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Sarvodaya Development Finance Celebrates Excellence at Achievers’ Night 2026
Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC celebrated excellence, dedication and performance at Achievers’ Night 2026, held under the theme “Rise to the Pinnacle.” The event, held on 11 July 2026 at Monarch Imperial, Thalawathugoda, recognized the outstanding achievements of employees, branches and regions during the 2025/26 financial year. As a financial institution rooted in the values and development philosophy of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, Sarvodaya Development Finance continues to support individuals, entrepreneurs and communities through responsible and inclusive financial solutions. Central to this mission is the contribution of its employees, whose commitment, customer focus and performance continue to strengthen the organization’s presence across Sri Lanka. The event was attended by Sarvodaya Development Finance Chairman Channa de Silva, Chief Executive Officer Nilantha Jayanetti, members of the Board of Directors, senior management and employees representing the organization’s island wide branch network. Achievers’ Night 2026 commenced with the welcome address by Chief Executive Officer Nilantha Jayanetti, followed by the keynote address delivered by Chairman Channa de Silva. Commenting on the occasion, Nilantha Jayanetti said, “The achievements recognized at Achievers’ Night 2026 reflect the determination, discipline and commitment demonstrated by our employees throughout the past financial year. Their contribution has played an important role in strengthening our business performance, serving our customers and advancing our wider purpose of supporting communities across Sri Lanka. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to recognizing talent, encouraging excellence and creating opportunities for our people to reach even greater heights.” The event focused on recognizing individuals and teams who had consistently exceeded expectations, strengthened customer relationships and contributed to the organization’s operational and business growth. A total of 75 employees received cash awards in recognition of their performance. From among these award recipients, 29 top performers were selected to receive overseas tour awards in recognition of their exceptional achievements. Awards were presented across 10 major categories, including Best Customer Relationship Officer, Best Monetary Transaction Officer, Best Performer – Supportive Department, Best Recovery Officer, Best Regional Recovery Officer, Best Deposit Mobiliser, Best Gold Loan Officer, Best Business Development Officer, Best Branch and Best Region. Five Upcoming Branches were also recognized for demonstrating strong potential, improving performance and contributing to the continued expansion of the organization. Achievers’ Night 2026 served as a celebration of what can be achieved through commitment, collaboration and a shared determination to excel. As Sarvodaya Development Finance continues its growth journey, it remains focused on developing its people, delivering responsible financial services and creating meaningful value for customers and communities across Sri Lanka.
Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC Records Strong FY2025/26 Performance, Reinforcing Growth, Resilience and Responsible Finance Mandate
Colombo, Sri Lanka: Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) delivered a strong financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2026, recording significant growth in income, profitability, portfolio expansion and asset quality while continuing its commitment to responsible and inclusive finance. For the financial year under review, SDF reported total income of LKR 6.42 billion, a year-on-year increase of 46.8%. Interest income rose by 43.8% to LKR 5.85 billion, driven by business expansion and growth in earning assets. Net Interest Income increased by 35.4% to LKR 3.58 billion, while Total Operating Income grew by 40.8% to LKR 4.15 billion, reflecting the Company’s ability to generate strong and sustainable earnings. Profitability improved substantially during the year. Operating Profit before Tax on Financial Services increased by 59.9% to LKR 1.82 billion, while Profit Before Tax rose by 63.8% to LKR 1.36 billion. Profit for the Year increased by 73.1% to LKR 820.1 million compared with LKR 473.8 million in the previous year. Earnings per share improved to LKR 5.48, demonstrating enhanced value creation for shareholders. The Company’s balance sheet expanded significantly, with total assets increasing by 65.8% to LKR 37.37 billion as at 31 March 2026. Financial assets at amortized cost, including loans and receivables, grew by 67.2% to LKR 20.60 billion, while lease rental receivables increased by 34.0% to LKR 9.19 billion. SDF also strengthened its funding profile through debt securities, including Sustainable Bonds, amounting to LKR 2.09 billion. Commenting on the performance, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nilantha Jayanetti stated, “The results achieved during FY2025/26 reflect the strength of our business model, disciplined growth strategy and commitment to delivering responsible financial solutions. We remain focused on creating sustainable value while supporting communities and enterprises across Sri Lanka.” SDF maintained a strong capital position, with a Tier 1 Capital Adequacy Ratio of 15.48% and a Total Capital Adequacy Ratio of 22.13%, both comfortably above regulatory requirements. Asset quality also improved, with the Gross Stage 3 Loans Ratio declining to 4.93% from 7.88% and the Net Stage 3 Loans Ratio improving to 2.94% from 5.70%. The Stage 3 Impairment Coverage Ratio strengthened to 42.60%. Operational efficiency improved as the Cost-to-Income Ratio reduced to 42.99%, while Return on Equity increased to 19.60%. Reflecting its stronger financial position, SDF’s external credit rating was upgraded to Lanka Ratings (SL) BBB- Stable. With a network of 56 branches, SDF remains committed to advancing financial inclusion, supporting sustainable enterprise growth and contributing to Sri Lanka’s long-term socio-economic development.
