HNB disbursed over one billion rupees to entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector through its ‘Micro Leasing’ facility, offering Micro, Medium, and Small Enterprises (MSMEs) many benefits and opportunities. Working in line with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s directives to support and strengthen Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector, HNB’s micro leases will be utilized to enhance the capabilities of over 400 agricultural entrepreneurs across the island. A collaborative effort by the Bank’s Leasing and Micro Finance arms, the facility offers customers a full suite of services, including access to great deals and benefits from HNB’s extensive merchant partner network. “The agriculture sector was one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of revenue generation. Given its immense potential to contribute to a vibrant export economy, it is vital that we increase the sector’s productivity and earn ing potential through modernization and mechanization. We have experienced first-hand the remarkable appetite for these technologies at the grassroots. We are proud to able to support farmers in their essential contributions towards rejuvenating the country’s agricultural sector,” Sanjay Wijemanne, DGM – Retail and SME Banking, HNB said. “Given our strong relationship with the agricultural sector, we understand not only their needs but the ideal time for their needs. Our microfinance officers have always been at the forefront of guiding and helping entrepreneurs in the sector to develop further. We are delighted with the progress they have made in this instance. The collaborative efforts of HNB’s Leasing and Micro Finance Departments of the Bank has ensured the success of this product, and we are delighted at how well our customers in the agricultural sector have received it,” Niluka Amarasinghe, Head of Leasing, HNB, said.Through its microfinance officers stationed across the country’s grassroots, HNB has facilitated growth in the sector through its Gami Pubuduwa initiative. The Bank will lend the same support for its leasing customers by organizing curated sessions to enhance value chain development and capacitybuilding skills in collaboration with skills development organizations. Additionally, customers can use the Bank’s flexible payment schemes, customized to their repayment capabilities. The Bank will onboard all customers using the facility on its digital platforms such as HNB SOLO, MOMO, and Appigo, improving the availability of convenient payment solutions in the sector. Furthermore, HNB offers a seamless one-day approval process supported by its backend systems. Customers availing themselves of the facility are entitled to a free life insurance cover of 4.5 million rupees. The insurance is also anchored to discounted premiums from HNB General Insurance.
