Seylan Bank empowers SMEs through series of workshops across Sri Lanka

Friday, 25 October 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Fueled by a strong desire to contribute towards encouraging and uplifting entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka, Seylan Bank conducted several educational seminars in 2019 steering passionate entrepreneur empowerment for the SME sector across Sri Lanka.

Recognised as the backbone of the Sri Lankan economy, the SME sector continues to play a pivotal role through its contributions to economic growth island-wide. In order to enhance financial literacy within this sector and build awareness on the challenges of entrepreneurship and how to tackle them, Seylan Bank conducted seminars and workshops in Tissamaharama, Siyambalanduwa, and Beliatta with approximately 400 participants.

The above-mentioned workshops, held under the patronage of representatives from the Central bank of Sri Lanka, were aimed at the local farming community and small-scale SMEs. These workshops focused on increasing knowledge and awareness on the importance of financial literacy. Participants were also advised on the types of skills that would nurture a mindset required to run a successful business, as well as any foreseeable challenges which may arise when running a business.

In addition, more comprehensive seminars on entrepreneurship and facing its challenges within the current macro-economic climate were held in Kandy and Ampara. The Kandy program was held in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Central Province. The seminars were attended by top local business members and community leaders, and participants were addressed by Hasitha Wijesundara, a Senior Economist and Business Development professional with expertise in policy, international trade, finance, SME development and microfinance.

Recognised as the bank with a heart, Seylan Bank places paramount importance on facilitating the growth and development of SMEs in Sri Lanka. Their efforts thus far aim to reduce the high fall out rate faced by this sector. Consequently, through guidance, mentorship, and specialised training, Seylan Bank aims to secure the success of SMEs across the island.

In addition to the workshops held this year, Seylan Bank had previously conducted 7 capacity building programs last year, for which 425 participants attended. To extend further support towards the growing SME sector, the bank has also sponsored the following seminars on the Development of Exporters - conducted by the SME Development Section of Gampaha Divisional Secretariat, and a seminar for Tax Implications: VAT & NBT organised by the Chamber of Commerce.

Seylan Bank, ‘the bank with a heart’ operates with a vision to offer the ultimate banking experience to its valued customers and is evolving rapidly with new technology, innovative products, and services to set a new benchmark in the banking sector. The Bank has a growing clientele of SMEs, Retail and Corporate Customers and has expanded its footprint with over 172 branches across the country and boasts an ATM network of over 215 units covering crucial locations while 10 branches provide 365-day banking.