- SMBPlus drives capacity building reaffirming CDB commitment to inclusive economic growth
- Women entrepreneurs encompass over 75% of participants
Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) reiterated its commitment to strengthening Sri Lankaโs small and medium enterprise (SME) sector with an SMB Capacity-Building Programme in Kandy. Held on August 3rd at the Divisional Secretariat Hall B, the programme was driven under CDBโs SMBPlus as part of CDBโs broader strategy to support entrepreneurs beyond conventional financial services. The focus instead is on equipping them with the knowledge, tools and confidence needed to build resilient businesses.
Notably, more than 75% of the participants were women entrepreneurs, underscoring CDBโs continued emphasis on advancing womenโs economic empowerment across the islandโs business community, reinforcing them as an integral facet of the nationโs economy. The programme collated local business owners for a day of practical learning, business development insights and valuable networking opportunities aimed at supporting long-term, sustainable growth. Participants engaged in interactive knowledge-sharing sessions led by industry experts, covering key areas of business development and growth strategy.
Beyond the formal sessions, entrepreneurs were given the opportunity to network, exchange experiences and explore potential future collaborations with fellow business owners in the region โ reflecting CDBโs belief that community and shared learning are as vital to SME success as capital itself. Commenting on the initiative, Chamath Siriwardana, Senior Assistant General Manager โ Finance, said, โOur commitment to Sri Lankaโs SME sector goes far beyond financing. Capacity-Building Programmes like these allow us to support entrepreneurs, particularly women in business, and give them the practical knowledge and networks needed to grow with confidence. Empowering our SMEs is central to building a more resilient and inclusive economy for the country.โ
The Kandy programme follows the success of the CDB SMB Fair โ Kandy, reinforcing the Companyโs sustained engagement with the regionโs SME community, well beyond simply providing marketplace access. Together, these initiatives reflect CDBโs sustainability-driven approach to creating long-term value for entrepreneurs and fostering inclusive economic development across Sri Lanka.
Through these initiatives, CDB continues to reaffirm its role as a long-term partner to Sri Lankaโs entrepreneurs โ combining knowledge-sharing, capacity building and sustainable partnerships to help SMEs grow into stronger, more resilient businesses that contribute meaningfully to the nationโs economic development.
Source: Daily News
