Seylan Bank powers the SME sector with Regional Engagement and Forums

Seylan Bank recently strengthened its efforts to support the nation’s small and medium enterprises (SME) sector through a series of regional development forums and programs. Aimed at enhancing inclusivity and amplifying financial literacy, supporting entrepreneurship, and reinforcing the capacity of SMEs, the initiative continues the Bank with a Heart’s mission to empower the sector in its role as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s economy.

The Bank with a Heart has partnered with numerous organisations that share the vision of developing an empowered SME Sector. Beginning with the “Sale Up” Program in Colombo, organised with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Seylan Bank participated as a silver sponsor.  The program offered insights into financial solutions and strategies for improving market access using digital channels.

The event was followed up with the next chapter in Matara. The program was an Awareness Seminar on the Export Process, wherein Seylan Bank collaborated with the Export Development Board (EDB). Continuing the initiative’s mission, the Matara program shed light on how SMEs along the country’s southern regions might tighten procedures in terms of export readiness. As such, the forum examined international trade processes, with the EDB guiding the session.

As a key segment of the SME sector, the initiative also explored how women entrepreneurs could amplify their business potential. The Financial Management Program for Women, held in Gampaha, explored different methods by which women entrepreneurs could equip themselves with key financial management tools to continue their pursuit of sustainable business models.

The North Central region’s ‘SME Programme 2025’ delivered a similarly comprehensive session. Designed according to the regionally specific needs of the area’s entrepreneurs, the program addressed how entrepreneurs could potentiate business growth under their specific circumstances.

Galle’s ‘Entrepreneur Development Program’ carried the initiative’s momentum into its next chapter. Hosted in collaboration with the Rotary Club, the program continued the countrywide effort at providing training, mentorship, and unique networking opportunities for emerging business talent in the Southern Province.

Speaking about the initiative’s development and effect, Asiri Abhayaratne, Assistant General Manager – Marketing & Sales, Seylan Bank PLC, said, “As advocates of transformative solutions that unlock potential, our partnerships and collaborations to create SME forums embrace our core values of establishing an ecosystem that fosters empowerment across the nation, providing simplified solutions in response to emerging economic developments while also encouraging financial literacy. Our intention for the program is for it to continue reinforcing the sector as it graduates to greater heights of success”.