Business
Sri Lanka@100 and NDB Bank jointly conduct webinar for SMEs on accessing SME-focused lending
Sri Lanka@100, a private sector-led business development platform supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), hosted a webinar in partnership with NDB Bank on improving SME access to various financing schemes. Themed “Impress for Success”, the webinar was held on the 27th of January and was attended by more than 100 participants including SMEs and corporates in Sri Lanka.
The webinar was jointly conducted by Nilendra Vithanage, Senior Relationship Manager of Middle Market Banking, NDB as well as Sanda Wijeratne and Thivanka Bandara from Stax Inc. The session focused on highlighting the key challenges faced by SMEs and practical insights on how SMEs can improve the likelihood of getting their loan applications approved by banks. NDB Bank representatives also highlighted some of the pandemic-related and sector-specific financing schemes that were available to small and medium entrepreneurs as they navigate post-Covid challenges.
The partnership between Sri Lanka@100 and NDB Bank was formed mid last year to provide value-added services and financing solutions to companies onboarded to the Sri Lanka@100 platform. In addition, NDB and Sri Lanka@100 collaborate on conducting capacity building programs and webinars to educate SMEs on financial services and solutions available to them. The partnership will help to expand Sri Lanka@100 Portfolio companies and contribute to the growth of the SME ecosystem in Sri Lanka.
“SMEs struggle to obtain loans especially during these difficult times and end up borrowing from the informal sector at exorbitant rates as they are sometimes unaware of the specific financing schemes that are available to them,” said Sanda Wijeratne from Stax Inc. “We hope this webinar will raise awareness about those financing options and also how companies can avoid the typical mistakes made when applying for those schemes.” Indika Ranaweera, Vice President Business Banking NDB noted: “This event is a continuation of our ongoing partnership with Sri Lanka@100. Even during one of the greatest health crises of our lifetime, NDB has always been at the forefront of supporting MSMEs. These webinars are a part of the Jayagamu Sri Lanka initiative introduced with the intention of being a pillar of strength to the backbone of our economy – all SMEs. We hope these webinars will be a strength towards the SME sector as well as a method to provide our services to this sector.”
Sri Lanka@100 was launched in 2020 with support from USAID. This initiative works with high potential mid-market firms to optimize internal operations, access new markets, and attract capital to help Sri Lanka become a high-income country within 100 years of independence. Find out more about Sri Lanka@100 at https://srilanka100.lk/.
Business
HNB Assurance climbs 13 places on LMD 100 rankings
HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) made a significant ascent in the latest LMD 100 rankings climbing 13 places to reach rank 64, cementing its position as one of Sri Lanka’s leading listed companies. Throughout the past few years, HNB Assurance has grown stronger, smarter and more united in its purpose, turning challenges into opportunities and refining every aspect of its operations.
The LMD 100 is a prestigious annual ranking that evaluates the financial and strategic performance of publicly listed companies in Sri Lanka. HNB Assurance has consistently climbed the ranks year after year in recent years, reflecting the company’s sustained growth. With 2025 underway, HNB Assurance is planning to leverage its strengths and growth momentum maintained over the past couple of years, as this year represents the penultimate step in its ambitious journey toward achieving the vision of “10% market share by 2026”, a transformative goal that aims to redefine, elevate and position the company as a trailblazer in the industry.
Sharing his thoughts on the company’s new ranking, Lasitha Wimalarathne, Chief Executive Officer of HNB Assurance PLC, stated, “Our upward trajectory in the LMD 100 rankings reflects the collective efforts of our incredible team, the trust our customers have placed in us and our ability to adapt to the dynamic business landscape. At HNB Assurance, we remain committed to strengthening our core business, embracing innovation and delivering sustainable value to all our stakeholders.”
“As we step into 2025, it is inspiring to reflect on our journey so far. By the end of Q3 2024, we achieved growth that was well above the industry average, a remarkable feat we’ve consistently maintained since 2022. This success has been driven by the exceptional efforts of our sales force both from the Advisor Distribution and Partnerships channels, alongside the support of all our teams. I must also add that our vision for ‘10 in 2026’ is not merely a corporate milestone, it embodies our broader aspiration to transform lives, uplift communities and set new benchmarks in the industry. As the countdown to this goal continues, we will maintain our growth, while continuing to stive and create a lasting impact on the lives of our policyholders.” added, Wimalaratne.
Business
Sri Lanka Insurance further Expand its presence to Naiwala
Sri Lanka Insurance further expands its presence in the Upper Western region with the opens its Naiwala Agency Business Development Center (ABDC) on the 12th of December at No.90/6/C, Airport Road, Naiwala junction, Veyangoda.
The occasion was graced by SLIC Life Chief Business Officer Namalee A. Silva, Deputy General Manager – National Sales (Life) Jagath Welgama, Upper Western regional management, Branch Management of Veyangoda representing Life and General categories. Distinguished invitees and customers of the area were also in attendance at the event.
Agency Business Development Centers (ABDC) allows SLIC to further enhance its reach, which provides convenience and speed of service delivery to its loyal customers in relation with their protection needs.
Business
CEAT Kelani Launches high-performance tractor tyre for Maha season
CEAT Kelani Holdings has introduced a new high-performance tractor tyre, the 13.6 – 28 PUDDLE XL TT 12PR, just in time for the harvest phase of the Maha cultivation season. Designed specifically for agricultural use, this innovative cross-ply tyre promises to enhance farming efficiency and tractor operations.
Compatible with leading tractor brands such as Sonalika, TAFE, John Deere, and Mahindra, the tyre features advanced design elements tailored for puddling operations. Its higher non-skid depth (NSD) ensures superior traction in wet and muddy conditions, while wide and angular lugs improve stability and grip. The tyre’s deep and open shoulders allow for effective self-cleaning, and reinforced carcass construction extends its lifespan, offering excellent value for farmers.
This is the sixth tractor tyre variant developed and manufactured locally by CEAT Kelani Holdings, showcasing the company’s dedication to the agriculture sector.
CEAT Kelani Chief Operating Officer Shamal Gunawardene noted that the tyre addresses the unique challenges faced during the harvest period. “It ensures improved performance, durability, and reliability, empowering farmers and operators to achieve better productivity,” he said.
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