Sarvodaya Development Finance Becomes First Sri Lankan Company to Receive Client Protection Certification
Colombo, Sri Lanka: Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) has become the first Sri Lankan company to receive the Client Protection Certification, awarded by MFR under the Cerise + SPTF methodology, marking a significant milestone in the country’s responsible finance sector and reaffirming the Company’s commitment to ethical, inclusive and client-centered financial services. SDF was awarded the Bronze level of achievement in client protection, signifying that the institution meets all standards necessary for adequate Client Protection under the Universal Standards for Social and Environmental Performance Management. The certification was awarded by MFR, a leading global rating agency that provides assessments, data and technical expertise to the sustainable finance industry. Headquartered in Italy, MFR operates through five regional offices across Ecuador, Mexico, Kenya, the Kyrgyz Republic and India, covering four continents and maintaining one of the widest global footprints among specialized rating agencies. With more than 2,800 assignments conducted across over 110 countries, MFR holds a leading position in the global responsible finance certification and assessment landscape. The Client Protection Certification is widely recognized and valued across the responsible finance industry, particularly among investors, donors and development finance stakeholders. It reflects an institution’s ability to uphold the principle of “doing no harm to clients”, which is considered a minimum expectation within the responsible and inclusive finance sector. For SDF, the certification further strengthens its position as a purpose-driven financial institution committed to serving underserved communities, micro and small enterprises, rural entrepreneurs and productive sectors that require accessible, responsible and sustainable financial support. It also reinforces the Company’s approach to balancing financial inclusion with sound governance, transparency and client welfare. The certification process assessed SDF across key client protection areas, including appropriate product design and delivery, prevention of over-indebtedness, transparency, responsible pricing, fair and respectful treatment of clients, privacy of client data, complaint resolution, governance and human resources. These standards and indicators are aligned with the latest version of the Universal Standards for Social and Environmental Performance Management, further strengthening their relevance within the evolving sustainable finance ecosystem. Mr. Nilantha Jayanetti, Chief Executive Officer of Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC, said, “This certification is a meaningful recognition of our long-standing commitment to responsible finance and client protection. As an institution deeply rooted in inclusive development, we believe financial services must empower clients, safeguard their interests and contribute to long-term social and economic progress. We also express our sincere gratitude to EDFI Management Company for providing the technical support funds that made this certification possible.” The achievement underscores SDF’s continued focus on responsible growth, ethical financial practices and sustainable community development. As Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its inclusive finance landscape, SDF’s Client Protection Certification sets a new benchmark for financial institutions seeking to deliver measurable value while protecting and empowering the clients they serve.
