York Street Partners (Pvt) Ltd, a Sri Lanka-based boutique investment banking and advisory firm, took first place in both the “most innovative” and “greatest impact” categories of Harvard Business School’s 2014 Alumni New Venture Competition.

This year’s competition attracted over 200 entries hosted by 17 regional alumni hubs around the world. The competition’s grand finale took place recently at the school’s campus in Boston.

Having won the Southeast Asia regional title in April, York Street Partners progressed to win two out of three titles in the global round, which included a crowd-voting segment that was sent out to the school’s almost 80,000 alumni around the globe. In the history of the competition, York Street Partners is the only venture from Sri Lanka to win the regional and global titles.

“The mission of Harvard Business School is to educate leaders who make a difference in the world,” said Harvard Business School Dean Nitin Nohria at the awards ceremony. “York Street Partners is an excellent example of how our alumni embody that ethos.

By returning to Sri Lanka,” he continued, “the team will drive positive change during a pivotal point in their country’s history. We wish them the best of luck.”

York Street Partners provides investment banking and strategic advisory services in the Sri Lankan and regional market. The firm’s leadership team includes three alumni of Harvard Business School – Nayana Mawilmada, Hiran Embuldeniya and Jayamin Pelpola. Since opening their doors in 2011, the firm has successfully attracted and unified Sri Lankan talent from organizations such as Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, Asian Development Bank and Deutsche Bank.

The firm is unique in its depth of expertise across key investment banking product areas such as real estate, structured finance, placements and private equity. York Street Partners is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between local firms and international capital.