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Leading the way in exploring export markets

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Sayuri Rathnayake - Moderator along with presenters at the webinar (l-r) Suresh D Mel - Chairman / Chief Executive, Export Development Board, Shashi Kandambi Jassim - Senior Deputy General Manager - International Banking, Sampath Bank and Priyanka Rathnamalala – Director General, Industrial Development Board

As Sri Lanka powers through its worst economic crisis in recent history, it’s now more important than ever for exporters to establish their footholds in the market. However, resources for entry-level exporters remain scarce. Recognising the changing and evolving needs of its loyal client base, the pioneer of the banking industry Sampath Bank PLC recently organised a webinar titled ‘LEAD THE WAY: EXPLORE EXPORT MARKETS’ in partnership with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Industrial Development Board (IDB) to address this very timely issue.

The webinar was held for entry-level exporters with the dual intentions of fostering and encouraging local entry-level exporters to advance their businesses, and strengthening ties between private and public stakeholder institutions to synergise the service being offered to local exporters.

Conducted in Sinhala by a 90% preferred choice, the webinar featured IDB Director General Priyanka Ratnamalala and EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Suresh D. de Mel. Joining them, and representing Sampath Bank PLC, were the Senior Deputy General Manager – Corporate Banking – Shashi Kandambi Jassim, and Assistant General Manager – Information Technology – Dushyantha Dassanayake.

A wide range of relevant topics were covered by the speakers: Priyanka Ratnamalala– in his presentation of ‘Are you comprehensively export ready?’ covered strategic business and strategy formulation; Suresh D. de Mel conducted a session on introduction to export markets and understanding the export markets, while Shashi Kandambi Jassim spoke on the topic of Sampath Bank’s role in providing export service facilities; and finally, Dushyantha Dassanayake elaborated on exports and online marketing.

Delivering the opening remarks for the event, Sampath Bank PLC, Managing Director – Nanda Fernando reiterated the priority given by Sampath Bank to its customers. “Since Sampath Bank was founded in 1987, the most important part of the bank’s journey was its customers,” he said, adding: “We have always believed it’s a bank’s responsibility to provide customers with the necessities to do successful business. Therefore, we have introduced this timely initiative in partnership with relevant organisations, which we hope will help our customers.”

This webinar, covering the export market in general, was the first in a planned series of events by Sampath Bank PLC. The Bank aims to conduct more webinars targeting regions and specific industries in the future, catering to the needs of their customer base whilst helping entry-level exporters gain a stronger foothold in the market.

Despite the contemporary obstacles faced by the banking sector in Sri Lanka, Sampath Bank has successfully maintained all its capital ratios well above regulatory requirements throughout Q1 2022. All the while, Sampath Bank has implemented all government-led moratorium schemes for eligible customer segments affected by the pandemic. The Bank’s digitalization strategy has also continued to prove its worth during these trying times by securing a more accessible and safer banking experience for customers.



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Colombo Stock Exchange introduces GSS+ Bonds to the Sri Lankan capital market

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In line with a broader, more inclusive approach and in alignment with evolving global standards, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces the launch of the GSS+ Bonds Regulatory Framework, effective March 2025. This marks the first comprehensive regulatory framework in Sri Lanka dedicated to thematic bonds.

Under this initiative, the term “Sustainability Bonds” in the CSE Listing Rules has been replaced with “GSS+ Bonds”, which now encompasses Green, Blue, Social, Sustainability, and other related bond types, including Sustainability-Linked Bonds.

Social Bonds are fixed-income instruments where proceeds are exclusively allocated to finance or refinance projects aimed at addressing social challenges and generating positive social outcomes—such as improved access to essential services, affordable housing, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The global Social Bond market has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by rising investor interest in fostering inclusive and sustainable development.

In a significant development, the requirements for issuing GSS+ Bonds are now fully aligned with the guidelines of the International Capital Market Association (ICMA). This alignment ensures consistency with globally accepted practices and enhances the credibility and transparency of the sustainable finance instruments listed on the CSE.

The verification framework has also been enhanced. In addition to the previously accepted forms of assurance and impact reporting, issuers may now utilize enhanced methods such as Second Party Opinion and Certification, providing additional layers of investor confidence and credibility.

