SDB bank reaffirmed its strong commitment to the cooperative movement by partnering the People’s Economic Forum 2025, held on 26th September at the Hilton Colombo. Organised by SANASA International in partnership with the SANASA Movement, SDB Bank, Uttamavi Company, SANASA Life Insurance, and SANASA General Insurance, the summit highlighted the central role of cooperatives in advancing economic democracy, sustainable agriculture, and community resilience.
The event, graced by Hon. K.D. Lalkantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, placed strong emphasis on the government’s vision of economic democracy and the need for cooperative-led participation in national development. Further, the specialists from multiple sectors namely, Prof. Gamini Senanayake Vice Chancellor – SANASA Campus, Ms. Esther Petunia, Secretary-General of the Asian Farmers’ Organization for Sustainable Agriculture, Dr. Lionel Weerakoon, Chief Advisor of SANASA Agroecology Education Program, Prof. Devaka Weerakoon, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, President of Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, Dr. Kenneth De Silva, CEO of Lanka Rating and Dr. P.A. Kiriwandeniya, Founder – SANASA Movement.
The summit brought together policymakers, cooperative leaders, academics, and international partners to exchange knowledge and chart pathways for inclusive economic progress. As a development bank with deep cooperative roots, SDB bank consistently encourages and directs its co-operative partners to participate in such knowledge-sharing forums, helping them strengthen both their financial and technical literacy while enhancing their capacity to contribute more effectively to community and national development.
Kapila Ariyaratne, Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer of SDB bank, said: “At SDB Bank, our very foundation is rooted in the cooperative philosophy. We believe that cooperatives are not only vital for strengthening livelihoods and communities but are also an indispensable mechanism for achieving economic democracy. As a development bank with deep cooperative ties, we see it as our responsibility to support initiatives that amplify people’s collective participation in building Sri Lanka’s economy. In this spirit, we consistently support and encourage our cooperative partners in their efforts in organizing knowledge-sharing forums such as the People’s Economic Forum, enabling them to strengthen both their financial and technical literacy and contribute more effectively to sustainable community development.”
The Forum also highlighted 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, recognizing the sector’s contribution to stabilizing Sri Lanka’s fragile economy, strengthening the national food system, and building sustainable communities.
Samadanie Kiriwandeniya, Managing Director of SANASA International / The Chief Organizer of the People’s Economic Forum, said: “Cooperatives have always been at the heart of our journey, shaping the mission and values that guide us today. Events such as the People’s Economic Forum are important platforms that remind us of the power of collective action in transforming economies and building sustainable Communities. At SANASA International, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide accessible, inclusive solutions that empower cooperatives, farmers, and communities to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
SDB bank’s cooperative heritage continues to guide its mission of bridging inclusive finance with sustainable development. Through its strong partnerships and ongoing support for platforms like the People’s Economic Forum, SDB Bank is proud to contribute to shaping a future of economic democracy and shared prosperity for all Sri Lankans.
