HNB strengthens commitment to women entrepreneurs with new banking initiative

HNB PLC has launched its dedicated program, “Empowering Women, Enabling Entrepreneurship”, on 24 October at HNB Towers. The initiative was introduced under the theme motto, “Start small, rise tall – we’re here for it all”.

HNB has strengthened its commitment to women entrepreneurs through the launch of “Empowering Women, Enabling Entrepreneurship”, a holistic Women Banking proposition that advances inclusive finance and sustainable growth. Initially targeting women-led MSMEs, the program provides a holistic range of financial and non-financial solutions, including tailored loan schemes, savings and digital banking products, POS machines, capacity-building and mentorship programs, as well as insurance coverage in partnership with HNB Assurance.

Supported by a team of over 300 dedicated professionals and collaborations with more than 50 local and international partners, the initiative also extends legal and tax advisory services, marketing opportunities, and recognition pathways to help women advance from micro to SME levels. By offering the guidance, resources, and confidence needed to grow, HNB continues to uphold its purpose of empowering women, strengthening communities, and driving national growth.

The initiative aims to expand access to finance, advisory services, and financial literacy programmes for women-led MSMEs, bridging critical gaps in inclusion and business sustainability. Data shared at the event underscored the need for such programs: according to the Women and Children Affairs Ministry, only 9% of women are actively engaged in the recorded economy, while many operate small or informal ventures without access to structured support. Meanwhile, University of Kelaniya research shows that 80% of women hold bank accounts, yet only 8-9% actively engage in the economy, reflecting a need for greater financial awareness and participation. HNB’s “Empowering Women, Enabling Entrepreneurship” initiative is about filling these gaps and creating new opportunities. 

HNB MD/CEO Damith Pallewatte said, “Empowering the rural economy is part of who we are - it’s in our DNA. Women are the backbone of Sri Lanka’s economy, and when they begin thinking about business, HNB is here to support every step of that journey. This program combines banking products with guidance, knowledge, and innovative opportunities, while connecting women to a wider ecosystem through the Department of Agriculture, NGOs, the National Entrepreneur Development Authority (NEDA), and other partners. We understand that success doesn’t always begin glamorous, but its impact can be profound. Every day, we work beyond banking to give women a voice, build their confidence, and create pathways for sustainable growth. We see them, we believe in them, and we stand with them.”

Among the success stories celebrated was Dammika Priyangani from Kaduwela, who turned her orchid-growing hobby into a flourishing small business with HNB’s support. “I started with just a few orchids in my backyard, unsure if my idea could grow into something real. HNB believed in me from the very beginning, providing guidance, digital tools, and the support I needed to take each step forward. Today, my business has grown beyond what I imagined, and I feel confident and empowered as an entrepreneur. I am truly grateful to HNB for walking this journey with me and helping me turn a simple dream into reality.”

The event brought together HNB officials led by MD/CEO Damith Pallewatte, Senior Executive Vice President/COO Sanjay Wijemanne, Executive Vice President – SME and Microfinances Rajive Dissanayake, Executive Vice President – Network Business Supun Dias, Senior Vice President/Chief Human Resource Officer K. Indrawasan, Senior Vice President – Strategy Priyanka Wijerathne, Vice President – Cards Gauthami Niranjan, Vice President – Microfinance Mahinda Senevirathne. They were joined by Central Bank of Sri Lanka Regional Development Director Chathura Ariyadasa, Women and Children Affairs Ministry Representative Sajeewani Perera, University of Kelaniya Head of the Department of Finance Professor Ruwani Fernando, Department of Agriculture Additional Director of Agribusiness A.B.M. Roshan, Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs Chairperson Ayanthi Gurusinghe, and Uresha Walpitagama from the Asian Development Bank. The gathering also welcomed a group of pioneering women entrepreneurs from across the country. 

By integrating Women-focused data and analysis and advanced monitoring systems into its programs, HNB tracks progress, measures tangible social and economic outcomes, and continuously refines its support for women entrepreneurs. This approach ensures that each initiative is effective, each intervention meaningful, and each entrepreneur empowered. Through these efforts, HNB positions women-led businesses for sustainable growth, while simultaneously strengthening the national economy, turning individual achievements into a powerful engine for inclusive development and lasting prosperity.