SDB bank relocates Aralaganwila branch

SDB Aralaganwila branch was relocated to provide more a convenient and efficient service to customers with more sophisticated facilities.

‘SDB Sithuwam’ 2020

‘SDB Sithuwam’ kids art competition was held at Diyatha Station.

Corporate Campaign Launch

SDB bank’s “Where you’re Valued” corporate campaign was kick started from North Central Region in Anuradhapura with the participation of SDB bank corporate management and regional team. The event was organized by Regional Manager - North Central and team. The “promise” of valuing every Sri Lankans to be part in their lives was ceremonially marked by pinning of #obawawatina (Where you’re valued) badge.

SDB bank joins hand with DIMO Sri Lanka for the betterment of Farmers

As the pioneers in valuing Sri Lankan agricultural sector, SDB bank signed an MOU with DIMO Sri Lanka. This enables SDB bank to finance tractors and harvesting machines sold by DIMO, with exclusive financial solutions dedicated to agricultural sector. Valuing the contribution of agricultural sector to Sri Lanka’s economy, SDB bank is proud to be part of this endeavor.

International Women's Day Celebration

SDB bank in collaboration with SANASA Uththamavi Company, celebrated International Women's Day at Vavuniya. As a bank which always values the contribution of women to Sri Lankan economy and empower them to strive, SDB bank is honored to be a part of this.

SDB bank lends support with significant donation to National COVID-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund

In a joint effort involving SDB bank and SANASA Insurance Co. Ltd, a total of Rs.6 Million was donated earlier this week to the dedicated COVID-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund set up by President Hon. Gotabaya Rajapaksa.Continuing with its recent contributions in support of COVID-19 relief efforts countrywide, SDB bank put forth Rs.5 Million to the national fund established with the intent of countering the spread of COVID-19 while parallelly supporting associated social welfare programs. SANASA Insurance contributed Rs.1 Million as part of the joint donation. SDB bank has a long tradition of promoting social good and initiating relief efforts in crisis periods, and they cited the continuous need to support the current national effort headed by the government, health authorities, and forces as a key factor which drove their donation.

SDB bank in top 50 of ‘Sri Lanka’s 100 most valuable brands’ list for 2020 by Brand Finance

A new entrant to Brand Finance’s much-awaited annual review of Sri Lanka’s 100 most valuable brands, SDB bank surpassed many of the country’s biggest business names and banks on its way to the top 50 of the illustrious list’s 100 best-performing brands. The bank earned the additional distinction of securing the top spot among all first-time entrants in 2020. Brand Finance Sri Lanka’s 17th annual review featured a number of familiar names in addition to first-time inclusion SDB bank. The bank’s leveraging of business growth through improved brand value is seen to be a key factor for their top-50 rank in the global brand valuation consultancy’s 2020 Top 100 list. SDB bank’s ranking in Brand Finance’s annual review is made all the more commendable by their surpassing of a number of significantly larger banks. The bank’s brand valuation of 2029 Million LKR is set to add immense long-term value to their brand in driving further financial growth. The enhanced corporate standing will allow a transformational SDB bank to attract and secure large-scale global investment in further consolidating its position as one of the country’s top banks.

SDB bank and its employees make joint donation in assisting country’s COVID-19 relief effort

Since its inception, SDB bank has stood strong in the face of adversity and came forward in assisting the country in periods of crisis. Continuing this commitment toward social good, the bank and its employees came forward in contributing half a day’s salary to a dedicated COVID-19 fund initiated by the bank. Their efforts and contributions helped in the purchase of an electric buggy car, which was donated to the Mulleriyawa Base Hospital. The hospital had communicated an urgent requirement for an electric buggy car, in order to more efficiently transport patients from the admission point to the wards. Hospital staff had previously faced numerous difficulties in conveying the COVID-19 patients using wheelchairs and stretchers, due to the significant distance separating the admission point and the wards.

Lakshman Abeysekera appointed as the new Chairman of SDB bank

The Board of Directors of SDB bank announced the appointment of senior chartered accountant Lakshman Abeysekera as the new chairman of the bank. Mr. Abeysekera takes over from Samadanie Kiriwandeniya, who has retired after completing a 9-year tenure as chairperson. Mr. Abeysekera, who served as a senior director, and the head of the board audit committee, is a cross-disciplinary expert who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role as chairman. He contributed significantly to SDB’s transformation from a microfinance and retail-oriented establishment to an SME focused bank.

Special Personal Loan for Online Trend

SDB bank launched and started offering a special personal loan scheme to purchase technology related apparatus; laptop, desktop, tab or smartphone through a hassle free loan.

