DFCC Bank and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Centre for SMEs partner to accelerate national SME growth

Saturday, 3 May 2025 00:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Head of Centre of SME Unit Yasura Samarakoon, DFCC Bank Deputy Chief Executive Officer Shamindra Mercelline, The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Bhuwaneka Perera, DFCC Bank Director/Chief Executive Officer Thimal Perera, SVP – Head of Retail and Business Banking Aasiri Iddamalgoda, Head of Business Banking Pradeep De Alwis, and Assistant Manager Koushall Vian

DFCC Bank has announced a strategic partnership with The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Centre for SMEs, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s small and medium enterprise (SME) sector. This collaboration combines financial expertise with sectoral knowledge to equip entrepreneurs with the tools, guidance, and access necessary for sustainable growth.

The partnership will support five SME transformation and market access programs across the country. These initiatives are designed to address real-world business challenges by delivering export readiness training, financial literacy sessions, dedicated advisory services, and direct engagement with policymakers and industry leaders. The program aims to provide SMEs with the strategic support required to thrive in a competitive and evolving economic environment.

DFCC Bank CEO Thimal Perera stated, “SMEs form the backbone of the national economy, and their holistic progress directly influences economic resilience and employment. It is therefore essential that these businesses receive practical guidance, access to markets, and strong networks to move forward, in addition to financial assistance. This partnership with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Centre for SMEs is a deliberate effort to integrate financial solutions with targeted developmental support, creating meaningful value for entrepreneurs and reinforcing the foundation of Sri Lanka’s SME sector over the long term.”

As part of the broader initiative, DFCC Bank will offer tailored consultancy services to up to 20 selected SMEs, assisting them in addressing structural, operational, and growth-related challenges. In addition, five regional business development workshops will be conducted in collaboration with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Centre for SMEs, extending outreach and support to regions beyond the urban economic hubs.

The program will also include a four-episode YouTube series focused on SME and export sector development. Featuring DFCC Bank’s SME-centric banking solutions and highlighting entrepreneurial success stories, the series will provide both visibility and insight for aspiring and growth-stage businesses.

Given the link between limited SME growth and constrained national economic progress, this initiative comes at a critical juncture. By aligning financial innovation with capacity-building, DFCC Bank and The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Centre for SMEs are helping to build a more inclusive, competitive, and resilient business landscape for Sri Lanka.

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