Sarvodaya Development Finance and FINAP launch CIXOR PayDay, a next-generation WageTech solution for on-demand salary access
Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF), in collaboration with Fintechnology Asia Pacific Lanka Pvt Ltd (FINAP), has officially launched CIXOR PayDay, a next-generation digital WageTech platform that enables employees to access a portion of their earned wages in real time, while giving employers a structured and capital-efficient way to offer this benefit. Positioned as a financial wellness tool rather than a loan product, CIXOR PayDay is aimed at salaried and wage-earning Sri Lankans facing short-term cash-flow pressures, combining on demand access to already-earned income with employer-side features that minimise disruption to working capital. CIXOR PayDay allows eligible employees to securely access part of their accrued wages through a dedicated mobile app, now available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, while employers benefit from end-of-cycle instant settlement and a pre-approved liquidity float of up to 21 days. Nilantha Jayanetti, Chief Executive Officer of Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC, said: “Across Sri Lanka, many hardworking people are pushed into debt because their expected and unexpected bills arrive just days before payday. With CIXOR PayDay, we give them a regulated, transparent alternative by allowing access to a portion of the salary they have already earned. This is a healthier, more responsible way to manage short-term financial stress, and it is fully aligned with our mission of promoting financial inclusion and protecting vulnerable communities from predatory lending.” Eligible employees will be able to view their accrued earnings through the app and request advances within limits agreed with their employer, with funds transferred directly to their designated bank account or wallet. This helps them manage essential expenses and avoid high-cost informal borrowing. The technology platform powering CIXOR PayDay has been developed by Fintechnology Asia Pacific Lanka Pvt Ltd (FINAP) and promoted by Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC, leveraging FINAP’s experience in delivering enterprise-grade solutions for banks, finance companies and other regulated institutions across the region. Dr. Kutila Pinto, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of FINAP, said: “Earned wage access has emerged globally as an innovative employee benefit because it addresses the stress created by the timing mismatch between income and expenses. With CIXOR PayDay, our collaboration with Sarvodaya Development Finance brings this concept into Sri Lanka’s formal financial system as one of the world’s first dual-sided WageTech platforms, delivering flexibility to both employees and employers through an independent, risk-managed infrastructure.” The solution has been designed with emphasis on responsible usage, data security and regulatory compliance. Users will have clear visibility of applicable fees and limits on the proportion of wages that can be withdrawn early, supported by safeguards governing how customer information is handled. The service was officially launched on December 11, 2025, and will initially be introduced through selected employers before being expanded to a wider employee base. “The current economic environment has highlighted the need for practical, responsible financial tools,” Jayanetti added. “Allowing controlled, on-demand access to wages already earned can ease day-to-day financial stress for employees, while helping employers support their people without permanently raising fixed costs.”
Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC Sustains Strong Growth Momentum in 1H 2025/26
Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) has sustained its trajectory of robust financial growth and purpose-driven performance during the first six months of the financial year 2025/26, reinforcing its position as one of Sri Lanka’s fastest-growing licensed finance companies. This half-year results reflect continued operational resilience, disciplined portfolio management, and an unwavering commitment to inclusive, values-based banking that define the SDF brand across Sri Lanka’s evolving financial landscape. For the 1st six months ended 30th September 2025, the Company’s total assets reached LKR 28.3 billion, registering a 25.6% increase. Asset quality indicators remained sound, supported by a conservative risk appetite and strengthened credit monitoring frameworks, which ensured portfolio stability amid fluctuating market conditions. During the six-month period ending 30 September 2025, SDF reported a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of LKR 566 million, representing a year-on-year increase of over 37%, while Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at LKR 340 million, marking a significant improvement over the previous year’s comparative performance. This steady earnings growth was driven by prudent credit expansion, enhanced asset quality, and effective cost management. Company’s ROE has reached to 17% while the Net Asset Value per share improved to LKR 27.39, signaling a steady growth in shareholder value. Total Income for the period rose to LKR 2.87 billion, reflecting a healthy 43.6% growth, supported by a balanced lending portfolio that continued to focus on micro, SME, and agricultural enterprises. Net Interest Income (NII) expanded by 29.8% to LKR 1.62 billion, underscoring the success of strategic repricing, improved liability management, and disciplined capital allocation. Operational efficiency has strengthened reflecting SDF’s ongoing digital transformation and process optimization efforts. Beyond financial metrics, SDF’s performance continues to reflect its founding ethos of “finance with a conscience’’. During the review period, the company successfully concluded the first Listed, Rated, High-Yield Sustainable Bond Issue in Sri Lanka, which was oversubscribed within hours of opening, demonstrating strong investor confidence in its impact-driven business model. Funds mobilized through the bond are now being channeled toward projects in affordable housing, women’s entrepreneurship, food security, and renewable energy reinforcing SDF’s alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its leadership in ethical finance. Commenting on the results, Mr. Nilantha Jayanetti, Chief Executive Officer of SDF, stated: “Our progress in the first half of 2025/26 underscores the strength of our fundamentals and the clarity of our purpose. Even as we navigate a challenging macroeconomic environment, our focus remains on empowering communities and creating sustainable livelihoods. Every loan disbursed, every partnership formed, is a step toward building a more inclusive economy, one that truly serves people and the planet.” Looking ahead, SDF remains focused on strengthening its digital infrastructure and expanding its footprint across underserved regions. With a clear roadmap for sustainable growth, the Company is poised to deliver greater stakeholder value while continuing to drive inclusive development across Sri Lanka’s grassroots economy.
