Sanasa Development Bank | Annual Report 2019

Nelum Mal Pooja

Nelum Mal Poojawa was organised by SANASA Federation and SANASA Movement with the sponsorship of SDB bank for the 19th time at Anuradhapura.

Donation to A/Gonuhaddenawa Viduhala – Kebithigollawa

SDB bank organised an Educational Corporate Social Responsibility event on 21 January 2019 at A/Gonuhaddenawa Viduhala – Kebithigollawa. Supporting the educational needs of young people in rural communities, books, school bags, shoes, book cupboards and a notice board were donated to the school students.

Sponsorship of Empowering Education programme in Mullaitivu

SDB bank sponsored the Empowering Education programme in Mullaitivu which was organised by the Women in Management. This event took place on 18 January 2019 at Roman Catholic Mullaitivu Maha Vidyalaya, Iranaippalai, Puthukkudiyiruppu, Mullaitivu. Stationary packs were distributed to the school children.

Lakdaru Scholarship Seminar 2019

The Scholarship Seminar series for 2019 kicked off on 09 February at Govi Piyasa Hall, Buttala. In parallel to the Scholarship Seminar Series, there were separate seminars for parents regarding improved parenting skills and attitudes towards children, and on child philosophy. Further, parents were educated on their financial administration and banking activities at the same venue. At the seminars, parents were given the opportunity to open Lakdaru accounts for their children.

Appointment of Chief Executive Officer

Thilak Piyadigama takes over reins at SDB bank as the new CEO

“Uththamavi Investment Account” launched

Uththamavi Investment Account is a special investment account designed for women to realise life’s objectives step by step. The unique feature of this account is that it affords a higher rate of interest than a normal savings account.

Lakdaru Scholarship Seminar

The fifth seminar of the Scholarship Seminar series for 2019 was held on 23 March 2019 at Central College, Badulla. Supporting education in rural communities, SDB bank's Lakdaru Scholarship Seminar was an important CSR opportunity the bank and its employees. Student participants were provided with printed notes and stationery while their parents received advice on child psychology and entrepreneurial know-how. At the seminars, parents were given the opportunity to open Lakdaru accounts for their children.

Surakimu Siripa and cleanup project

SDB bank sponsored the Surakimu Siripa and cleanup project for 2019 which was organised by Leo Club of Colombo Knights. This project was conducted from 30 March 2019 to 31 March 2019 with the participation of over 50 staff members from SDB bank.

Digital Experience Management Exchange

SDB bank was one of the Bronze sponsors of the Digital Experience Management Exchange organised by Sri Lanka Institute of Service Management. Thilak Piyadigama, CEO of SDB bank participated in business panel at Digital Experience Management Exchange at Shangri-La Colombo on 04 April 2019.

Uththamavi Workshop in Thambuththegama & Nochchiyagama

The SDB bank branches at Thambuththegama and Nochchiyagama together with the respective Divisional Secretariats organised Women’s Entrepreneur Workshops. The main objective of this workshops was to enhance the financial literacy of women entrepreneurs registered with the DS divisions through SDB Uththamavi financial solutions.

Pilimathalawa branch relocation

SDB Pilimathalawa branch was relocated with the objective of providing more convenient and efficient services to its customers with more sophisticated facilities. This was the first implementation of the new brand refresh.

Aluthgama branch relocation

SDB Aluthgama branch was relocated with the objective of providing more convenient and efficient services to its customers with more sophisticated facilities paired with a new brand refresh.

SDB Lakdaru Award Ceremony

SDB bank organised a Lakdaru Award ceremony for last year’s best performed Grade 5 students as a CSR project. This programme was initiated by SDB Trincomalee, Nochchiyagama, Kilinochchi and Medawachchiya Branches.

Financial Literacy Programme

SDB bank collaborated with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to organise a Financial Literacy Programme at the auditorium of Galewela DSD office. Nearly 180 members representing the leading 100 cooperative societies participated in the event. Representatives of the Central Bank of the Matale Regional Office and the Divisional Secretary of Galewela DSD also graced this occasion.

Asian Banking & Finance Awards ceremony

SDB bank won three awards in recognition of the contribution made to our communities in Sri Lanka: Financial Inclusion Initiative of the Year Advertising Campaign of the Year Rural/Cooperative Bank of the Year

Launched Upay Payment app

This initiative by SDB bank marks a new chapter of our digital journey providing customers with access to a wide range of digital payment options and additional services. We are glad to be actively involved in a mission to drive the country towards a cashless society, directly contributing to the country's development.

Lakdaru Award Ceremony

Lakdaru account holders who successfully completed the Grade 5 scholarship in 2018 were invited to attend an awards ceremony at Hotel Covanro, Naiwala, Veyangoda by SDB bank branches in Kiribathgoda, Mahabage, Ekala, Negombo and Gampaha.

