Pan Asia Bank Becomes the First Bank to Onboard the SME Connect Platform by the National Enterprise Development Authority, Asian Development Bank, and Deloitte

Pictured here at the signing of the agreement Dhanuka Liyanagamage – Director – National Enterprise Development Authority with Naleen Edirisinghe – Director/CEO – Pan Asia Bank

Pan Asia Bank which has taken significant steps in empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs across Sri Lanka has partnered with the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) to onboard the SMEConnect platform. This initiative, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and supported by the technical expertise of Deloitte, is part of a broader national program targeting the development of SMEs under one platform.

The comprehensive resource hub for entrepreneurs is called SME Connect platform. An initiative by National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA), Ministry of Industries, acts as a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs who can access different services. It offers learning opportunities, mentoring programs, networking, and provision of support in areas specific to women entrepreneurship.

As part of this collaboration, Pan Asia Bank will take a lead in providing financial knowledge, business mentorship and expertise to the platform by linking content, reports, data and share success stories from Pan Asia Bank’s customers. By working together with SME Connect platform, Pan Asia Bank plans to increase the pool of resources accessible to entrepreneurs thereby improving their chances at getting better insights that fuel growth, innovation and financial support.

Pan Asia Bank’s Director/CEO Mr. Naleen Edirisinghe said, “We are proud to support this national initiative by NEDA as it is in tune with what we have been doing to empower entrepreneurs and create entrepreneurship opportunities. This move also demonstrates the bank’s efforts towards nurturing innovation, financial knowledge and entrepreneurial skills among businessmen and businesswomen in Sri Lanka.”

Regarding the partnership, Mr. Dhanuka Liyanagamage Director of the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) said, “SME Connect platform is an innovative platform that seeks to empower all entrepreneurs especially women for entrepreneurship.” He further added that, “We are proud to partner with Pan Asia Bank in this important initiative. The bank’s significant experience in financial services and its devotion to entrepreneurship will definitely add value to this system thereby enabling us to give more assistance to women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka.”

Pan Asia Bank, The Truly Sri Lankan Bank, is an established and reputable financial institutions in Sri Lanka, committed to providing exceptional banking services to its customers. Pan Asia Bank will continue to support and drive SME entrepreneurship and will intensify its commitment to become more involved with digital innovation, financial literacy programs and fostering alliances that support stable growth across the SME sector.