GABV Asia-Pacific Chapter Meeting 2025 to be Held in Colombo, Hosted by Sarvodaya Development Finance
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) will host its Asia-Pacific Chapter Meeting 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 15 to 16 October, bringing together CEOs and senior leaders from over 20 member banks across the region. Centered on the theme of Value-Based Banking, the programme will explore how ethical, inclusive, and sustainable financial practices can drive long-term impact across communities and economies. The event, which will be held at Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, will begin with an Inaugural Session on 15 October 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with the participation of guests from government institutions, banks, non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs), and other distinguished invitees. This year’s gathering, hosted by Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF), marks a milestone moment for Sri Lanka and the region. The meeting will be held alongside the annual GABV Board Meeting, bringing together global thought leaders in sustainable finance for the first time in Colombo. The discussions will centre on strategies to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs), advance sustainable agriculture, and explore the use of artificial intelligence to strengthen values-based banking practices. The two-day event is designed as an immersive, collaborative exchange where participants will engage with industry peers, policymakers, and civil society leaders. Delegates will include GABV board members, international CEOs, and senior representatives from leading financial institutions such as Sunrise Banks (USA), Southern Bancorp (USA), Qudos Bank (Australia) EkoBanken (Sweden), Centenary Bank (Uganda), Bank Muamalat (Malaysia), BRAC Bank (Bangladesh) and banks from India, Nepal, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Papua New Guinea, Kyrgyzstam. Together, they will share insights and best practices on transforming financial systems to serve long-term societal and environmental goals. Hosting the meeting is a significant recognition for Sri Lanka’s growing leadership in purpose-driven finance. For Sarvodaya Development Finance, it underscores a decade-long journey rooted in social entrepreneurship and sustainable community development. “Sarvodaya Development Finance is honoured to host this year’s GABV Asia-Pacific Chapter Meeting in Colombo,” said Nilantha Jayanetti, Chief Executive Officer of Sarvodaya Development Finance. “For Sri Lanka, this event represents more than a conference — it is a moment of reflection and renewal. The conversations we will lead here, from sustainable lending and SME empowerment to values-driven innovation, are directly aligned with our national journey toward recovery and resilience. As a nation and as an institution, we believe finance must rediscover its moral compass, to serve people, planet, and prosperity in equal measure.” The GABV Asia-Pacific Chapter Meeting serves as a platform for member banks to share their experiences in advancing financial inclusion, promoting ethical investment, and redefining banking through community-based innovation. The Colombo sessions will also explore Sri Lanka’s path to recovery following its economic challenges and examine how values-based finance can contribute to national rebuilding and social progress. Participants will also take part in a Learning Journey to Moratuwa, the birthplace of the Sarvodaya Movement, one of Asia’s most enduring community development models. This visit will highlight how local social enterprise principles continue to inspire the modern-day values-based banking movement. Founded in 2009, the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) is a global network of over 70 independent banks, credit unions, and microfinance institutions committed to using finance to deliver sustainable economic, social, and environmental development. Collectively, its members serve more than 60 million customers across 45 countries, with combined assets exceeding US$200 billion. The GABV Asia-Pacific Chapter Meeting 2025 promises to spotlight Sri Lanka’s growing contribution to the global dialogue on responsible banking, reaffirming that ethical finance is not just a movement, it is the future of sustainable growth.