SDB Kanthale branch relocation

SDB Kanthale branch was relocated with the objective of providing more convenient and efficient service to its customers with more sophisticated facilities

SDB bank joins hand with Browns & Company PLC to support farmers for the third consecutive year

As the pioneers in valuing Sri Lankan agricultural sector, SDB bank signed an MOU with Browns & Company PLC. This enables SDB bank to finance TAFE tractors and Massey Ferguson Compact Tractors sold by Browns & Company PLC, with exclusive financial solutions dedicated to agricultural sector.Valuing the contribution of agricultural sector to Sri Lanka’s economy, SDB bank is proud to be part of this endeavor for the third consecutive year.

SDB bank Continues Digital Advancement With Their First-Ever Hybrid Online AGM

In furthering SDB bank’s continuous digital evolution, the bank hosted their 23rd Annual General Meeting via a hybrid, virtual-physical model.While adhering to COVID-19-enforced national regulations in ensuring the health and safety of all participants, the bank adopted a hybrid meeting framework to successfully conduct its first virtual AGM.The traditional component of the meeting took place at the ‘Lavender Hall’ at BMICH, where a portion of the shareholders partook in the proceedings. The meeting was streamed live to a sizable number of SDB bank’s shareholders through the Zoom video communications and conferencing software, allowing for their full involvement. The event of SDB bank’s 23rd AGM unfolded smoothly from start to finish, with the use of live video communications technology promoting the in-depth engagement of all shareholders in activities ranging from voting to passing resolutions.The bank’s first-ever Hybrid Online AGM comes on the back of their continuous digital integration and transformation in recent years.

SDB bank Introduces Bulk Cash Collection Service in Tie Up With Certis Lanka

SDB bank launched their Bulk Cash Collection service in furtherance of its customer convenience proposition. The all-new doorstep collection service was developed in close coordination with reputed security solutions provider Certis Lanka, offering clients unmatched convenience in securely transferring bulk physical cash. The new facility aims to offer support to SMEs and Entrepreneurs who are gradually resuming their routine business operations, allowing this vital segment of the national economy to remain afloat and gradually make a full recovery. SDB bank’s bulk cash collection service enhances its already strong corporate and commercial offering, while parallelly reinforcing its position as the country’s leading SME and Entrepreneurial bank. This allows for the bank’s growth in these segments while improving business potential for all its clients.

SDB Bank Secures 3 Big Wins at Asian Banking and Finance Awards 2020

In a repeat performance of SDB bank’s phenomenal success at the 2019 edition of the Asian Banking and Finance Awards (ABF), the bank claimed 3 separate awards in 2020. At the digital awards presentation for ABF Retail Banking Awards 2020, SDB bank clinched the Rural/Cooperative Bank of the Year - Sri Lanka, Digital Wallet Initiative of the Year - Sri Lanka, and Financial Inclusion Initiative of the Year - Sri Lanka titles.

SDB bank’s 23rd anniversary

SDB bank celebrated 23 years of a successful journey

JASTECA Awards ceremony

SDB bank won an award for the Women Empowerment Project at 24th JASTECA Awards (2019) under the category “Top Ten CSR/ Sustainability Projects”. In a bid to encourage public and private sector business entities to adopt and inculcate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a part of organization’s "business policy", which goes beyond statutory and stakeholder obligations, the Japan Sri Lanka Technical and Cultural Association (JASTECA) has organized a competition titled "JASTECA CSR Awards" to recognize and reward organizations for their efforts and commitment.

The objective of JASTECA award is to recognize responsible corporate citizens and this is planned to be conducted annually with contenders from all relevant sectors.

Partnership with MILCO

SDB bank signed an MOU with MILCO to empower and uplift Dairy Farmers

Cooperative and SME sector development discussion with Government Officials

Hon. Trade Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardane had a discussion with SDB bank’s Chairman Mr. Lakshman Abeysekara and Board of Directors about bank’s plan for Cooperative and SME sector development. Further, SDB bank’s CEO, Mr. Thilak Piyadigama also explained the digital initiatives of the bank with UPay and Mobile Banking facilities in the forefront.

SDB Lakdaru Scholarship Awards Ceremony

Young champs of SDB Lakdaru were appreciated with Medals, Certificates and Gifts for their extraordinary performance at Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, G.C.E O/L and G.C.E A/L. Annual award ceremony for 2019 performance was done at branch level, considering pandemic situation.