SDB Mobile App launched

This is the second step of SDB bank's digital journey and an official island-wide event took place at branches to commemorate the success.

Digital Disruption Business Forum

Digital Disruption Business Forum was conducted by the University of Ruhuna at hotel Marriott with the participation of business leaders, researchers, professionals, academics and industry experts. SDB bank's CEO Mr Thilak Piyadigama shared his valuable experiences, knowledge, and insights as an industry expert panelist.

Women's Empowerment Workshop

Uththamavi Entrepreneur Workshop was held at Sooriyawewa Divisional Secretariat office in Hambantota District. The main objective of this workshop was to uplift women entrepreneurs by enhancing their technical knowledge on topics such as harvesting, providing them with market information and improving their financial literacy and entrepreneurial knowledge. Participants were also made aware of SDB bank’s financial solutions such as the Uththamavi entrepreneur loan.

SDB bank's annual blood donation programme

SDB bank’s annual blood donation programme 2019, which was held at the Bank's Head Office, is one of the high points of the events calendar. It allows government and private sector officials to donate blood and give back to the community and those in need.

22nd anniversary

SDB bank celebrated 22 years of a successful journey

Supporting Great Place to Work Conference 2019

SDB bank was the silver partner at the Great Place to Work Conference 2019.

Sponsorship of the CIMA Business Leaders’ Summit 2019

SDB bank was the bronze sponsor of the “CIMA Business Leaders’ Summit 2019.” This was CIMA’s annual flagship event which was organised for the 42nd time at Shangri-La, Colombo

Landmark agreement with Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

SDB bank signed a landmark agreement with Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). The MOU involves the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnership Programme (SAPP), an initiative to enhance production levels, productivity, quality, and value-addition of agricultural products.

Agreement with DIMO Sri Lanka

In line with its goal to empower rural communities, SDB bank entered into a partnership with DIMO, to offer special leasing facilities for Mahindra Tractors. The special leasing facilities are tailored towards the agricultural sector and smallholder farmers and is available for both ranges of tractors including the 2x4 and the 4x4. Customers are also entitled to numerous benefits exclusively from SDB bank in partnership with DIMO; including leasing facilities of up to 85% of the value of the tractor.

SDB bank's new website launched

As the third step of SDB bank's digital journey a new website was launched. Reflecting SDB bank’s brand refresh in look and feel the website is available in all three languages: Sinhala, Tamil and English. The mobile-friendly website provides users with access to information on SDB bank 24 hours of the day, 365 days of the year.

Sponsorship of National Pensioner’s Day Celebration 2019

This event was held at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksha Theatre and organised by the Department of Pensions together with the pensioner’s community in order to pay due respect to the pensioner’s society. Over 1,200 pensioners from all around the country participated. The event signifies SDB bank’s contribution towards recognising and appreciating government pensioners.

Sponsorship of the 40th National Conference of Chartered Accountants

This event is organised by the institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka with the ultimate aim of offering a unique learning and networking experience for a large number of delegates.

Upay recognised at the SLASSCOM Innovation Awards 2019

SDB bank’s UPay platform received recognition as the second runners-up in the Best Client Delivery Innovation category at the SLASSCOM Innovation Awards and Gala 2019. The event was held at Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo.

Sponsorship of ICSE 2019: International Conference on Women Entrepreneurship

SDB bank joined hands with the Colombo School of Business and Management (CSBM) and the Women’s International Foundation (WIF) to host this event at Marino Beach Hotel, Colombo 03. The key pillars of ISCE 2019 are Creating Opportunities, Breaking Barriers and Sustaining Development for Women Entrepreneurs.

Silver Sponsorship of Junior National Law Conference 2019

This was held from 29 November to 01 December 2019 at the Blue Water Hotel. This event was organized by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), which represents approximately 21,000 Lawyers.

Partnership with John Keells Foundation to promote Financial Inclusion and Female Entrepreneurship at grass-root level

SDB bank signed an MoU with JKF to conduct Financial Literacy Programmes for women entrepreneurs. The vital role played by women in family, society and the economy, has led to the Bank’s focus on this group through its Uththamavi Program (Women Initiative) to empower women, realise true potential and enhance the well-being of themselves, family, society, and the country.

SDB Christmas Carols

Talents of SDB shone during Moments from Christmas Carols - 2019 held at SDB bank Head Office.

National Business Excellence Award for Banking Sector

SDB Bank won Merit Award for Banking Sector at National Business Excellence Awards 2019, organised by The National Chamber of Commerce - Sri Lanka.

Regional Townhall Meeting Series

“Regional Town Hall Meeting” series were successfully held with the participation of both corporate and regional teams. This was a new initiative to empower regional teams with clarity and guidance of the strategy for 2020.

Supplementary Information

Events Calendar

JANUARY