Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC Joins Global Banking Alliance (GABV), set to host Annual Board Meeting in Sri Lanka

Remarking a new milestone in its pledged journey towards sustainable financing and inclusive financing, Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) has secured the full membership in the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), an international network of banks working to build a more sustainable and inclusive financial system.

Through this membership, Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC aims to strengthen its ability to create social and environmental impacts by expanding access to ethical financial tools, supporting community-led development, and promoting environmentally responsible lending. The alliance provides opportunities to engage with global peers, share practical knowledge, and adopt approaches that have worked in similar contexts around the world. It also allows Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC to align more closely with international standards on sustainable finance, build relationships with mission-aligned investors, and stay informed on evolving policy and regulatory trends. As part of this engagement, Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC will host the Asia Pacific Conference and the GABV Annual Board Meeting in Colombo on October 15–16, 2025, bringing together CEOs from over 12 countries to collaborate on advancing values-based banking across the region.

The 17th Annual Meeting of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values was held in Kampala, Uganda, under the theme “Building Resilient Futures.” The event brought leaders from over 70 member banks across more than 45 countries to the GABV network to discuss how values-based banks can respond to global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and digital transformation. Mr. Channa De Silva – the Chairman and the Mr. Nilantha Jayanetti – the Chief Executive Officer of Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC have represented the Company at this event.

Reflecting on the discussions and insights shared during the event, Channa De Silva, Chairman of Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC, said, “Our membership in the Global Alliance for Banking on Values strengthens our commitment to ethical finance, rooted in transparency, accountability, and real impact. For decades, we’ve worked to serve the village economy and uplift underserved communities in Sri Lanka. Being part of a global network that shares these values enables us to continue that work with new perspectives, resources, and partnerships. It’s also an opportunity for Sri Lanka to contribute to shaping global conversations around sustainable and inclusive banking.”

Nilantha Jayanetti, Chief Executive Officer of Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC, added, “This membership comes at a time when Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC is focused on deepening our impact in rural Sri Lanka, especially in the post-crisis recovery period. Through GABV, we now have access to a global platform that shares our belief in community-based finance and value creation beyond profit. We look forward to working closely with like-minded institutions to expand inclusive financial services, empower local entrepreneurs, and drive social development that is measurable and lasting.”