SDB Bank at the Forefront of LANKAQR Digital Payments ‘Rata Purama’ in Association with CBSL

In a landmark event held in Matale, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, in coordination with a number of financial institutions and telcos, launched the 1st phase of ‘Rata Purama QR Code’ to introduce LANKAQR as the way forward for mobile phone and digital payments countrywide. SDB bank CEO Thilak Piyadigama was appointed as the Chairman of the ‘Working Group of Financial Institutions’ by CBSL, to lead the implementation of the LANKAQR project. The intent of the inaugural event in Matale, a public awareness campaign to promote the ease, cost-effectiveness and secureness of LANKAQR digital payments among customers and businessmen, mirrors SDB bank’s continuing focus through their payment app UPay on creating an inclusive digital payments landscape for all Sri Lankans.

SDB ‘Divi Saviya’ Launch

SDB bank introduced SDB Divi Saviya, a specialized financial solution to micro entrepreneurs. The launch was ceremoniously carried out simultaneously in across the country while the main event took place in Kegalle, on 18th of September, 2020. SDB Divi Saviya is developed in accordance with Sri Lanka’s mission to empower micro businesses and uplift country’s economy. Through this scheme, special loans are offered starting from Rs. 50,000. In addition, further support is given with leasing facilities up to Rs. 500,000 and digitally enabled payment solutions through UPay for applicants.This is part of SDB bank’s continuous effort to empower micro and small enterprises of the country.

‘UPay Millionaire’ Season 1 Winner’s Coronation

A gamified contest themed "7 Days to Win a MILLION", UPay Millionaire winner’s coronation event was successfully held at SDB bank head office. The lucky winner bagged the “One Million Rupees” top prize, while another five lucky winners received Rs.100,000 in cash each. ‘UPay Millionaire’ is one of the first gamified contests in Sri Lanka’s fintech industry and mobile payment app landscape. The contest drew the participation of nearly 2000 individuals for the 1st season itself, and they actively engaged and participated in all the daily missions to reach the grand prize of One Million Rupees.

Partnership with DIMO Sri Lanka

With continuous efforts to uplift Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector, SDB bank further extended it's partnership with DIMO Sri Lanka, to offer LOVOL Harvesters to farmers under specialized leasing scheme. SDB Leasing offers farmers a fully tailor made repayment system, which allows repayments according to harvesting seasons. This further strengthens SDB bank’s and DIMO Sri Lanka’s joint effort to support farmers with latest machinery and financial support. Both the organizations already have signed an MOU to work towards this endeavor. As a bank which always strive to support Sri Lankan economy by supporting country’s agricultural sector, SDB bank is proud to be a part in this.

Partnership with CA SL

SDB bank entered to a partnership with The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) for a collaborative development initiative of both organizations towards the contribution to national economic development. The signing of partnership was held as a semi hybrid virtual session, where both the parties met over ZOOM Video Conference, following necessary health advisory during this situation.SDB bank and CA Sri Lanka will collaboratively work towards achieving below primary objectives through this partnership:

-To add value to the businesses and economy by collaborating to provide the necessary business acumen needed by the SME sector.

-Adjust and adapt financial management skills to suit the SME including financial skills development of Cooperative Sector. This will be focused on developing frameworks which will assist to have better access to finance.

As pioneers in supporting Sri Lankan SME sector, SDB bank strongly believes this partnership with CA Sri Lanka, the premier National Professional Accountancy body in the country, will help to uplift country’s economy to a greater extent.

SDB Medawachchiya branch relocation

SDB Medawachchiya branch was relocated with the objective of providing more convenient and efficient service to its customers with more sophisticated facilities.

SDB bank and CA Sri Lanka Kickoff Historic SME & Co-Op Development and Mentorship Partnership with Inaugural Event in Galle

The landmark tie-up between SDB bank and The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) was set in motion with a focused entrepreneurship development and business mentorship session, bringing together SDB bank’s SME and Co-op customers from the Galle region plus officials from both organizations. The initiative’s launch in Galle involved many SME participants selected across regional SDB bank branches, along with a group of the bank’s regional co-op society customers. During the session, participants were offered practical knowledge and guidance on topics ranging from accounting, business planning, and management, to recruitment, HR and taxation. Additionally, they were given professional advice on areas such as expansion and diversification, exposing them to business practices and models that would help them scale business gradually. Additionally, a range of opportunities will be made available to SDB bank’s SME-sector customers through this program, from access to new markets, and technology updates, to exploring innovative business avenues.

Virtual Step Challenge

SDB bank recently concluded "Virtual Step Challenge" for staff. This is part of ongoing programs focused on inculcating healthy lifestyle habits among all employees. The challenge involved completing at least 135,000 steps in 30 Days. Winners were selected based on highest steps completed and raffle draw.