Seylan Bank Empowers Southern Farmers Through SME Scale-Up Programme

(MENAFN- Colombo Gazette) Further strengthening its commitment to empowering Sri Lanka's agricultural community and supporting the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Seylan Bank recently conducted an SME Scale-Up Programme for farmers in Tissamaharama, equipping participants with the financial management knowledge, business insights, and banking solutions needed to strengthen and sustainably expand their agricultural enterprises.

Held at Hotel Niwahana, the programme brought together nearly 200 farmers from across the Southern Province, providing a platform for participants to enhance their understanding of sound financial management practices, explore opportunities for business growth, and gain greater access to banking solutions tailored to the needs of Sri Lanka's agricultural sector.

Designed to address the evolving challenges faced by farming communities, the programme covered a range of practical topics including managing the rising cost of agricultural production, strategies for upscaling existing farming businesses, improving productivity, and maximising crop yields. Participants also received guidance on leveraging Seylan Bank's digital banking channels to simplify everyday business transactions, enabling greater efficiency and convenience in managing their agricultural enterprises.

As part of the programme, Seylan Bank showcased its specialised agricultural financing solutions that support farmers and agribusinesses at every stage of growth. Among these was Seylan Athwela, the Bank's Farming System Sustainability Programme (FSSP), which offers affordable financing of up to Rs. 5 million at a concessionary annual interest rate of 5%, helping farmers expand operations, improve productivity, and adopt modern agricultural practices. The Bank also highlighted the National Credit Relief and Credit Support (NCRCS) loan scheme, which provides concessionary financing at a 6% annual interest rate for eligible farmers cultivating paddy, maize, vegetables, potatoes, and other approved crops, supporting sustainable agricultural livelihoods while enhancing productivity.

Beyond providing access to finance, the programme reaffirmed Seylan Bank's belief that empowering farmers with financial literacy, business development knowledge, and convenient banking solutions is essential to building resilient agricultural enterprises that contribute meaningfully to Sri Lanka's economic development.

As one of Sri Lanka's trusted financial institutions, Seylan Bank continues to champion the growth of SMEs through initiatives that go beyond traditional banking, providing entrepreneurs with the knowledge, financial solutions, and long-term partnerships required to achieve sustainable success. By investing in the growth of the country's farming community, the Bank remains committed to fostering prosperity, strengthening rural livelihoods, and supporting the continued development of Sri Lanka's economy.

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