HNB’s value chain financing boosts dairy farming sector through Wonrich partnership

HNB Acting CEO Damith Pallewatte (fifth from left) exchanging the MoU with Wonrich CEO/MD R.M.C.P. Ratnayake in the presence of (from left): HNB Nikaweratiya Branch Manager Akeel Ahamed, Regional Business Head – NCR Nirosh Edirisinghe, Microfinance Head Mahinda Senevirathne, SME and Microfinance DGM Rajive Dissanayake, Wonrich HR Manager E.M. Darmasiri Ekanayake, Assistant Manager D.M.C.B. Dissanayake, HNB Relationship Manager – MF/NCR Hiran Karunarathna, and Microfinance Manager Amila Jayasekara

HNB PLC, has announced a strategic partnership with Wonrich Dairy Ltd. under the Value Chain Financing Initiatives, marking a significant step towards enhancing the dairy sector in Sri Lanka.

This collaboration aims to empower dairy farmers by providing tailored financial solutions and support while offering them access to customised financial products, technical assistance, and essential resources.

“Our partnership with Wonrich Dairy is a significant step in our commitment to uplifting Sri Lanka’s dairy farming community. This collaboration reflects our dedication to providing innovative financial solutions that catalyse growth and development in the agricultural sector. Our association with Wonrich Dairy underscores our shared focus on empowering local farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices – which is also a testament to our efforts in driving meaningful transformation within this vital industry,” said HNB SME and Microfinance DGM Rajive Dissanayake.

The key benefits of this partnership include tailored financial products that enable farmers to invest in modern farming techniques and equipment, comprehensive training programs and technical support to help them adopt best practices, facilitated access to high-quality inputs like feed, veterinary services, and breeding stock, and the creation of a robust value chain that supports farmers from production to market, enhancing their income and sustainability.

“Through this strategic partnership, HNB and Wonrich Dairy are united in our vision to cultivate a sustainable and prosperous future for Sri Lanka’s dairy farming community. We are confident that this collaboration will catalyse positive transformation within the dairy industry, directly benefitting thousands of farmers nationwide and elevating the industry as a whole. Together, we are paving the way for a more resilient and thriving dairy sector that will contribute significantly to the country’s economic development and food security,” said Wonrich Dairy MD/CEO R.M. Ratnayake.

The initiative will involve over 12,500 dairy farmers from across various regions of Sri Lanka. These participants will benefit directly from the financial products, training, and resources provided through this partnership. The program will include workshops and training sessions led by agricultural experts and industry professionals, focusing on modern dairy farming techniques and business management, mentorship programs where experienced dairy farmers and agricultural consultants will guide the participants, and practical field visits and demonstrations showcasing successful dairy farming models and innovative practices.