Sarvodaya Development Finance delegation completes Agri-Innovate immersion at Kasetsart University, Thailand
A cross-functional leadership team from Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) has completed the International Programme on Agri-Innovate: A Value Creation Journey from Soil to Shelf at the Faculty of Business Administration, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, delivered in collaboration with the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM). The mid-September programme focused on end-to-end value-chain innovation, from farm productivity and logistics to markets, risk management and consumer insight, aimed at accelerating sustainable growth in Sri Lanka’s agri-MSME segment. Branded as “AGRI-INNOVATION From Soil to Shelf: The Value Creation Journey,” the mid-September immersion at Kasetsart University took a 10-member SDF cohort through a tightly sequenced mix of classroom and field learning. The cross-functional group, senior managers from sales, operations, product, lending and recoveries, including zonal leaders and heads of Leasing, SME, Housing Loans, Admin & Operations, and Recoveries, was intentionally selected to place experienced, market-facing practitioners at the centre of product design and policy execution. Across the week, the team completed sessions on value-added product development and branding, and undertook guided visits to the One Stop Dairy Farm, the Talaad Thai fresh-produce market, key import/community wholesale and retail hubs, and selected farm/manufacturing outlets, culminating in a closing review and presentations. This end-to-end exposure strengthened SDF’s ability to map value chains, understand price discovery and logistics, and translate consumer insight into finance solutions, ensuring field realities inform value-chain finance, digital collections, and risk controls for rural customers. Nilantha Jayanetti, Chief Executive Officer, Sarvodaya Development Finance, said: “This immersion is not a study tour; it is a strategic investment in capability. As a values-based financial institution, our mission is to turn inclusion into productivity, linking farmers, SMEs and cooperatives to markets, technology and fair finance. The insights our leaders gained at Kasetsart will help us strengthen credit methodologies for agri cash-flows, design products that de-risk seasonality, and embed better service disciplines across our branch network. In a volatile climate, resilience is engineered, not assumed. Programmes like this equip our people to build that resilience at scale, so that a good season becomes a sustainable livelihood, and a local enterprise becomes part of a national growth engine.” The programme’s learnings, on crop economics, price discovery, storage and transport, quality assurance, and data-driven customer engagement, will inform SDF’s next cycle of product and policy refinements. Immediate priorities include sharper value-chain mapping, targeted working-capital and equipment finance, and strengthened portfolio monitoring to better align repayment-schedules with harvest and cash-flow realities. Sarvodaya Development Finance is a leading values-based finance institution serving individuals, farming communities, MSMEs and rural enterprises across Sri Lanka. Guided by a people-first philosophy and international benchmarks in sustainable finance, SDF blends commercial discipline with community impact to advance inclusive growth and long-term resilience.
Sarvodaya Development Finance Brings First-Ever ATM to Thalawakale, Empowering Tea Estate Communities Through Financial Inclusion
In a landmark initiative underscoring its commitment to financial inclusion and rural empowerment, Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) has installed the first Automated Teller Machine (ATM) at the Tea Research Institute (TRI) in Thalawakale, bringing formal banking services to over 5,000 tea estate families in the region for the first time. This milestone marks a tangible step forward in SDF’s mission to bridge Sri Lanka’s urban-rural financial divide. The newly deployed ATM ensures safe, secure, and convenient access to cash withdrawals and account services, significantly reducing the time, cost, and risk involved in travelling to distant towns for basic banking. For years, the absence of an ATM in Thalawakale had caused significant inconvenience for residents, forcing them to travel long distances, often over an hour to perform basic banking activities. This was particularly burdensome for estate workers, many of whom rely on daily wages and limited transport options. With this installation, essential financial services are now available within their own community, restoring not just convenience, but dignity and empowerment. Positioned at the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, this intervention directly supports one of the most economically marginalized yet nationally significant communities: tea estate workers. For decades, these communities have powered a globally renowned industry while remaining at the periphery of formal economic systems. Commenting on the milestone, Nilantha Jayanetti, Chief Executive Officer of Sarvodaya Development Finance, stated: “This is not merely an ATM it is a symbol of dignity, autonomy, and economic inclusion. In communities where financial access was once a distant reality, we are now enabling opportunity to unfold at their doorstep. By embedding modern financial tools within rural ecosystems, we are creating the foundation for generational transformation. At SDF, we believe that true development is not top-down, but rooted in proximity, trust, and empowerment.” The initiative also contributes to financial literacy and formal savings behaviour, offering new pathways for personal financial management, digital transactions, and long-term economic stability for estate-based families. Many first-time users of the ATM expressed visible emotion and joy capturing the life-changing power of access. As Sri Lanka’s fastest-growing licensed finance company and a full member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), SDF continues to lead with purpose, delivering community-focused solutions that merge financial sustainability with social transformation.
