As Sri Lanka powers through its worst economic crisis in recent history, it’s now more important than ever for exporters to establish their footholds in the market. However, resources for entry-level exporters remain scarce. Recognising the changing and evolving needs of its loyal client base, the pioneer of the banking industry Sampath Bank PLC recently organised a webinar titled ‘LEAD THE WAY: EXPLORE EXPORT MARKETS’ in partnership with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Industrial Development Board (IDB) to address this very timely issue.
The webinar was held for entry-level exporters with the dual intentions of fostering and encouraging local entry-level exporters to advance their businesses, and strengthening ties between private and public stakeholder institutions to synergise the service being offered to local exporters.
Conducted in Sinhala by a 90% preferred choice, the webinar featured IDB Director General Priyanka Ratnamalala and EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Suresh D. de Mel. Joining them, and representing Sampath Bank PLC, were the Senior Deputy General Manager – Corporate Banking – Shashi Kandambi Jassim, and Assistant General Manager – Information Technology – Dushyantha Dassanayake
A wide range of relevant topics were covered by the speakers: Priyanka Ratnamalala– in his presentation of ‘Are you comprehensively export ready?’ covered strategic business and strategy formulation; Suresh D. de Mel conducted a session on introduction to export markets and understanding the export markets, while Shashi Kandambi Jassim spoke on the topic of Sampath Bank’s role in providing export service facilities; and finally, Dushyantha Dassanayake elaborated on exports and online marketing.
Delivering the opening remarks for the event, Sampath Bank PLC, Managing Director – Nanda Fernando reiterated the priority given by Sampath Bank to its customers. “Since Sampath Bank was founded in 1987, the most important part of the bank’s journey was its customers,” he said, adding: “We have always believed it’s a bank’s responsibility to provide customers with the necessities to do successful business. Therefore, we have introduced this timely initiative in partnership with relevant organisations, which we hope will help our customers.”
This webinar, covering the export market in general, was the first in a planned series of events by Sampath Bank PLC. The Bank aims to conduct more webinars targeting regions and specific industries in the future, catering to the needs of their customer base whilst helping entry-level exporters gain a stronger foothold in the market.
Despite the contemporary obstacles faced by the banking sector in Sri Lanka, Sampath Bank has successfully maintained all its capital ratios well above regulatory requirements throughout Q1 2022. All the while, Sampath Bank has implemented all government-led moratorium schemes for eligible customer segments affected by the pandemic. The Bank’s digitalization strategy has also continued to prove its worth during these trying times by securing a more accessible and safer banking experience for customers.
Sampath Bank is a 100% local bank that has deeply rooted itself in the lives of the people of Sri Lanka. Established in 1987, the bank has become a state-of-the-art financial institution that continues to be a market leader today thanks to its constant innovation and customer focused approach to business. It has introduced many firsts to the Sri Lankan banking sector including introducing ATMs to Sri Lanka, extended banking hours, slip-less banking and adaptation of block-chain technology to name a few. As part of its visionary 2022 approach, the bank is steadily transforming itself into a ‘tech company engaged in banking,’ from the traditional approach of a bank adopting technology.