Business
SDB bank marks 25 years with network wide events
To mark its 25th Anniversary, SDB bank, one of the key players in Sri Lanka’s SME-banking landscape, conducted a number of events across its branch network, in line with its values and future vision. While SDB bank remains fundamentally true to its founding principles to date, its ethos and purpose have grown and evolved over time. Today, SDB bank has emerged as a futuristic, value-based, tech savvy and contemporary bank with a key strategic focus on the areas of SME Development, Women’s Empowerment and Digital Inclusion.
To commemorate the historic milestone of 25 years of service, SDB bank conducted several activities. Most notably, in scaling positive climate action, SDB bank inaugurated a large-scale ecosystem restoration initiative with a pilot project launched in Dewahandiya East Village in Ududumbara to restore 25 hectares of degraded land (where tobacco had been previously grown), adjoining the Victoria-Randenigala-Rantembe (VRR) Sanctuary. This pilot project will support 90 families to adapt to the effects of climate change, helping them to diversify their income by growing meat substitutes such as jackfruit and 09 other herbal/superfoods including Bael Fruit and Indian Gooseberry.
The project is being implemented through a multi-stakeholder participatory model involving the community, relevant state agencies, including the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Forest Department, Central Province Department of Agriculture and Department of Export Agriculture, while technical guidance for the project is being provided by partners such as the IUCN and SLYCAN Trust. The first planting of the pilot project took place on the 24th of August 2022. The Lalith U Gamage, Governor of Central Province, was the Chief Guest at the event, while Chairperson of SDB bank, Dinithi Ratnayake, Members of the Bank’s Board of Directors, Acting CEO of SDB bank, Niranjan Thangarajah and members of the Executive Management team of SDB bank were also in attendance, along with representatives of the project’s key stakeholder groups.
Moving beyond the milestone of 25 years, SDB bank is strongly positioned, financially, and in terms of expertise, experience and other resources, to sustainably fuel economic development in Sri Lanka, with a keen focus on the SME sector. SDB bank has joined hands with prestigious global financiers and organizations that share its vision for an empowered and equitable society. In the present environment, creating new economic opportunities for all Sri Lankans and supporting export-oriented businesses, along with businesses that create value for Sri Lanka, are focus areas for the Bank. Working together with like-minded partners, SDB bank is moving to further its goal and vision to develop Sri Lanka’s SME sector, with a focus on female entrepreneurship.
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has transformed its iconic ‘Foreign Branch’ into the ‘Corporate Branch,’ reaffirming its commitment to delivering dedicated, comprehensive financial solutions to corporate and trade customers.
The Bank said this transformation represents a new milestone in its illustrious journey, and resonates with the rich commercial heritage of Colombo, a city that has long served as a vital trading hub in the region.
Strategically located at the Bank’s Head Office at Commercial House, 21, Sir Razeek Fareed Mawatha (Bristol Street), Colombo 1, this rebranded Corporate Branch stands as a first of its kind in Sri Lanka —a premier financial hub tailored exclusively to the needs of corporate customers, the Bank said. The transformation aligns with the Bank’s vision of providing unparalleled service excellence, bespoke financial solutions, and fostering long-term business partnerships.
Commenting on this strategic initiative, Commercial Bank’s Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge stated: “It is our aspiration that just as the historic Delft Gateway, at which our Head Office is located, once opened the path to the Dutch Fort, our Corporate Branch will chart a new era of enduring and prosperous business collaborations, that will extend beyond Sri Lanka’s shores.”
Fits Retail has partnered with retail giant Abans PLC to showcase the iconic DeLonghi coffee machines at two of Colombo’s most prestigious locations: Abans Elite Colombo 3 and Abans Havelock City Mall showrooms.
At these dedicated demonstration zones, visitors can discover the unparalleled precision engineering and user-friendly technology that have made DeLonghi machines the preferred choice for discerning coffee lovers in more than 46 countries worldwide. Renowned for consistently delivering café-quality espresso, cappuccino, and even specialty cold brews, DeLonghi machines exemplify Italian innovation at its finest.
Yasas Kodituwakku, CEO of Fits Retail, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “This partnership represents our unwavering commitment to bringing global coffee excellence to Sri Lankan connoisseurs. With Abans PLC, we’re creating more than just demonstration spaces; we’re curating premium destinations for an authentic coffee experience.”
“As pioneers of premium lifestyle experiences in Sri Lanka, our collaboration with Fits Retail aligns seamlessly with our vision of elevating everyday moments into exceptional experiences,” said Tanaz Pestonjee, Director Business Development at Abans PLC.
Business
Members’ Night of the Sri Lanka – Russia Business Council of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
The Sri Lanka-Russia Business Council (SLRBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) hosted a Members’ Night on March 27, at the Sophia Colombo City Hotel. The event, attended by His Excellency Levan S. Dzhagaryan, Ambassador of Russia to Sri Lanka, offered a valuable platform for business leaders, embassy officials, and Members to discuss and explore opportunities for deeper Sri Lanka-Russia collaboration, a CCC news release said.
SLRBC President, Mr. Jude Fernando, kicked off the evening with a speech highlighting the importance of strengthening international ties, which was followed by H.E. Dzhagaryan’s address on the need for continued engagement between the two countries. The event featured networking opportunities, allowing Members to connect with key stakeholders and discuss future business ventures, followed by a delightful dinner.
The event was made possible with the generous support of sponsors, including OCEAN 7 Logistics (Pvt) Ltd, Bally/Walkers Tours, Fibre cement associations, Ceylon Fresh Teas, SCANWELL Logistics, Regency Teas, Shan Teas, and others, whose contributions were key to its success.
The SLRBC is committed to further facilitating trade and cultural exchange between Sri Lanka and Russia, continuing to foster stronger business relationships.
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