Seylan Bank’s regional engagement and forums power SMEs

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 programmes. 

Aimed at enhancing inclusivity and amplifying financial literacy, supporting entrepreneurship and reinforcing the capacity of the 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 has partnered with numerous organisations that share the vision of developing an empowered the SME sector. Beginning with the Sale Up programme in Colombo, organised with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Seylan Bank participated as a Silver sponsor. The programme 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 programme 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 programme shed light on how the 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 Programme 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 programme addressed how entrepreneurs could potentiate business growth under their specific circumstances. 

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

Seylan Bank Assistant General Manager Marketing and Sales Asiri Abhayaratne 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.”