SDB BANK
LMD 100 Q&A
RANK 53
The entrepreneurial spirit is also alive and well with start-ups, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) – segments we actively support – seizing new opportunities
Q: As Sri Lanka takes a new turn in its political and economic journey, how ready and able is the corporate sector to drive growth while overcoming past challenges?
A: The corporate sector showed remarkable resilience over the years, emerging stronger than ever from crises such as the decades long conflict, Easter attack, COVID-19 pandemic and economic meltdown.
Throughout these challenges, businesses remained focused on their customers, supported their employees and demonstrated their capacity to adapt. As the country recovers now, there are clear signs of optimism. Innovation, digital transformation and AI are enhancing customer experiences and driving efficiency.
Another key asset aiding the recovery process is the skilled and committed workforce, which has remained eager to adapt and contribute to national progress.
The entrepreneurial spirit is also alive and well with start-ups, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) – segments we actively support – seizing new opportunities and contributing to economic growth.
Looking ahead, businesses seek policy stability and a predictable environment. The government’s focus on tax reforms, infrastructure development and improved governance will be critical for sustainable corporate growth. With these factors in place, we believe the corporate sector is well positioned for the future.
Executive Director
CEO
Q: In the wake of the brain drain, what strategies have you put in place to retain talent and overcome the challenges businesses are facing?
A: Our staff find satisfaction in helping underserved segments of society and contributing to sustainable economic development. This sense of purpose is a powerful motivator, often more impactful than other benefits.
To support this, we provide continuous skills development, internal promotions, career advancement opportunities and employee engagement programmes. Regular salary surveys ensure that our compensation packages are aligned with market rates.
Our committed management team – a mix of experienced bankers, and newcomers with technical skills and market insights – guide our workforce toward success and help us achieve our collective goals.
Q: To what extent does your company harness technological advancements in its operations?
A: At the core of our operations is a robust banking system – providing stability, security and scalability for our financial services, and supporting all transactional and data processing activities.
We also have an advanced workflow management system that streamlines operations, reduces manual intervention, and enhances speed and accuracy across various processes. And by automating repetitive tasks, we free up resources for more strategic initiatives.
Additionally, we have integrated internal and external systems through API connectivity, enabling real-time data exchange and quick adaption to market demands or regulatory requirements. These innovations keep us agile, efficient and competitive.
Q: How is your company embracing environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) standards?
A: Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, from our operations to how we support customers in running their businesses. We have aligned our efforts with sustainable development goals (SDGs), which are embedded in our operations and services.
Our environmental initiatives include installing solar systems, promoting agro-forestry, digitalisation to reduce paper use, internal energy conservation, rainwater harvesting and solar financing.
Meanwhile, our rural upliftment programme is an initiative that strengthens the value chain through empowerment, sustainable financing, mentorship and market opportunities.
In terms of governance, we screen loan portfolios through our environmental and social management system, and maintain sustainability as a key focus at executive and board levels with key performance indicators (KPIs) built into each department.
Q: What are your company’s main goals and objectives for the financial year 2024/25?
A: As a value driven development bank, our priority is to support progressive individuals, businesses and cooperatives, thereby fostering rural development and poverty alleviation.
We recognise the toll that the economic crisis took on these sectors, and are committed to helping them rebuild by providing sustainable financial solutions and mentorship while also safeguarding the interests of our depositors.
Additionally, we aim to remain focussed on value chain financing, and providing funding solutions to MSMEs and individual entrepreneurs.
We also aim to strengthen ourselves to better meet the financing needs of underserved segments. Our growth in financial performance so far reflects the resilience of our team and our commitment to maintaining best practices.
Looking ahead, we plan to enhance customer satisfaction through personalised services, improved digital platforms, responsive customer support and attractive savings offerings.
Ultimately, we strive to be a financially strong and universal bank while staying true to our founding purpose of fostering cooperative development, MSME growth and rural upliftment.
REVENUE (RS. M)
30,793
REVENUE CHANGE
28%
PROFIT AFTER TAX (RS. M)
467
PROFIT CHANGE
665%
TOTAL ASSETS (RS. M)
156,957
SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS (RS. M)
14,266
MARKET CAP (RS. M)
5,062
EARNINGS PER SHARE (RS.)
2.90
PRICE EARNINGS RATIO
10.86
EMPLOYEES
1,295
Telephone: 5411411/2832500 | Website: www.sdb.lk/en
