HNB supports rural businesses: Revives Gami Pubuduwa Pola to showcase successful MSMEs

Celebrating over three decades of service and support to grow microfinance customers across the island, Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank, HNB PLC, revived its annual trade fair and exhibition for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Gami Pubuduwa Pola 2023. 

Organised by the bank to showcase up-and-coming businesses in its portfolio, the trade fair returns after a two-year hiatus following the disruptions brought on by the pandemic and the economic crisis. HNB MD/CEO Jonathan Alles graced the event as the Chief Guest at the ceremonial opening of the trade fair, accompanied by Guests of Honour, CBSL Director Regional Development Department M.S.K. Dharmawardena, Ministry of Finance, Project Director – SMELoC Vasanthi Wijerathna, together with HNB Executive Director/COO Dilshan Rodrigo. HNB Deputy General Manager, Wholesale Banking Group Damith Pallewatte, HNB Head of Microfinance Vinodh Fernando, as well as the corporate and senior management of the bank.  

Moreover, HNB further supported microfinance customers to face the challenges brought on over the past three years across different platforms, from offering grants funds and moratoriums while rescheduling and restructuring loan facilities.   

Key among the initiatives is HNB’s flagship ‘Oba Venuwen Api’ grant fund initiative which has supported 400 microfinance customers rejuvenate their businesses with Rs. 40 million over the past two years. HNB further strengthened rural businesses by creating and facilitating new marketplaces and organising workshops to improve financial literacy. Several beneficiaries of the grant fund also showcased their products at the Gami Pubuduwa Pola.