Q: As Siyapatha Finance celebrates 20 years of excellence, what are the key milestones that defined its journey?

A: Siyapatha Finance proudly marks 20 years of excellence, reflecting a journey of steady growth, resilience and innovation. Founded in 2005 as Sampath Leasing & Factoring, a subsidiary of Sampath Bank, we began operations with only 10 employees and quickly expanded, opening branches in Kandy and Matara within five months.

Over the years, we have transformed into a dynamic financial institution, excelling in customer service, compliance, risk management and digital innovation.

In 2021, we moved into our modern headquarters in Colombo; and by 2024, achieved our highest ever net profit and expanded our branch network to 53, backed by a 1,000 strong workforce.

We have also received multiple accolades – ranked among the Top 10 Workplaces in Banking, Finance and Insurance in 2021; named one of Asia’s Best Workplaces in 2022; and honoured as a Best Employer Brand in 2024.

Today, Siyapatha Finance stands as an industry benchmark, admired and emulated by many.

Q: What does Siyapatha Finance’s current product portfolio look like, and how does it meet evolving customer needs and stand out in the market?

A: We offer a diversified product portfolio designed to deliver comprehensive financial solutions tailored to the evolving needs of our customers. Our offerings include leasing, loans, factoring, gold financing and a range of investment products – all developed through a deep understanding of customer preferences.

In a market where customers are increasingly informed and discerning, we see this as an opportunity to exceed expectations through innovation and service excellence.

We offer high return investments, and our stability gives depositors the confidence that their funds are safe and growing. Coupled with our excellent service standards and user-friendly processes, we continue to stand out in a competitive sector.

Q: As global attention shifts toward sustainability, how is Siyapatha Finance integrating green finance initiatives?

A: Sustainability is also a core focus at Siyapatha Finance now, in alignment with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s  roadmap for sustainable finance. We have integrated green finance initiatives across our operations, starting with a green product portfolio that supports environmentally responsible businesses.

Our green loan product, aligned with the Central Bank’s Sri Lanka Green Finance Taxonomy, enables financing for electric vehicles and solar energy systems while our green deposit product appeals to socially conscious investors.

To deepen our impact, we have implemented an environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) risk rating system, to assess environmental and social risks in lending, and now manage a sizable green portfolio.

We are planning to collaborate with organisations such as the Fairtrade Network of Asia & Pacific Producers, Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) and the EU funded PLASTICS project to promote sustainable agriculture, agritourism and circular economy initiatives.

In addition, we comply with Sri Lanka Financial Reporting Standards (SLFRS) S1 & S2 for sustainability disclosures, and actively engage in educating stakeholders to promote responsible and impactful financial decisions.

Q: What are the company’s plans for expansion, product diversification and market penetration?

A: Looking ahead, we are focussed on expanding our product portfolio with innovative lending solutions, particularly in green financing. Product diversification will play a key role in our strategy as we introduce new offerings and target untapped market segments.

A major priority is supporting the unbanked community with plans to reach SMEs including women entrepreneurs in rural areas through branch expansion and tailored products, such as group loans and factoring solutions.

As part of our 20th anniversary celebrations, we conducted regional initiatives to enhance financial literacy, empowering rural communities to make informed financial decisions and choose services that best meet their needs.

Q: Beyond financial services, how does your company contribute to CSR initiatives and make a meaningful impact on communities?

A: Corporate social responsibility is a core part of our identity with a strong emphasis on environmental protection and community upliftment. Through our flagship initiative Siyapathen Mihikathata, we have planted over 10,000 trees, led islandwide clean up drives, and placed hoardings in sacred sites such as Adam’s Peak where we collected and recycled over a tonne of waste.

We promote eco-consciousness internally through energy efficiency, water conservation and paper recycling practices. Our employees actively participate in these efforts, fostering a culture of responsibility. Additionally, we support rural education by donating computers to empower IT learning among schoolchildren in underserved communities.

Q: What message would you like to share with your customers, employees and stakeholders?

A: As Siyapatha Finance marks 20 years of trusted service, we take pride in a journey of steady growth, resilience and shared success. Together, we have overcome challenges, delivered value to investors, offered innovative solutions to customers and supported the professional growth of our employees.

Our commitment to social and environmental responsibility reinforces our role as a responsible corporate citizen. We sincerely thank our customers, employees, stakeholders and our parent company Sampath Bank for their continued trust and support.

– Compiled by Indrajit Lankeshwara
COMPANY DETAILS

Telephone: 7605605 | Email: info@siyapatha.lk | Website: www.siyapatha.lk