Sarvodaya Development Finance Rewards 31 High Performers with Learning Tour to Thailand
In a continuation of its people-first commitment and culture of recognition, Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) has taken a bold step to invest in talent development by organizing an international learning journey for a select group of high-performing team members. As part of the momentum created by Achievers’ Night 2025, 31 outstanding team members were selected for a four-day immersive learning experience in Thailand, in recognition of their exceptional performance and dedication. This international tour underscores SDF’s deep-rooted belief in empowering people through not just rewards, but meaningful exposure and leadership development. The initiative aims to broaden horizons, inspire fresh thinking, and cultivate excellence by allowing participants to observe global business environments, foster team camaraderie, and return with valuable insights that can be applied across the organization. Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Nilantha Jayanetti, Chief Executive Officer of Sarvodaya Development Finance, stated: “Recognition must go beyond a moment it must become a catalyst. This learning journey to Thailand is part of our long-term commitment to nurturing well-rounded, globally aware professionals who carry both the values and vision of Sarvodaya forward. We are proud to celebrate performance through opportunities that uplift and transform.” For many team members, the experience became more than just a professional milestone — it was a deeply affirming gesture that reflected the company’s genuine investment in their growth. The tour created space for motivation, learning, and strengthened bonds within the team, reinforcing a sense of belonging and shared purpose. It demonstrated that recognition at SDF is not symbolic, but a tangible, values-driven commitment to developing talent in ways that inspire long-term loyalty and leadership. The group engaged in a series of curated learning experiences that blended cultural immersion with professional growth, reinforcing SDF’s belief that inspired people deliver inspired service particularly in Sri Lanka’s rural and underserved markets. Through this initiative, Sarvodaya Development Finance continues to affirm its position as a values-based financial institution that prioritizes human potential, leadership growth, and sustainable impact at every level.
Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC Records LKR 1,139 Mn Profit
Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF), Sri Lanka’s fastest-growing licensed finance company, has announced a record-breaking financial performance for the fiscal year 2024/25, underscoring its commitment to sustainable growth, rural development, inclusive finance, and agri-business empowerment. Surpassing several industry benchmarks, SDF’s achievement reflects a values-based business model calibrated for social impact, strategic clarity, and operational discipline, all in the context of a gradually stabilizing national economy. In a year marked by macroeconomic recalibration and cautious optimism, SDF achieved its highest-ever profitability, with Profit Before Tax amplifying doubling to LKR 1,139 million and Profit After Tax climbing 89.8% to LKR 473.8 million. This exceptional performance was anchored by a diversified and resilient lending portfolio, strong risk oversight, and sharpened efficiency across operations. Key financial indicators tell the story: Total Income stood at LKR 4.37 billion (↑31.5%), Net Interest Income at LKR 2.64 billion (↑48.3%), and Total Operating Income at LKR 2.95 billion (↑47.2%). The cost-to-income ratio improved to 46.5%, down from 53.9%, and total assets surged to LKR 22.5 billion (↑51.3%). SDF’s Net Asset Value per Share rose to LKR 26.36 from LKR 23.87, reinforcing a track record of uninterrupted dividend declarations and deep-rooted financial governance. SDF was ranked the top performer in Category 4 (institutions with assets below Rs. 20 billion) by K Seeds Investments Ltd., a title it claimed just before ascending into a higher asset class. This accolade validates the company’s prudent risk management and its leadership’s capacity to translate purpose into performance. Capital buffers remained robust, with Tier 1 and Total Capital Adequacy Ratios well above minimum thresholds. At the heart of this financial momentum is a philosophy that transcends numbers. SDF’s continued rural outreach, Agri-Entrepreneurship Forums, cross-border knowledge transfers with India and Thailand, and tools such as drip irrigation financing and greenhouse development loans, signify a bold commitment to grassroots economic transformation. In parallel, the company earned full membership in the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) and will host the prestigious Asia-Pacific Conference and the GABV Annual Board Meeting in Colombo this October, placing Sri Lanka on the global map for value based financing. The firm also secured a Gold Award at the TAGS Awards 2024 organized by CA Sri Lanka, for its third consecutive win for transparency, accountability, governance and sustainability excellence. ‘’Looking ahead, SDF is in discussions with international impact investors to secure low-cost development finance and accelerate outreach through a new core banking system, digital micro- lending tools, and modular product innovation. As the institution continues to scale, it does so with humility and resolve, honouring the legacy of the late Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, whose vision remains a guiding light in its mission to build a truly people-powered, inclusive finance ecosystem’’, Chairman Mr. Channa de Silva stated. Commenting on the year’s achievements, Mr. Nilantha Jayanetti, CEO of SDF, stated: “Our performance this year is not merely a numerical success, it is a validation of our purpose, our people, and our philosophy. In navigating an evolving economic environment, we stayed true to our core mission of empowering underserved communities through inclusive, ethical finance. Every milestone reflects the resilience of our team, the trust of our stakeholders, and the strength of our development-focused model. As we earn global recognition and scale our impact, Sarvodaya Development Finance is not just growing, we are shaping the future of values-based banking in Sri Lanka and beyond. This is only the beginning of what we intend to achieve.”
