NDB's SME development initiative extended to Chilaw

NDB recently concluded another successful educational session aimed at developing the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Chilaw region. The programme was a forum for refining competencies and financial awareness of small and medium scale entrepreneurs in Chilaw and was also an opportunity for them to network and share their views with each other.

This programme was conducted in the form of a workshop and included several interactive educational sessions. The event commenced with an introduction to the SME Banking products and services available, presented by Indika Ranaweera, Assistant Vice President and Head of SME Banking. The presentation provided indepth information on the SME Banking operations in the most simplified manner.

At the end of the presentation, an open forum was conducted where the participants were able to clarify their queries with regard to the products and services and identify the most suitable SME Banking solutions that would suit their individual business needs.

The guest speaker at the forum Aminda Methseela, a Senior Lecturer at the Wayamaba University, facilitated an enriching interactive session on proper management of investments. There was an overwhelming response towards this discussion, where the participants shared their personal experiences in managing their investments and discovered many best practices that could be exercised in their future endeavours. Another highlight of the programme was the interactive session which was based on NDB's Leasing products that are particularly designed to meet the specific needs of SMEs. This session pointed out the technicalities of NDB Leasing Products as well as the special benefits offered to customers via tie ups with vehicle merchants etc. The programme concluded with an evening of fellowship where the participants representing diverse industries within the region were able to interact and network with each other.

Commenting on this initiative, Indrajit Wickramasinghe, Chief Operating Officer of NDB stated, "NDB has been continuously supportive towards the development of the SME sector. In addition to the range of specialised financial products and advisory services offered with the aim of developing this sector; NDB has dedicated itself further towards this national endeavour by initiating a series of educational programmes to empower the entrepreneurs who drive the success of this sector. Sustainable growth of SMEs, mainly depend on the competencies and proficiencies of the business owners and thus we have initiated regional educational programmes which aim to adequately equip these entrepreneurs with financial know-how and risk aversion techniques. We have adopted a pragmatic approach in executing these programmes and therefore each regional programme is customised according to the geographic region and the industries represented at these different forums. The programme concluded recently in Chilaw saw the participation of over 80 proprietors from varying industry categories such as fisheries, cultivation, manufacturing, etc. This programme was part of a continuous series of such educational workshops being held islandwide and we hope to extend this initiative further to develop many more SMEs across the country."

The Bank believes in making positive change in Sri Lankan lives, by providing entrepreneurs with knowledge and capital to develop businesses and thereby fuel the local economic growth. NDB continues to support the SME sector with attractive financial facilities as well as specialised advisory services. The Bank has enhanced its position over the years as one of Sri Lanka's premier financial institutions serving SMEs, by extending its presence throughout the country opening up branches at a rapid pace. Through these branches, the Bank focuses on serving SME sectors such as fisheries, manufacturing, hotels and tourism, agriculture, commercial transportation and trading with a view to develop communities across Sri Lanka.