Sampath Bank SME Business Circle brought together entrepreneurs and business leaders in Jaffna to explore strategies for sustainable growth, innovation and long-term business success, reinforcing the bank’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s small and medium-sized enterprises.
Sampath Bank SME Business Circle connects Northern entrepreneurs with growth insights
Sampath Bank recently hosted its Sampath Bank SME Business Circle in the Northern Region at The Thinnai Hotel, Jaffna, creating a platform for knowledge sharing, customer engagement and collaboration among SME owners, industry experts and banking professionals. The initiative reflects the bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, which continue to play a vital role in Sri Lanka’s economy.
The event focused on strengthening relationships between the bank and its SME customers while encouraging open discussions on the evolving challenges and opportunities facing businesses. Participants engaged directly with Sampath Bank representatives, sharing insights into changing market conditions and exploring financial solutions that can help enterprises improve resilience and competitiveness.
Addressing the gathering, Asanka Liyanage, Deputy General Manager – Consumer & SME Banking at Sampath Bank, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs through innovative financial products, advisory services and digital banking capabilities. He noted that Sri Lanka SMEs remain a key driver of economic development and highlighted the importance of providing businesses with the financial and technical support needed to achieve sustainable growth.
One of the event’s key knowledge-sharing sessions focused on sustainability and responsible business practices. Aeshan Buddhakorala, Manager – Environmental & Social Impact at Sampath Bank, outlined the growing importance of integrating sustainability into everyday business operations.
The session explored practical methods for measuring resource consumption, managing environmental impacts and adopting operational practices that enhance long-term competitiveness. Participants also gained insights into how sustainability initiatives can improve market readiness while supporting business resilience in an increasingly environmentally conscious marketplace.
Discussions further examined climate-related business risks, changing stakeholder expectations and the increasing availability of sustainable financing options. The session also highlighted how advisory services and capacity-building initiatives can assist businesses in adapting to emerging environmental and social requirements while maintaining profitability.
Providing a broader economic perspective, Senior Economist Sanjaya Ariyawansa from Sampath Bank’s Strategic Planning Department shared an overview of current economic conditions and market developments. His presentation covered key trends affecting businesses, potential challenges facing entrepreneurs and emerging opportunities that SMEs can leverage to strengthen future performance.
The economic briefing encouraged participants to adopt strategic planning approaches that align with changing market dynamics while making informed investment and operational decisions. The discussion also reinforced the value of strong financial management and innovation in maintaining business competitiveness.
Beyond presentations, the Sampath Bank SME Business Circle offered participants valuable networking opportunities with industry partners and technology providers. Businesses were introduced to practical solutions designed to improve productivity, operational efficiency and long-term business performance.
The event featured demonstrations by Sampath Bank’s partners, including SULECO (Pvt) Ltd., Markspen Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. and Link Agro (Pvt) Ltd. Their exhibits showcased innovations across automation, industrial technology, geospatial services, drone applications and sustainable agricultural practices, highlighting how technology is becoming increasingly important in modern business operations.
These demonstrations provided entrepreneurs with practical examples of how digital tools and advanced technologies can help improve efficiency, reduce operational costs and support business expansion across different industries.
The initiative also reflects Sampath Bank’s broader strategy of supporting SME banking beyond conventional financial services. By combining financing solutions with knowledge-sharing, advisory support and access to innovative technologies, the bank aims to help businesses strengthen their long-term growth potential while adapting to changing economic conditions.
As Sri Lanka continues to encourage entrepreneurship and private sector development, programmes such as the Sampath Bank SME Business Circle demonstrate the growing role financial institutions can play in building resilient businesses. Through continued engagement, industry collaboration and customer-focused initiatives, Sampath Bank is helping equip SMEs with the knowledge, partnerships and financial solutions needed to navigate future challenges and seize new growth opportunities.