Sarvodaya Development Finance honours top performers at ‘Achievers’ Night 2025’
In a powerful demonstration of its values-driven culture and people-first philosophy, Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) hosted its prestigious annual staff awards ceremony, ‘Achievers’ Night 2025’ recently at the Monarch Imperial, Colombo, celebrating the exceptional contributions of its employees from across the island. The event brought together over 600 team members, including senior leadership and distinguished guests such as the Chairman and the Board of Directors, Neetha Ariyaratne and Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Shramadana Sangammaya Honorary President Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne. The evening served as both a celebration of excellence as well as an introduction about the fastest growing finance company in Sri Lanka. Awards were presented across key performance categories, including Best Business Development Officer, Best Branch Manager and Best Region Manager, Best Recovery Officer, Best Regional Recovery Officer, Best Deposit Mobiliser, Best Gold Loan Officer etc. Selected top performers were further rewarded with foreign exposure tours, underscoring SDF’s investment in staff development and leadership capacity building. Speaking at the event, Sarvodaya Development Finance CEO Nilantha Jayanetti said: “Achievers’ Night is more than a celebration — it is a reflection of the dedication, passion, and impact our team creates every day. In an industry rapidly transforming through digital disruption and consolidation, we remain grounded in a singular truth: people drive purpose. Our team’s unwavering commitment is what allows us to serve rural Sri Lanka with dignity, relevance, and resilience.” The awards night follows a period of significant momentum for the organisation. SDF recently achieved full membership in the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) — a global network of financial institutions championing transparency, sustainability, and social equity. The company also posted a strong financial performance in FY 2024/25, demonstrating the viability of a model that merges commercial success with community impact. Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC, said it continues to pioneer a people-centric model of development finance — prioritising access, trust, and long-term empowerment. Achievers’ Night 2025 stood as a testament to the calibre of its workforce and the values that shape its strategy.
Sarvodaya Development Finance joins Global Banking Alliance; set to host Annual Board Meeting in Sri Lanka
Marking a new milestone in its pledged journey towards sustainable financing and inclusive financing, Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) has secured the full membership in the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), an international network of banks working to build a more sustainable and inclusive financial system. Through this membership, Sarvodaya Development Finance aims to strengthen its ability to create social and environmental impacts by expanding access to ethical financial tools, supporting community-led development, and promoting environmentally responsible lending. The alliance provides opportunities to engage with global peers, share practical knowledge, and adopt approaches that have worked in similar contexts around the world. It also allows Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC to align more closely with international standards on sustainable finance, build relationships with mission-aligned investors, and stay informed on evolving policy and regulatory trends. As part of this engagement, Sarvodaya Development Finance will host the Asia Pacific Conference and the GABV Annual Board Meeting in Colombo on 15 and 16 October, bringing together CEOs from over 12 countries to collaborate on advancing values-based banking across the region. The 17th Annual Meeting of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values was held in Kampala, Uganda, under the theme "Building Resilient Futures." The event brought leaders from over 70 member banks across more than 45 countries to the GABV network to discuss how values-based banks can respond to global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and digital transformation. The Sarvodaya Development Finance Chairman Channa De Silva and the Chief Executive Officer Nilantha Jayanetti have represented the company at this event. Reflecting on the discussions and insights shared during the event, Channa De Silva, said, "Our membership in the Global Alliance for Banking on Values strengthens our commitment to ethical finance, rooted in transparency, accountability, and real impact. For decades, we've worked to serve the village economy and uplift underserved communities in Sri Lanka. Being part of a global network that shares these values enables us to continue that work with new perspectives, resources, and partnerships. It's also an opportunity for Sri Lanka to contribute to shaping global conversations around sustainable and inclusive banking." Nilantha Jayanetti added, "This membership comes at a time when Sarvodaya Development Finance is focused on deepening our impact in rural Sri Lanka, especially in the post-crisis recovery period. Through GABV, we now have access to a global platform that shares our belief in community-based finance and value creation beyond profit. We look forward to working closely with like-minded institutions to expand inclusive financial services, empower local entrepreneurs, and drive social development that is measurable and lasting."
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