Empowering Farmers: HNB Leasing launches Govi Saviya for Agri sector

Consolidating its efforts to empower farmers and ensure the nation’s food security, Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank, HNB PLC, launched a comprehensive support system under the HNB Leasing Govi Saviya campaign.  

The initiative, driven by the bank’s microfinance officers and supported by heavyweights in the agricultural sector, aims to revive the industry with state-of-the-art equipment and knowledge-sharing missions. HNB Deputy General Manager (DGM) —Wholesale Banking Group Damith Pallewatte, DGM – SME & Microfinance, Rajive Dissanayake, DGM – Retail Banking Group Sanjay Wijemanne, microfinance officers, and leading agricultural companies were present at a special ceremony organized to launch the event.  

“We are thrilled to launch the ‘HNB Leasing Govi Saviya’ initiative alongside our partners, reaffirming our commitment to every Sri Lankan, from the individual farmer to the large corporations. With nearly half of our nation’s land dedicated to agriculture yet contributing only 6.5% to the GDP, it’s evident that there’s a vast opportunity for growth. Many farmers rely on ancient practices with no access to modernization and financial resources. HNB Leasing Govi Saviya aims to bridge this gap and address any challenges they may face with targeted support backed by innovative financial solutions.  

“Our collaboration with microfinance officers and leading agricultural companies is crucial as it allows us to understand and meet unique needs. It allows us the opportunity to offer a comprehensive toolkit for enhancing productivity and ensuring food security. We understand that agriculture plays a pivotal role in our economy and the well-being of our people. This initiative marks a significant step towards establishing a sustainable and thriving agri sector,” HNB DGM – Wholesale Banking Group, Damith Pallewatte.   

Building upon the bank’s existing commitments to the sector, HNB partnered with the six main agricultural equipment providers: Browns PLC, DIMO PLC, Hayleys Agriculture PLC, Lanka Commercial Trading, Singer (Sri Lanka), and AMW PLC for additional support. The collaborations will provide farmers access to convenient leasing programmes, customized/flexible repayment options anchored to the Yala and Maha cultivation seasons, and low interest rates.

“We believe in the immense potential of Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector, not only as a cornerstone of our economy but as a vital part of our nation’s future. With HNB Leasing’s Govi Saviya, we are doubling down on our commitment to support our farmers, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive,” HNB Head of Leasing Susith Perera said.

Targeting critical agricultural regions, including the Northern, Eastern, North Central, UVA, Sabaragamuwa, and southern areas, ‘HNB Leasing Govi Saviya’ is designed to support farmers throughout the crucial Yala and Maha seasons.

HNB was also recognized as the Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka for the 14th occasion at the prestigious International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards 2024, hosted by the Asian Banker Magazine. It also won the top prize at the Sri Lanka Sustainability Reporting Awards for 2023, presented by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Sri Lanka.

Furthermore, the acclaimed UK-based’ The Banker Magazine’ ranked HNB among the Top 1,000 Banks in the world for the sixth consecutive year. In addition, The Euromoney Trade Finance Survey 2023 adjudged HNB the ‘Best Service Bank’ and the ‘Market Leader’.    HNB DGM – Wholesale Banking Group, Damith Pallewatte

HNB DGM – Retail Banking Group, Sanjay Wijemanne (third from left) and HNB DGM – Wholesale Banking Group, Damith Pallewatte presenting the first lease of the Govi Saviya Scheme, Dinesh Indika, a customer of the Giriulla Branch in the presence of (from left): HNB Regional Manager, North Central Province, Bandula Monnekulama, HNB AGM – PFS, Kanchana Karungama and HNB Head of Leasing, Susith Perera.