Sampath Bank PLC recently brought together SME entrepreneurs, business leaders, strategic partners and members of its management team at The Thinnai Hotel in Jaffna for its fifth SME Business Circle in the Northern Region. The event created a platform for meaningful discussions focused on business growth, resilience and long-term success.
The gathering was part of Sampath Bank’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Sri Lanka’s SME sector through knowledge sharing, customer engagement and access to innovative banking solutions. It also enabled SME customers to engage directly with the Bank’s leadership and discuss evolving business needs, emerging opportunities and strategies for navigating a changing economic environment.
Addressing the event, Asanka Liyanage, Deputy General Manager – Consumer & SME Banking at Sampath Bank PLC, highlighted the vital contribution of SMEs to Sri Lanka’s economic development. He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs through innovative financial solutions, advisory services and digital capabilities.
Liyanage also noted that Sampath Bank is the first Sri Lankan bank to implement a comprehensive end-to-end AI capability specifically designed to enhance SME banking services and the overall customer experience.
A key highlight of the event was a session led by Aeshan Buddhakorala, Manager – Environmental & Social Impact at Sampath Bank PLC. The session focused on integrating sustainability into business operations, covering practical approaches to measuring resource consumption, managing operational impacts and adopting sustainable practices.
Participants also explored how sustainability can help businesses strengthen competitiveness, improve market readiness and support long-term growth. The discussion addressed climate-related business risks, changing sustainability expectations and the growing importance of sustainable financing, advisory services and capacity-building initiatives.
Sanjaya Ariyawansa, Senior Economist from Sampath Bank’s Strategic Planning Department, provided further insights into current economic conditions, market developments, challenges facing businesses and emerging opportunities that SMEs can leverage to improve their future competitiveness and growth.
The event also featured demonstrations and networking opportunities with Sampath Bank’s strategic partners, including SULECO (Pvt) Ltd., Markspen Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. and Link Agro (Pvt) Ltd. Their showcases introduced SMEs to solutions spanning automation, industrial technology, geospatial services, drone applications and sustainable agriculture.
By bringing together financial expertise, industry knowledge, technology and strategic partnerships, the SME Business Circle provided Northern businesses with practical insights and opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency and overall business performance.
HNB Partners with Euro Motors to Transform Vehicle Leasing in Sri Lanka
HNB PLC has partnered with Euro Motors Pvt Ltd in a strategic collaboration aimed at reshaping vehicle ownership in Sri Lanka by making premium mobility more accessible through innovative financing solutions.
The partnership introduces a comprehensive vehicle leasing offering that combines HNB’s banking expertise with Euro Motors’ expanding portfolio of internationally recognised automotive brands, including DONGFENG and JETOUR.
The collaboration is designed to provide customers with reliable and affordable financing options while supporting the wider expansion of DONGFENG and JETOUR vehicles across the Sri Lankan market. Through the partnership, customers will have access to a range of leasing benefits tailored to meet the evolving transportation needs of both individuals and businesses.
Commenting on the partnership, Kanchana Karunagama, Senior Vice President and Head of Retail Banking at HNB, said the Bank remains focused on delivering innovative financial solutions that help Sri Lankans achieve their aspirations.
He added that the collaboration with Euro Motors reflects HNB’s continued commitment to providing accessible, customer-centric leasing facilities backed by the strength, trust and service excellence associated with the Bank.
Speaking on behalf of Euro Motors Pvt Ltd, Chief Operating Officer Ravindra Senarathne said the partnership represents an important milestone in expanding access to global mobility solutions for Sri Lankan customers.
By combining the technology and innovation of DONGFENG and JETOUR vehicles with HNB’s financing capabilities, the partnership aims to create an attractive proposition for customers seeking performance, reliability and affordability.
The collaboration is also expected to strengthen customer confidence and support the continued growth of both automotive brands across Sri Lanka.
Sampath Bank Business Circle Connects with Northern SMEs to Support Their Next Business Move
