SDB bank marks Women’s Day 2026 with initiatives to support women’s wellbeing, entrepreneurship and financial empowerment

3-April-2026

SDB bank marked International Women’s Day 2026 with a series of initiatives organized focused on employee wellbeing, community upliftment, digital storytelling, and financial empowerment, reflecting its broader commitment to supporting women at multiple levels of society. The programme was designed to create a meaningful impact among employees, female entrepreneurs, and the public, while also increasing the Bank's visibility.

As part of its internal engagement, the bank conducted a workshop for female employees focused on healthcare, self-care, grooming and self-motivation, aimed at enhancing both their personal and professional well-being. The initiative also reinforced SDB bank’s efforts to foster an inclusive workplace culture where women are supported in their growth and development. At SDB bank, women represent over 40% of the bank’s workforce, underscoring its ongoing commitment to women’s empowerment within the organisation.

Extending its efforts to the wider community, SDB bank partnered with the Central Province Official Women’s Day Celebration organized by Ministry of Youth Affairs, Women’s Affairs, Rural Development, Cooperative Development and Industries held on 12 March 2026 at the Provincial Council Auditorium in Pallekele under the patronage of Governor Professor S.B.S. Abeykoon. Organized through SDB bank’s Rural Upliftment Program together with the CBSL Regional Office and the Ministry of Industries, the event brought together over 350 women entrepreneurs, with 48 best women entrepreneurs recognized at Divisional Secretariat level. The programme also featured a trade exhibition and financial literacy sessions, helping women entrepreneurs gain exposure, access new markets and strengthen their business knowledge.

Along with these efforts, SDB bank also launched a Women’s Day digital film carrying a positive and inspiring message on the strength of empowered women and the role of Gen Z in shaping a more inclusive future. To maximise reach and visibility, the Bank rolled out the campaign across multiple digital channels, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and other online platforms, enabling it to connect with audiences across both urban and rural communities. The film generated strong engagement, recording over 2.5 million views, further strengthening the Bank’s digital presence while reinforcing its Women’s Day message at scale.

Further extending more benefits to the female community, SDB bank launched the Uththamavi 360 Savings Proposition. Positioned as more than a savings account, the proposition aims to provide women with a more complete journey of financial support, guidance and growth, while encouraging stronger savings habits and long-term financial resilience.

“At SDB bank Women’s empowerment is being considered as one of the key strategic pillars supported in practical, meaningful and sustained ways. Through these initiatives, we sought to support women in the community and create pathways for stronger financial confidence and progress, while recognizing women within our own organization as their contribution is also equally important. Said Kapila Ariyaratne, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of SDB bank.

About SDB bank:

A future-ready bank, dedicated to offering customer-centric and comprehensive support tailored to each individual's needs, SDB bank is a licensed specialized bank regulated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, with a listing on the Main Board of the Colombo Stock Exchange and a Fitch Rating of BB +(lka). Through the network of 94 branches island-wide, the bank provides a comprehensive range of financial services to its Retail, SME, Co-operative, and Business Banking clients across the country. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are deeply ingrained in SDB bank's ethos, with a steadfast focus on uplifting local communities and businesses through sustainable practices. The bank is particularly committed to promoting women's empowerment, sustainable development of SMEs, and digital inclusion, aiming to propel Sri Lanka to new heights.