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FinTravel Ltd., incorporated in 1975 as a subsidiary of James Finlay and Company Plc under name of Finlays Travels Ltd., was recently acquired by Osara Lanka Destinations Ltd.
Commenting on the deal Osara Lanka Founder Rienzie T. Wijetilleke said that this acquisition is a testament to the commitment of Osara Lanka to develop the tourism business in Sri Lanka and that it further consolidates Osara’s position as one of the fastest growing travel companies in the country.
The FinTravel team brings with them over three decades of knowledge and experience in the travel business, backed by world-class service standards that support a vast corporate customer base.
Wijetilleke also succeeds well-known business leader R.I. Juriansz as the Chairman of FinTravel Ltd., while Kusum Wijetilleke who was a senior banker at DFCC Bank Plc has joined Osara as General Manager to drive the growth strategy.
The new Board of Directors and Management of FinTravel are poised to exploit the potential of the travel and tourism industry in Sri Lanka and along with Osara Lanka looks forward to a period of rapid progress, bringing in enormous benefits to the country.
Consequent to the acquisition, Fin Travel will relocate its operations to 61, Alexandra Place, Colombo 7, where Osara Lanka is presently based.
Osara was founded by veteran banker Wijetilleke in 2013. FinTravel was managed and controlled by Late Wing Commander Noel Fernando, who was a pioneer in the travel industry, having been Managing Director of Thomas Cook Overseas Ltd. for over 18 years.
Wijetilleke incorporated Osara Lanka following his retirement in 2010, as Chairman of Hatton National Bank, which he headed for 24 years. He was largely responsible for HNB’s emergence as one of Sri Lanka’s leading private sector commercial banks. He retired from HNB in 2010, after completing 51 years as a practicing banker. During his tenure as Head of HNB, he successfully acquired Sri Lanka branches of Emirates Bank, Indo-Suez Bank and Habib Bank, adding much value to HNB resources.
The new Board of Directors and Management of FinTravel are poised to harness the potential of the travel and tourism industry in Sri Lanka and along with Osara Lanka looks forward to a period of rapid progress, bringing in enormous benefits to the country.
