National Development Bank PLC (NDB Bank) has partnered with the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) for the prestigious SLIM SME Development Awards, further strengthening its commitment to supporting and empowering the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector in Sri Lanka. NDB Bank has come on board as the Official Banking Partner for this significant initiative aimed at recognising and celebrating the remarkable achievements of SMEs in the fields of marketing, branding, and sales.

The official commemoration of this partnership was held recently, with representatives from both NDB Bank and SLIM in attendance, marking a key milestone in the collaborative efforts to uplift the SME sector.

The SLIM SME Development Awards are an extension of SLIM’s Restart Initiation and are designed to reward SMEs that have demonstrated outstanding performance in marketing and branding strategies for their enterprises. The SLIM SME Development Awards seek to not only honour those who have excelled in these areas but also to encourage more SMEs to adopt sales, marketing, and branding practices that can drive their businesses towards mainstream commercial success.

NDB Bank’s collaboration with SLIM represents a forward-thinking approach to fostering the future of Sri Lanka’s economy. Recognising that SMEs are the backbone of the nation’s economic future, NDB is committed to empowering these businesses not just for immediate success but for long-term sustainability and growth. By offering tailored financial solutions, capacity-building programs, and strategic advisory services, NDB is playing an active role in preparing SMEs to meet the challenges of tomorrow. This partnership, aimed at nurturing innovation and enhancing business acumen, is designed to ensure that SMEs contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic progress and lead the way towards a prosperous and resilient future for Sri Lanka.

Speaking on the partnership, Indika Ranaweera, VP, SME, Middle Markets and Business Banking of NDB Bank, commented, “At NDB, we are proud to partner with SLIM in celebrating the achievements of Sri Lankan SMEs. We recognise the immense potential within this sector and believe that by supporting initiatives like the SLIM SME Development Awards, we can help drive greater awareness and empower SMEs to reach new heights. Our commitment to the SME sector aligns perfectly with the vision of this event, and we look forward to continuing our support for these dynamic and innovative enterprises.”

This partnership reflects NDB Bank’s dedication to fostering a more robust and vibrant SME ecosystem in Sri Lanka, encouraging the growth of SMEs that not only succeed but also contribute to the country’s economic progress. By aligning with SLIM and the SME Development Awards, NDB Bank reaffirms its role as a catalyst for growth, providing the necessary tools and support for SMEs to thrive in a competitive marketplace.

As the Official Banking Partner, NDB Bank will continue to play an active role in promoting the importance of marketing and branding within the SME sector, fostering an environment where small and medium-sized enterprises can flourish and achieve sustained success.

NDB Bank is the fourth-largest listed commercial bank in Sri Lanka. NDB was named Sri Lanka’s Best Bank for Corporates at Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2024 and was awarded Domestic Retail Bank of the Year – Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Domestic Project Finance Bank of the Year by Asian Banking and Finance Magazine (Singapore) Awards 2024. NDB is the parent company of the NDB Group, comprising capital market subsidiary companies, together forming a unique banking and capital market services group. The Bank is committed to empowering the nation and its people through meaningful financial and advisory services powered by digital banking solutions.