(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) –Continuing its legacy of nurturing entrepreneurs for over 30 years, Sampath Bank conducted aone-day programmethemed ‘Sinhalen Business’ free of charge for over 200 entrepreneursas part of its flagship ‘Sampath Saviya’Entrepreneurship Development initiative.
Held at the Nawaloka auditorium,the workshop attracted a cross section of representatives from a spectrum of key industries such as service and manufacturing industries as well as a number of self-made entrepreneurs, winners of the ‘Green Inventor’ programme,aspiring undergraduates with business concepts,youth, women, senior citizens and differently-abled individuals. Launched in 2013, ‘Sampath Saviya’which is the core of Sampath Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility effort offers technical support and financial assistance to build Micro, Small and Medium scale Enterprises (MSME).
“’Sampath Saviya’ in general and the ‘Sinhalen Business’ programme in particular are part and parcel of our sincere desire to support aspiring small and medium entrepreneurs to develop their respective businesses and become forceful participants of the nation’s economic progress. The ‘Sinhalen Business’ programmefocused on providing entrepreneurs with a number of key practicalapproaches to pursue business success. As such it was in line with our commitment to deliver the promise as the ‘Entrepreneur Development Partner’ to enterpriseowners,” commentedAssistant General Manager- Human Resources at Sampath Bank PLC, Lalith Weragoda.
‘Sampath Saviya’in its essence is a specialized entrepreneurship development programmethat provides various financial and non-financial assistance to Sri Lankan entrepreneurs. Consequently, it contributes to nurture healthy communities, strengthen employment capabilities of MSMEs and in turn contribute to the sustainable development of the nation. Workshops such as the ‘Sinhalen Business’ fall into the ‘Credit Plus’ non-financial category which promote overall sustainability of businesses.
As one of the largest workshops conducted as part of the ‘Sampath Saviya’programme,‘Sinhalen Business’ programmeline-up included a comprehensive list of sessions on leadership, sales tactics, psychological approaches to branding as well as optimal utilization of the services provided by Sampath Bank. Director of Sampath Bank PLC and Management Consultant, Executive Coach & Author, DeepalSooriyarachchi; Seniorconsultant in sales training, coaching and personal financial planning, SuranjithGodagama;Human Potential Development Trainer & Author, Chandana Gunawardanewere the expert facilitators of the programme.
Programme participants were able to present their queries and get the solutions during the panel discussion.
As a part of ‘Sampath Saviya’ programme, a SME fair was also conducted last yearthemed ‘SaviyakaAbhiman’ (pride of strength) in collaboration with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Export Development Board (EDB), Divisional Secretariats and Competency-based Economies through Formation of Enterprise (CEFE) NET Sri Lankato facilitate over 70 SMEs across the island to market their products, while providing the opportunity to acquire new market avenues.
Being a core value creator, Sampath Bank seeks to ensure a better and sustainable future for all its stakeholders through constant sustainability efforts. As such, with proving its commitment to engendering meaningful change for the nation, Sampath Bank strives to continue its efforts in nurturing and supporting entrepreneurs today, tomorrow and into the future.
