Sampath Bank strengthens women entrepreneurs

Prof. Sriyani Ranasinghe of University of Sri Jayewardenepura shares academic and industry insights

A mentoring and evaluation session in progress with participating entrepreneurs

Sampath Bank Head of Sustainability Nuwan Pathirana addresses participants

National Enterprise Development Authority Director Dhanuka Liyanagamage highlights importance of structured support for women-led enterprises

Sampath Bank PLC continues to further its role as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth with the 200 Women Startups Development Programme, which was launched under its flagship Sampath Saviya Entrepreneurship Development Programme. 

The initiative is a national-level effort aimed at identifying, nurturing and scaling-up women-led enterprises across Sri Lanka. The programme achieved a key milestone recently, with a large-scale pitching event held at Sampath Bank’s main auditorium, bringing together aspiring women entrepreneurs, industry experts, academia and institutional partners.

Women entrepreneurs directly contribute to household income, employment generation, community development and broader economic stability, all much-needed amidst Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic recovery. However, many such women still face systemic barriers, including limited access to finance, a lack of technical expertise and constrained market exposure, amongst others. Thus, this programme was structured specifically to address these gaps through a carefully designed, multiphase approach that combines knowledge-building, mentorship and access to funding.

Sampath Bank Chief Human Resource Transformation Officer Dr. Lalith Weragoda said, “We believe that empowering women entrepreneurs is both a social responsibility and an economic imperative. Through the Sampath Saviya Entrepreneurship Development Programme, we are investing in the ideas, capabilities and ambitions that can realise the future that Sri Lanka aspires to. Our goal through this initiative is to build an ecosystem that empowers at least 200 women-led businesses with the knowledge and confidence to succeed. Furthermore, selected women-entrepreneurs will receive the financial support they need to thrive and make a meaningful contribution to the national economy.”

The first phase of the programme was implemented in collaboration with the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) and University of Sri Jayewardenepura, where over 100 small-scale women entrepreneurs from across the country were identified. The aspiring women participated in a series of structured training sessions focusing on business planning, financial literacy and market access, equipping them with practical tools to formalise, strengthen and scale their ventures. The programme also supported them in refining their business plans and understanding their seed capital requirements.

Building on this foundation, the second phase witnessed a strategic collaboration with the Ceylon Entrepreneurs’ Club, supporting deeper industry engagement and exposure. This phase was designed to move beyond preparation and into real-world readiness. Accordingly, a comprehensive database of potential women entrepreneurs was developed and participants were connected with experienced professionals and a prominent lecture panel who provided hands-on guidance, industry insights and technical know-how. 

The pitching event marked the culmination of this effort, allowing entrepreneurs from both phases to present their business ideas in front of expert evaluation panels comprising representatives from Sampath Bank, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, NEDA and Ceylon Entrepreneurs’ Club. Conducted in a format inspired by globally recognised pitching platforms and local success models, the event created a welcoming, yet competitive environment where ideas were assessed for innovation, viability, sustainability and growth potential. Thus, the most promising start-ups are now set to receive further support, including access to seed and equity funding. 

Accordingly, the Women Startups Development Programme reflects Sampath Bank’s broader commitment to sustainable entrepreneurship and a long-term investment in women who are ready to lead, innovate and shape the future of Sri Lanka’s economy.