Sampath Bank hosted its fifth SME Business Circle in Jaffna, bringing together entrepreneurs and business leaders to discuss strategies for sustainable growth and access to innovative banking solutions in Sri Lanka's evolving economic landscape.
Sampath Bank recently gathered small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs, business leaders, and strategic partners at The Thinnai Hotel in Jaffna for a business forum focused on long-term sustainability and growth. The event formed part of the bank's broader initiative to strengthen the SME sector through knowledge exchange, direct customer engagement, and exposure to innovative financial solutions tailored to evolving business needs.
Asanka Liyanage, Deputy General Manager of Consumer and SME Banking at Sampath Bank, emphasised the critical role SMEs play in national economic development. He reaffirmed the bank's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs through innovative financial products, advisory services, and digital capabilities. According to Colombo Gazette, Liyanage highlighted that Sampath Bank claims to be the first Sri Lankan bank to implement comprehensive end-to-end artificial intelligence capabilities designed specifically for SME banking services.
A notable session conducted by Aeshan Buddhakorala, the bank's Manager of Environmental and Social Impact, explored integrating sustainability into business operations. The discussion covered practical methods for measuring resource consumption, managing operational impacts, and adopting sustainable practices to enhance competitiveness and market readiness. Participants also learned about climate-related business risks and the growing importance of sustainable financing solutions. Sanjaya Ariyawansa, a Senior Economist from the Strategic Planning Department, provided insights into current economic conditions, market challenges, and emerging opportunities for SMEs to leverage.
The event featured demonstrations and networking opportunities with partner companies including SULECO, Markspen Holdings, and Link Agro, showcasing innovations in automation, industrial technology, geospatial services, drone applications, and sustainable agriculture. These partnerships aimed to help SMEs improve productivity and business performance.
