NDB aims to strengthen SMEs via TradeLinc

NDB Bank Director/CEO Kelum Edirisinghe (second from left) addresses at the launch of NDB TradeLinc press briefing while (from left:) NDB Bank Vice President, Chief Information Officer Indika Gunawardena, Supply Chain Finance Chief Manager Rukmal Dharmadasa and Marketing Assistant Vice President Darshana Jayasinghe looks on – Pic by Ruwan Walpola

• NDB launches a platform dedicated to improving operations of supply chain finance through real-data sharing
• Offers numerous benefits including flexibility, effective communication, and cost-efficiency

By Janani Kandaramage

Reaffirming its position as a leader in digital banking innovation, the National Development Bank (NDB) launched TradeLinc, a company-developed platform for supply chain finance. 

Developed exclusively by NDB’s internal team, TradeLinc serves as a reflection of the bank’s commitment to strengthening corporate and SME growth. By simplifying financial processes and optimising operational efficiencies, this platform empowers businesses of all sizes with the tools required to thrive in an increasingly competitive market that is heavily reliant on technology. This initiative also cements NDB’s significance as a key driver of Sri Lanka’s digital economy, encouraging innovations that aligns with the country’s vision for a more connected and efficient financial landscape.

Addressing a media briefing about the product’s features and benefits, NDB Supply Chain Finance Chief Manager Rukmal Dharmadasa emphasised that as a fully digital, around the clock platform, it offers businesses endless access to real-time funding, particularly the SME sector. By providing them the financial resources to navigate liquidity challenges with confidence and agility, NDB remains steadfast in their dedication towards uplifting these small-scale businesses in the competitive market. In addition, he emphasised that by enhancing supply chain visibility and fostering collaboration with suppliers, distributors, and corporate partners via real-time data sharing, TradeLinc ensures financial accountability and trust between stakeholders, key to smooth business operations and transactions. 

“Through this platform, we create a virtual link between the supplier, distributor, and manufacturer strengthening communication between these supply chain stakeholders. Also, we bring transaction related data open to all participants via this digital solution, which means businesses are able to make real-time decisions more quickly as notifications regarding documentation can be delivered more conveniently to various components of the supply chain. That way they don’t have to call the company and inquire about the status of the invoice, for example,” he stated. “Further, TradeLinc focus on liquidity means that companies have the work capital needed to seize growth opportunities without delays. In the case of distribution, companies get to login and view the real-time credit available with each distributor. The final yet most essential objective is optimising working capital, reducing the risk of default and therefore improving the creditworthiness and credit flows to these stakeholders.” he noted.

This innovative approach to supply chain finance has already earned it national recognition, being awarded at the National Best Quality Software Awards (NBQSA). Speaking about this accolade, NDB Chief Information Officer (CIO) Indika Gunawardena said: “This award demonstrates our dedication to delivering world-class solutions that meet local needs while maintaining global competitiveness. The developmental process of this project took off in six months and I must thank our IT experts and management for facilitating this initiative.”