HNB concludes Gami Pubuduwa 30th anniversary Avurudu Pola

Wednesday, 24 April 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Top left: Chief Guest HNB MD/CEO Jonathan Alles together with Guest of Honour CBSL Director Regional Development D.V.S Dayawansa, HNB Deputy General Manager – SME and Midmarket Jude Fernando, and CBSL Additional Director, Regional Development M.S.K. Dharmawardena ceremonially opening the HNB Gami Pubuduwa 30th anniversary Avurudu Pola, joined by HNB COO Dilshan Rodrigo, HNB Chief Employee Experience Officer/Assistant General Manager – Deposits and Remittances Kalum Wijesooriya, HNB Assistant General Manager – Services Chandana Panditharatne, HNB Senior Manager, Development Banking Vishwanath Gunawardena and several other top officials of the bank

Celebrating three decades of service to microfinance customers across rural Sri Lanka, HNB PLC concluded its third annual Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) led trade fair and exhibition – the HNB Gami Pubuduwa Avurudu Pola – with resounding success.

An enthusiastic and diverse crowd packed the BMICH on 6 and 7 April as 100 of HNB’s most promising MSME customers across the island showcased an array of unique, locally manufactured food and beverage products, Ayurvedic products, and an assortment of skilfully handcrafted items.

HNB Managing Director/CEO Jonathan Alles graced the event as the chief guest at the ceremonial opening of the trade fair, accompanied by Guests of Honour, Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Director Regional Development, D.V.S. Dayawansa, CBSL Additional Director Regional Development M.S.K. Dharmawardena, together with HNB COO Dilshan Rodrigo along with members of the bank’s senior management.

“HNB Gami Pubuduwa has the proud honour of being not only Sri Lanka’s oldest but also its most successful private sector microfinance program. Over the past 30 years we have diligently worked to strengthen local entrepreneurs. Our goal goes beyond merely helping these businesses survive and ensure that they also thrive. We therefore extend our heartfelt thanks to all who attended and participated in this year’s Avurudu Pola,” HNB Managing Director/CEO Jonathan Alles said.

HNB’s Microfinance initiatives have won resounding praise from local and international bodies, having been declared Best Microfinance Bank in Sri Lanka for two years running at the International Finance Awards.

“For three decades, HNB has made its mission to champion the development of the MSME sector – helping them to create viable businesses by providing them with access to financial as well as technical expertise. By providing a platform for direct engagement in our HNB Gami Pubuduwa Avurudu Pola, our clients are given an invaluable opportunity to showcase their best work and chase down valuable business opportunities,” HNB Deputy General Manager – SME and Midmarket Jude Fernando stated.

Operating across 250 customer service centres island-wide, HNB was one of the first Sri Lankan banks to enter the fields of microfinance, rural and SME banking. Utilising a network of 150 field officers that are coordinated from 10 regional offices and a dedicated microfinance and SME unit within the bank, HNB extends capital to a range of customers. The bank’s experience, innovation and impact in MSME lending has made it a respected industry leader.