SLABA launches Boardroom Series with NDB Investment Bank, CBSL on financing and forex

Thursday, 20 August 2026 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lanka Apparel Brands Association (SLABA) last week hosted the inaugural session of its new “Boardroom - Executive Leadership Series,” bringing industry leaders together for a closed-door discussion on two questions increasingly on the minds of business owners: how to raise capital beyond conventional bank lending, and how to navigate the country’s foreign exchange regulations.

Held on 14 August 2026 at Jetwing Colombo 7, the session titled “Expanding Horizons: Regional Market Growth and Alternative Funding Mechanisms” was powered by NDB Investment Bank, with EKKO, LCY, and JEZZA as gift partners, and was open exclusively to SLABA members.

The proceedings opened with a presentation by CBSL Department of Foreign Exchange Senior Assistant Director D.L. Lakmal, who offered insights into the country’s foreign exchange regulatory framework. His remarks were followed by a Q and A session, giving attendees the opportunity to raise concerns directly relevant to their own cross-border operations. With Exchange Control policy continuing to evolve, the discussion offered exporters and manufacturers a timely update on the regulatory landscape they operate within.

The second half of the session turned to the question of financing. A team from NDB Investment Bank comprising Head of Debt Capital Markets Eshani Thenuwara, Senior Vice President Sujani Perera and Associate Vice President Deshan Hettiwatte walked members through alternative capital-raising options that go beyond traditional financing instruments, aimed at businesses seeking to fund their next phase of growth without relying solely on conventional bank credit.

The session, which drew strong participation from SLABA’s membership, concluded with a high-tea and networking segment that gave attendees the chance to engage further with the speakers and with each other.

The Boardroom Series marks a shift in how SLABA is engaging its membership, moving away from broad-based networking events towards smaller, more focused sessions that place financial institutions and regulators in direct conversation with business leaders. Going by the response to this first session, it is a format apparel exporters and manufacturers are likely to welcome again.