HNB PLC has entered into a strategic partnership with Lanka Commercial Trading (Pvt) Ltd to offer exclusive leasing solutions for Yanmar and Solis tractors, as well as Samurai Naca harvesters, making advanced agricultural machinery more accessible to farmers across Sri Lanka.
The partnership brings together one of Sri Lanka's leading private sector banks and a trusted supplier of globally recognised agricultural machinery to provide farmers with attractive financing options, reliable equipment and comprehensive after-sales support.
Commenting on the collaboration, HNB Senior Vice President and Head of Retail Banking, Kanchana Karunagama, said:
"We believe Sri Lankan farmers play a vital role in driving the nation's progress and deserve access to the tools and opportunities needed to succeed. Through this partnership with Lanka Commercial Trading, we are making high-quality agricultural machinery more accessible through tailored leasing solutions, enabling farmers to enhance productivity, strengthen their livelihoods, and invest in the future of their operations with confidence."
As Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its agricultural sector, access to dependable farm machinery remains essential for improving productivity and sustainability. Under the partnership, farmers and agribusiness operators will have access to HNB's Govi Saviya financing scheme, specifically designed to support the country's agricultural community.
Customers will also receive an HNB Prestige Prime Credit Card with the first-year annual fee waived, together with exclusive discounts on automotive products, vehicle servicing, spare parts, tyres and batteries. In addition, HNB General Insurance will provide attractive discounts on machinery insurance premiums.
Commenting on the partnership, Lanka Commercial Trading Head of Operations, Ayesh Rathnapala, said:
"We sincerely thank HNB for this partnership, which helps strengthen customer confidence in choosing the right agricultural solutions. Yanmar, Solis and Samurai Naca machinery are trusted for their performance, reliability and long-term value. With HNB's support, we are able to offer farmers across Sri Lanka a complete package that includes quality equipment, strong warranties, reliable after-sales service and accessible financing, giving them the confidence to invest in their future with greater certainty."
As part of the enhanced leasing package, Lanka Commercial Trading is offering a range of customer-focused benefits. Buyers of Yanmar and Solis tractors will receive free RMV registration, first-year insurance coverage, warranties of 1,000 operating hours or one year for Yanmar tractors and 2,000 operating hours or two years for Solis tractors, along with five labour-free doorstep services for both brands.
Customers purchasing Samurai Naca harvesters will benefit from a 300-hour or six-month warranty, three labour-free doorstep services, a complimentary service kit, and a maintenance spare parts package, providing added value and peace of mind throughout ownership.
SMEs in Monaragala and Batticaloa Gain Insights on Alternative Capital Raising
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka), successfully concluded a series of issuer forums in Monaragala and Batticaloa as part of an island-wide initiative to raise awareness of alternative capital-raising opportunities available to Sri Lanka's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The forums were held on 16 July at the Silanrich Hotel in Monaragala and on 18 July at the FG Golden River Hotel in Batticaloa, bringing together SME owners and entrepreneurs seeking to explore new avenues for business growth through Sri Lanka's capital market.
The programme provided participants with valuable insights into strengthening their businesses while accessing alternative financing options beyond traditional lending. Sessions covered key topics including the SME Creditworthiness Rating Framework, the SME Magazine, the Entrepreneur Awards Programme, and the importance of sound financial management practices to support sustainable business growth.
Participants also received comprehensive guidance on Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), regulatory requirements, succession planning for family-owned businesses, and opportunities available through the CSE Empower Board, which is designed to facilitate capital raising for emerging businesses.
The forums concluded with interactive panel discussions, allowing participants to engage directly with industry experts and receive practical advice on scaling their businesses and preparing for participation in Sri Lanka's capital market.
The expert panel featured Manuri Weerasinghe, Director – Corporate Affairs at the SEC; Semini Kuruppu, Manager – Corporate Affairs at the SEC; Saman Sri Lal, Alternate Chairman of the CA SME Connect Committee, Council Member of CA Sri Lanka and Managing Partner of RTA Sri Lanka; Lakmal Jayarathne, CEO of M Power Capital Securities Limited; Krishnaveny Karmegam, Associate Director of Deloitte Sri Lanka; Atchuthan Srirangan, Vice President – Corporate Finance & Advisory at First Capital Holdings PLC; Punyamali Saparamadu, Senior Vice President – Commercial at the CSE; and Himashi Wickramasinghe, Manager – Commercial at the CSE.
The initiative forms part of the CSE, SEC and CA Sri Lanka's continued efforts to strengthen Sri Lanka's SME sector by improving awareness of capital market opportunities, enhancing financial literacy and encouraging more businesses to consider alternative funding avenues for long-term growth and expansion.
HNB Partners Lanka Commercial Trading to Expand Agricultural Leasing Solutions
