HNB TiECON Sri Lanka 2026 received a major boost as Hatton National Bank came on board as Platinum Sponsor, reinforcing its role in supporting Sri Lankan entrepreneurs seeking to expand beyond domestic markets and compete on the global stage.
HNB TiECON Sri Lanka 2026 boosts global scale-up ambitions
Hatton National Bank PLC has reaffirmed its commitment to Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by backing TiECON Sri Lanka 2026 as its Platinum Sponsor, signalling strong institutional support for founders aiming to scale internationally. The partnership highlights the bank’s strategic focus on enabling businesses to move beyond early market entry and establish sustainable global operations.
Held at Cinnamon Life in Colombo, TiECON Sri Lanka 2026 brought together entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and industry leaders under the theme “Go Global: The Runway to the World.” The summit focused on practical, execution-led discussions designed to help businesses navigate the complexities of regional and international expansion in an increasingly volatile global environment.
Through its sponsorship, HNB supported a platform that encouraged candid conversations around building credibility, strengthening partnerships, and creating clearer pathways to global markets. The summit aimed to move beyond theory, emphasising real-world insights and actionable strategies for founders seeking to scale responsibly and competitively.
Addressing the concluding panel discussion, which focused on scaling beyond market entry amid shifting trade and policy conditions, HNB Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Damith Pallewatte highlighted the practical role financial institutions can play in international growth journeys. He noted that while many Sri Lankan companies succeed in securing export orders, they often face hidden risks that can erode value if not properly managed.
According to Pallewatte, foreign currency exposure remains a key challenge for exporters unfamiliar with risk management tools. He explained that banks can support businesses by helping them understand and manage currency, payment, and country risks through appropriate financial instruments. He also emphasised that transaction-level insights can be leveraged to strengthen supply chains and enhance cross-border capabilities as companies expand into new markets.
HNB TiECON Sri Lanka 2026 also underscored the importance of aligning financial readiness with strategic ambition. As businesses move from local success to international scale, access to structured financing, risk mitigation solutions, and informed advisory support becomes increasingly critical. The bank’s involvement reflects a broader recognition that financial institutions can serve as active partners in growth rather than passive service providers.
This year’s programme attracted over 600 participants and featured more than 30 global speakers from across the TiE network. Sessions covered a wide range of themes, including navigating evolving trade and tariff regimes, transitioning from regional success to global leadership, remaining competitive in the age of artificial intelligence, building resilient international teams, and evolving from an exporter into a trusted global brand.
TiECON Sri Lanka 2026 President and Charter Member Madu Ratnayake highlighted the importance of global connectivity for emerging ecosystems such as TiE Colombo. He noted that the summit is designed to bring the right people into one room, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations that can unlock the next stage of growth for promising ventures.
Ratnayake emphasised that TiECON’s value lies in its ability to bridge local ambition with global opportunity. By connecting founders with investors, mentors, and partners from across the TiE Global network, the platform aims to reduce barriers to international expansion and accelerate learning through shared experience. He encouraged Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to actively engage with the network and contribute generously, reinforcing a culture of collaboration and mutual support.
As part of the wider TiE Global ecosystem, TiE Colombo plays a key role in linking Sri Lankan entrepreneurs with charter members and investors across multiple markets. This global access is particularly valuable for founders seeking market entry insights, strategic partnerships, and capital support beyond Sri Lanka.
Together with TiE Colombo, HNB aims to strengthen the full spectrum of pathways that enable founders to scale internationally. This includes improving access to capital, enhancing financial preparedness, and supporting the development of partnerships that can sustain long-term growth. By backing initiatives such as TiECON Sri Lanka 2026, the bank continues to position itself as a catalyst for entrepreneurship-led economic progress.
As global markets become more complex and competitive, collaborations between financial institutions and entrepreneurial platforms are increasingly vital. HNB TiECON Sri Lanka 2026 stands as a timely example of how such partnerships can help Sri Lankan businesses transition confidently from local success to global relevance.