DFCC Bank has launched DFCC Pragathi, a unified proposition for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) that brings together specialised financial solutions, business advisory services, and capacity-building initiatives under a single platform. The initiative is designed to make it easier for entrepreneurs to access the support they need to start, grow, and scale their businesses.
Building on nearly a decade of experience in serving Sri Lanka’s MSME sector, DFCC Pragathi represents the next evolution of the Bank’s dedicated MSME business, which was originally established in 2016.
Since its inception, DFCC Bank has partnered with more than 10,000 entrepreneurs across the country, supporting businesses operating in sectors including agriculture, dairy farming, manufacturing, and value-added agricultural industries such as tea, cinnamon, pepper, banana, turmeric, ginger, and paddy cultivation.
Going beyond traditional lending, DFCC Pragathi provides an integrated ecosystem of financial and non-financial support. The proposition brings together tailored lending solutions, value-chain financing, financial literacy programmes, business advisory services, and capacity-building initiatives, giving entrepreneurs access to practical guidance alongside the financial resources required to build resilient and sustainable businesses.
The launch also saw the introduction of DFCC Aloka – Pragathi, a specialised financing proposition aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs within the MSME sector. As part of the initiative, seven women entrepreneurs received funding through the DFCC Aloka – Pragathi Loan Scheme at the launch event, highlighting the Bank’s commitment to expanding financial inclusion and creating greater opportunities for women-led businesses.
Commercial Bank Continues Supporting Young Talent Through ‘Arunalu Siththam 2026’
Commercial Bank of Ceylon has launched the latest edition of its popular art competition, ‘Arunalu Siththam 2026’, inviting children in Sri Lanka and overseas to unleash their creativity and express their imagination through art.
With entries open until September 15, 2026, the island-wide and international competition is open to children aged 4 to 16, offering participants the opportunity to compete for more than Rs. 4.8 million in cash prizes and certificates.
Conducted entirely online, Arunalu Siththam 2026 provides a convenient platform for young artists to participate from anywhere. Participants can submit their artwork by uploading a scanned image through the dedicated website, along with the required information, before the closing date.
This year’s competition features age-appropriate themes aimed at encouraging creativity, imagination, and thoughtful expression. Children aged 4 to 7 can draw a subject of their choice, while participants aged 8 to 10 will explore the theme ‘Gardening.’ Those aged 11 to 13 are invited to interpret ‘Child Protection,’ while participants aged 14 to 16 will create artwork based on the theme ‘Displaced.’
Entries will be assessed by an experienced panel of judges, with winners from Sri Lanka initially selected at provincial level before progressing to the national competition. The initiative continues Commercial Bank’s commitment to recognising originality, artistic ability, and meaningful self-expression among young people.
The competition offers attractive rewards at both national and provincial levels. In the main age categories, national winners will receive Rs. 100,000 for first place, Rs. 75,000 for second place, and Rs. 50,000 for third place. At provincial level, the top three winners from each of Sri Lanka’s nine provinces will receive Rs. 25,000, Rs. 15,000, and Rs. 10,000, respectively. Merit certificates will also be awarded to participants placing fourth to tenth.
In the pre-school category, the top three national winners will each receive Rs. 75,000, while the top three provincial winners will receive Rs. 15,000 each.
Through Arunalu Siththam 2026, Commercial Bank continues to provide a platform for young artists to showcase their creativity, gain recognition for their talents, and inspire the next generation to pursue their artistic ambitions with confidence.
DFCC Bank Launches ‘DFCC Pragathi’ to Strengthen Support for Sri Lanka’s MSMEs
