Empowering Communities. Enabling Change

At Sarvodaya Development Finance (SDF), our mission is clear — to provide underserved communities and grassroots entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka with the financial tools they need to thrive.

Our Vision

To be a Catalyst in Creating an Economically Progressive Society, Living in Dignity

Our Mission

To Foster Sustainable Development Through the Provision of Ethical Financial Services and Fulfil Expectations of all Stakeholders

Our Values

Purity in Service

Delivering services with integrity and genuine care for our community

Diligent and Caring

Approaching every task with dedication and compassion for those we serve

Transparent and Honest

Maintaining openness and truthfulness in all our interactions and operations

Passionately Committed

Bringing unwavering dedication and enthusiasm to our mission of empowerment

Who we are

Sarvodaya Development Finance (SDF) is a licensed Non-Bank Financial Institution in Sri Lanka, regulated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. It evolved from the microfinance arm of SEEDS (Gte) Ltd., carrying forward the Sarvodaya Movement's legacy of grassroots development. As the country's first dedicated development finance company, SDF is committed to driving inclusive economic growth by channelling financial resources and support services into sustainable, environmentally responsible business models. The company is listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange and remains open to impact investors seeking purpose-driven financial returns. SDF is a proud member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), reflecting its commitment to ethical banking and people-centred finance. It has received the Gold Award for Annual Reporting from CA Sri Lanka four times, recognized for its excellence in transparency, accountability, governance, and sustainability.

Branches

LKR 33.8 Bn

Total Assets

175K

Customer Base

640 +

Workforce

BBB-

Credit Rating

5,400

Village Cities

Our Business Philosophy

At SDF lies a purpose-driven business philosophy inspired by the Sarvodaya Movement's core values—compassion, self-reliance, and the awakening of all. SDF believes that true economic development must be inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. The company's approach integrates social responsibility with financial discipline, aiming not only to deliver value to shareholders but also to uplift underserved communities across Sri Lanka. SDF prioritizes people over profits by supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women entrepreneurs, and rural development initiatives. Guided by ethical banking principles and a long-term vision, SDF channels financial resources into environmentally conscious and socially impactful ventures. This values-based model ensures that financial growth is paired with social progress—empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and building a resilient national economy.

Our Unique Business Model

Inclusive Reach

The only finance company that has mobilized investments from 1,200 village societies through the Colombo Stock Exchange.

Purpose-Driven Ownership

The only finance company in Sri Lanka that is 54% owned by a social development institution, with an equal share of dividends reinvested into community development.

Sustainable Finance Ethos

Guided by the founder's philosophy established over 60 years ago, Sarvodaya Development Finance promotes ethical, people-centered financial solutions.

Global Recognition

The only finance company in Sri Lanka to have obtained membership from the Global Alliance for Banking on Values.

Four Pillars of Sarvodaya Development Finance

The guiding principles that inspire and drive our mission

Facilitating Women's Empowerment

We believe that women are the cornerstone of our communities and economy. Empowering women is both our duty and our mission.

Assisting Rural Communities

The philosophy of Sarvodaya Development Finance is to make finance available to the many not the few.

Developing Entrepreneurs

Our goal is to allow people to develop creative, novel and innovative business ideas which come to life with our assistance.

Integrity

We are proud to be an ethical lender and to serve as a company with conscience. Our compassion, ethics and dedication to service is one of the key pillars of our institution.

Founder and Founder Organization

Sarvodaya was founded in 1958 by three time Nobel Peace Prize nominee Dr. A. T. Ariyaratne on the principle of "Sharing of labour, thought, and energy for the awakening of all". It is one of the oldest and largest non-governmental organizations in Sri Lanka dedicated to uplifting the livelihoods of underserved rural communities. The Sarvodaya Movement initiated programs for healthcare, education, and economic development, focusing on self-reliance and community empowerment and advocated for the rights of marginalized groups, ensuring that the voices of the poorest and most disadvantaged were heard and addressed. Its integrated and holistic approach to development based on people's participation, self-reliance and self-sustainability has reached over 15,000 underprivileged villages in Sri Lanka.

Founder of Sarvodaya Movement - Dr A T Ariyaratne