These rule enhancements were made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Sri Lanka, underscoring the commitment of all stakeholders to elevate Sri Lanka’s sustainable finance landscape to meet international best practices.

The primary objective of this initiative is to enable capital raising for projects with measurable environmental and social impact, while also offering investors the opportunity to align their investment strategies with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

The introduction of GSS+ offers wide-ranging benefits. For issuers, it opens access to a new pool of capital dedicated to funding projects with positive social outcomes. Investors gain an opportunity to diversify their portfolios with instruments that deliver both financial and social returns. At a broader level, the initiative supports responsible capital allocation and contributes to key national development priorities such as poverty alleviation, gender equality, access to healthcare, and inclusive education.

Commenting on the launch, . Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Chief Executive Officer of the Colombo Stock Exchange, stated, “The introduction of GSS+ to the Sri Lankan capital market represents a significant step in our journey towards promoting sustainable finance. This initiative not only expands the suite of sustainable investment products available in the market but also empowers issuers to raise funds for socially impactful projects that can make a lasting difference in our communities.”

“We are proud to support this important development, which reflects our ongoing commitment to align capital market infrastructure with global best practices and to play an active role in Sri Lanka’s sustainable economic growth.”

The CSE remains committed to advancing ESG-aligned initiatives and providing market participants with robust frameworks for sustainability-oriented investments. The introduction of GSS+ Bonds reinforces the CSE’s role in facilitating financial innovation that contributes meaningfully to national and global development goals.

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SLT-MOBITEL rewards loyal roaming customers with exclusive overseas tour

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SLT-MOBITEL recently rewarded the lucky customer of its special ‘Roam and Win’ campaign with an all-inclusive tour package to Thailand, as part of its special roaming promotional campaign. The prize giving ceremony was held at the SLT-MOBITEL headquarters, marking a celebration of customer loyalty and appreciation.

The campaign was designed to recognize and reward both prepaid and postpaid customers who activated SLT-MOBITEL roaming plans during their international travels. The grand prize winner was selected through a raffle draw conducted among the pool of eligible customers. The tour package to Thailand included fully paid airfare, hotel accommodation, visa arrangements, guided excursions, and a daily allowance for 2 persons—offering the winners an unforgettable and worry-free experience abroad.

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Tomorrow Financial Solutions joins forces with global financial powerhouse Lolc Holdings

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Kapila Jayawardena, Group Managing Director, LOLC Holdings PLC together with Pramu Rodrigo, Managing Director of TFS and Sonali Rodrigo, Director of TFS, attending the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Colombo, Sri Lanka ceremony

In a landmark move set to redefine the financial services landscape across two continents, LOLC Holdings PLC, Sri Lanka’s largest multi-currency, multi-geographic financial conglomerate, has entered into a strategic partnership with Tomorrow Financial Solutions (TFS) Australia. The agreement, formalized earlier this year, was officially inaugurated on April 03, 2025, at the TFS headquarters in Melbourne, followed by the grand launch held on April 24, 2025, at the opening of the new TFS office at the LOLC premises in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Tomorrow Financial Solutions (TFS) is an Australian financial services firm specializing in mortgage broking, financial planning, commercial lending, and investment strategy. With a focus on client-first, tech-powered experiences, TFS delivers innovative, strategic, and personalized solutions that drive long-term wealth creation.

This alliance represents a significant milestone for both organizations. For TFS, the partnership cements its evolution from a visionary local enterprise into a formidable player on the global financial stage, bolstered by LOLC’s capital investment and international credibility. For LOLC Holdings, this collaboration marks its official foray into the Australian financial market, further reinforcing its global footprint and commitment to providing inclusive financial solutions across new geographies.

“This strategic partnership is more than just an association,” remarked Mr. Pramu Rodrigo, Managing Director/ CEO of TFS, “It is the beginning of a transformative chapter in the Australian financial services sector. Harnessing LOLC’s global expertise, we’re cementing our presence in the Australian market with a bold vision, to set a benchmark in agile, client-focused financial services for a smarter, more connected future.”

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