SDB bank sponsors bio gas unit at Kataragama Sri Abhinawarama Temple

Founded to support entrepreneurship at grass root levels, SDB bank recently carried out yet another exemplary sustainable energy initiative at the Sri Abhinawarama temple in Kataragama. The bank sponsored the newly established bio gas unit at the Sri Abhinawarama Temple, a place that caters to the needs of nearly 1,000 pilgrims visiting Kataragama during the season. 

The newly installed bio gas unit was officially handed over to the maha sangha in the presence of Monaragala District Secretary D.S. Padmakulasooriya, SDB bank Head of Marketing and Retail Banking Sameera D. Liyanage, SDB bank Head of Co-operative P.D. Dhammika, SDB bank Uva Regional Manager K.B. Ratnayake and other guests. 

With the output of the new bio gas unit, Sri Abhinawarama temple is able to manage their daily tasks at a reduced cost and with minimum impact to the environment. 

“Sri Abhinawarama temple is a significant location for Kataragama pilgrims coming from all around the country. SDB bank’s guidance and support to introduce the bio gas unit turns a new leaf as we are now able to manage our work with much ease and increased cost efficiency. SDB bank has strong roots in the rural community of this country and their continuous endeavour to uplift the community is remarkable. This meritorious deed is yet another example of that,” said Ruhunu Magam Pathuwe Chief Adikarana Sanganayake Kapugama Sri Saranatissa Nayake Thero, the incumbent of the Sri Abhinawarama temple speaking about the initiative. 

District Secretary Padmakulasooriya, who was instrumental in the success of the project said, “We applaud SDB bank for their sincere efforts to promote the sustainable energy initiatives. As responsible citizens, we know the importance of minimising our negative impact on the environment. Millions of pilgrims visit this sacred city every year and initiatives like this are most timely and beneficial in many ways. This bio gas unit goes a long way in setting up the example and we hope many more of our entrepreneurs will follow this for sustainability and profitability.” 

As a bank fully dedicated to the development of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector of the country, SDB bank also intends to set this project as an example for the rural entrepreneurs to follow. As the bank believes, promoting green energy solutions can significantly enhance the sustainability and the profitability of MSME businesses and contribute to creating a pollution free environment. 

“SDB bank is fully committed to grow the MSME segment in the country and this is seen in all aspects of our operation including Corporate Social Responsibility. Green technologies like bio gas technology can have a tremendous impact on the MSME businesses both financially and environmentally. Our role in installing a bio gas unit at the Sri Abhinawarama temple goes beyond a CSR project to inspire the entrepreneurs from around the area and visiting the place to use this technology for the benefit of their businesses. We are hopeful our endeavours will go a long way in changing the way MSME business are conducted,” said Liyanage.   

A specialised bank licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, SDB bank has been consistent in its efforts towards the empowerment of the MSME segment as demonstrated in all aspects of its business. Living up to the standards set in their mission statement, SDB continuously introduces and upgrades a comprehensive range of high quality and innovative products, covering all segments of their target market. Thus, the bank has launched many products such as ‘Uththamavi’ for empowering women, ‘Jawaya’ for empowering the youth, ‘Upahara’ for the retired workforce, etc., aiming to uplift the various sub segments within the MSME category. SDB bank intends to support the MSMEs planning to utilise bio gas technology for their businesses through this range of SDB products. SDB bank was also recognised for their efforts to upliftment of the MSME sector and received the award for the “Fastest Growing MSME Bank in Sri Lanka” for 2018 by the leading UK-based publication, Global Banking and Finance Review.