Business
HNB enhances facilities to MSMEs in agriculture sector

CBSL Deputy Governor H.A. Karunaratne with the first Micro Finance Customer Mahinda Abegunawardane of HNB Ambalangoda Customer Centre as (from left) HNB Regional Credit Head- Southern Shalindra Karunarathne, HNB Relationship Officer- Micro Finance Southern Region Chathuranga Welivita, HNB Head of Personal Financial Services Kanchana Karunagama, HNB Deputy General Manager – Retail & SME Banking Sanjay Wijemanne, HNB Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer Dilshan Rodrigo, HNB Head of Micro Finance Vinodh Fernando, Head of Leasing Niluka Amarasinghe and HNB Manager – Micro Finance Southern Region Rohana Yagamuni look on.
In a bid to enhance growth opportunities available for agricultural Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), HNB PLC, launched the Micro Leasing facility anchored to a myriad of benefits and opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Working in line with initiatives drawn by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) to strengthen the sector, HNB will ensure customers can further enhance their entrepreneurial capabilities. The facility will also provide customers access to an extensive range of deals and benefits from the bank’s wide portfolio of merchant partners.
“For Sri Lanka to achieve long term sustainable growth, it is vital that we empower the MSME sector, which contributes an estimated 52% to the GDP. As the regulator, we believe this can be done by equipping our entrepreneurs with the necessary capital while simultaneously improving their financial literacy.
“Therefore, I wish to thank HNB for the initiatives taken over the past few years through the Gami Pubuduwa campaign and for launching this facility, which will provide entrepreneurs with the opportunity to grow their businesses in a sustainable manner,” CBSL Deputy Governor H.A. Karunaratne stated.
Working through its 175 strong microfinance officers stationed across the country’s grassroots, HNB has facilitated growth in the sector through its Gami Pubuduwa initiative. The bank will lend the same support for its leasing customers by organising curated sessions to enhance value chain development and capacity building skills in collaboration with skills development organisations.
Additionally, customers can use the bank’s flexible payment schemes, customised to their repayment capabilities.
HNB Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer Dilshan Rodrigo, speaking at the event, said: “This is indeed a very proud moment for us as we are unveiling a new product for the agriculture sector. HNB has worked with over 10,000 MSME customers through the Gami Pubuduwa initiative and we hope to expand this supportive network to others through this new facility.
“We are looking forward to supporting and enhancing the capabilities of businesses affected by the pandemic and those created because of it by facilitating a common platform for our corporate clientele and the medium and small rural customers to establish and foster supply chains for an export-oriented economy. We are delighted to be launching this facility and hope to see our customers make use of this opportunity to grow their businesses during these challenging times.”
Notably, the bank will on-board all customers using the facility on its digital platforms such as HNB SOLO, MOMO and Appigo, improving the availability of convenient payment solutions in the sector. Furthermore, HNB offers a seamless one-day approval process supported by its state-of-the-art backend systems. Customers availing themselves of the facility are entitled to a free life insurance cover of Rs.4.5 million. The insurance is also anchored to discounted premiums from HNB General Insurance.
(HNB)
Business
UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka amplifies industry leadership

UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka is introducing a transformative patron structure for its Working Groups, set to take effect in 2025. This initiative strengthens the Network’s commitment to advancing corporate sustainability by amplifying the leadership of select companies within their respective issue areas. The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on March 20, 2025, at the 80 Club, in the presence of the Network’s Board Members.
Network Sri Lanka’s Working Groups have long provided a platform for businesses to exchange knowledge and drive industry-wide progress on sustainability. With this new structure, leading companies will take on an enhanced role in guiding participants within their Working Groups, offering mentorship, strategic insights, and best practices to drive collective action.
As Patrons, these companies will host events, provide guidance, and shape the direction of their respective Working Groups, ensuring that discussions translate into tangible, scalable solutions aligned with national and global sustainability priorities.
Meet the Patrons and Their Areas of Leadership
MAS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd – Gender & Diversity
MAS Holdings will lead the Gender & Diversity Working Group, championing inclusive business practices, gender equality, and women’s leadership in corporate Sri Lanka.
A. Baur & Co (Pvt) Ltd – Business & Human Rights
A. Baur & Co will lead efforts within the Business & Human Rights Working Group, championing ethical business practices, human rights protections, and responsible corporate conduct.
Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC – Climate Emergency Task Force
Talawakelle Tea Estates will drive action within the Climate Emergency Task Force, supporting businesses in climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience strategies.
Kelani Valley Plantations PLC – Water & Ocean Stewardship
Kelani Valley Plantations will support the Water & Ocean Stewardship Working Group, focusing on sustainable water management and conservation practices.
Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC – Water & Ocean Stewardship & Sustainable Supply Chain & SME
Dilmah will take on a dual Patron role, sharing its expertise in sustainable supply chains and water stewardship, particularly in global supply chain sustainability and marine biodiversity conservation efforts.
Teejay Lanka PLC – Sustainable Supply Chain & SME
Teejay Lanka will support the Sustainable Supply Chain Working Group, bringing its expertise in ethical sourcing, circularity, and sustainable manufacturing.
“As a steward of A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd.’s 127-year legacy, built on ethical governance and the unwavering dedication of our people. Ensuring a living wage is not just a moral imperative, it’s also a smart business strategy. When the employees have the financial security they need, they’re more productive, engaged, and loyal. We recognize that this transformative change cannot be achieved in isolation. By working together with other stakeholders, we can create a ripple effect that benefits everyone. Through our commitment to advocating for a living wage, we aim to inspire broader private sector participation, facilitate the exchange of best practices, and strengthen the ecosystem for equitable economic growth in Sri Lanka.” – Rolf Blaser, Managing Director / CEO, A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd.
Network Sri Lanka is the Country Network of the UN Global Compact, mobilizing businesses to integrate sustainability into their core strategies. Through its Working Groups, the Network facilitates peer learning, collaboration, and collective action to drive meaningful change across industries.
Business
Assetline Finance entity credit rating upgrade highlights strategic growth and stability

