastructure project finance, advisory and development infrastructure equipment finance, venture capital and insurance broking.

Exchanging of MoU between Arinma Holdings Chairman Ashan Malalasekera and SREI Infrastructure Finance CEO Dr. R. Mandal – Pic by Lasantha Kumara

The giant helps development agencies in the public and private sector to identify, how to build the future though planning, engineering, project structuring and transaction advice. They provide end to end services in urban infrastructure, transportation, energy and social infrastructure segments. The company currently has assets under management to the value of $3.33 billion and is looking to increase that figure with their plans to enter neighbouring international markets.

“Post-war Sri Lanka is currently experiencing an unprecedented boom in construction and large scale development projects all across the country. Therefore, we believe we can contribute greatly to this vibrant economic activity with our expertise and know how by successfully synergising with out local partner Arinma Holdings,” said SREI Infrastructure Advisory Group CEO Dr. R. Mandal. The company with global presence from Russia to Germany helps to leverage products and offers public and private strategy advice when required.

In India itself, the government has set a $1 trillion budget for infrastructure development, of which 50% will be privately funded and the rest funded publicly. The vision of the company is to be the most inspiring global holistic infrastructure institution and is said to have a bright team who will help increase its foothold. They are also the first Indian non-banking financial institution to be listed on the London Stock exchange. In the equipment leasing markets, SREI experiences a 33% market dominance. Mandal explained the intricate details of the many roles that SREI play in infrastructure development.

SREI has the central ability to demonstrate and evaluate programmes for infrastructure segments through focussed, applicable and creative business skills for the government and private sector. Asset valuation, financial restructuring, planning policy advisory, big process transaction and project management consultancy are just a few of the services that the large firm provides.

Arinma Holdings Pvt Ltd Chairman Ashan Malalasekera said, “We believe that bringing SREI into Sri Lanka will create a platform for both the private and public sectors in Sri lanka. It is perhaps the most sophisticated and successful advisory services company in India with its vast talent pool of human resources and experience. It is especially exciting that it emphasises the role of project structuring on PPP models.”

SREI BNP Paribas is a 50:50 joint venture between SREI Infrastructure Finance Ltd and BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, the largest leasing group in Europe with a presence in over 15 countries. It is registered as SREI Equipment Finance Pvt Ltd. It is the largest construction and mining equipment financier in India, enjoying a customer base of over 28,000, built and nurtured over the past 23 years. Arinma Holdings is a diversified group with presence in West Africa, Israel, India and East Asia. Their business interests are in renewable energy, mining, heavy machinery and equipment supply. They will strive to identify and partner with cutting edge technology and service providers to promote the development of industry in Sri Lanka and its overseas markets.