Assetline Finance Limited (AFL), the flagship company of the Financial Services Cluster of David Pieris Holdings, has received an upgraded entity credit rating from Lanka Rating Agency (LRA) to A with a Positive Outlook, up from its previous rating of A- with a Stable Outlook. This upgrade, along with the improved outlook, reflects AFL’s strong financial fundamentals, sustainable growth trajectory, and the increasing confidence of the market in its long-term stability and performance.
This new rating reflects the Company’s unwavering commitment to prudent financial stewardship, a strong focus on sound risk management practices, and a strategic approach to value creation. During the year, the Company demonstrated steady growth in its asset base, surpassing LKR 50 billion and reinforcing its strong position within the industry. This growth was driven by strategic investments and a disciplined approach to capital management, which has consistently reinforced the Company’s liquidity and financial position. It clearly demonstrates AFL’s operational efficiency and its ability to generate long-term shareholder value.
Commenting on the upgraded rating, Ashan Nissanka, Director & CEO of AFL, stated: “Our favourable rating further positions us to unlock greater opportunities, drive progress, and strengthen stakeholder trust. It is not just a reflection of where we stand today but symbolises our path ahead towards a stronger future.”
Furthermore, the Company maintained a strong and well-managed capital structure, with a capital adequacy ratio significantly above the minimum regulatory requirement. It also successfully secured international funding from the Japan-based ASEAN Women Empowerment Fund (JAWEF), managed by BlueOrchard Finance Ltd., a globally recognized impact investment manager. Securing this funding affirms the Company’s financial resilience and its ongoing commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs. Through its Liyadiriya initiative, the Company continues to improve financial accessibility for rural women, contributing to inclusive economic development.
The Company also expanded its geographical footprint by opening four new branches, increasing its total branch network to 59 and establishing a nationwide presence. This expansion was aimed at broadening the customer base, particularly in underserved areas, to promote financial inclusivity. It aligns with the Company’s strategic intent to support women entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka. Additionally, the Company’s lending focus remains aligned with national priorities, particularly in the renewable energy and SME sectors, which are seen as key drivers of long-term development.
Business
Sampath Bank partners with COYLE to champion SME growth and entrepreneurship

Sampath Bank recently formalised a strategic partnership with the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at its Head Office. This partnership highlights Sampath Bank’s ongoing commitment to promoting innovation, driving business growth, and empowering Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Through this collaboration, Sampath Bank will serve as the official banking partner for the COYLE Awards and the Young Lankan Program, two flagship initiatives that recognise business excellence and nurture emerging leaders. Supporting these initiatives allows the Bank to create a strong pipeline for SME engagement, provide access to tailored financial solutions, and build meaningful relationships with the country’s leading entrepreneurs.
Tharaka Ranwala, Senior Deputy General Manager – Marketing, Customer Care, and Card Centre, Sampath Bank (2nd from L), exchanged the MOU with Suren Chandraratna, Senior Vice Chairman, COYLE (2nd from R), in the presence of Anjali Goonetilake, Senior Manager – Marketing, Sampath Bank (1st from L), and Jayamal Gunaratne, Project Chairman, COYLE (1st from R).
The partnership further positions Sampath Bank at the forefront of SME development in Sri Lanka, distinguishing it as a long-term enabler of entrepreneurial success and a key driver of sustainable economic progress.
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