Seylan Bank, in collaboration with the Department of Development Finance, has introduced Seylan Athwela, a concessionary financing initiative designed to strengthen Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector by improving access to affordable funding for farmers, agribusinesses, and agriculture-related enterprises.

As a bank committed to enabling growth across key sectors of the economy, Seylan Bank aims to support agricultural development by providing financial solutions that help businesses invest in modern farming techniques, expand operations, improve productivity, and overcome financial constraints. Functioning as a Farming System Sustainability Programme (FSSP), the initiative is expected to contribute towards sustaining rural livelihoods, enhancing food security, promoting employment opportunities, and encouraging export-oriented agriculture.

Through Seylan Athwela, eligible farmers, agribusinesses, agro-industries, cooperatives, and related enterprises can access concessionary financing at a low interest rate of 5%, with flexible repayment options and grace periods. The programme also provides financing support of up to 75% of total project costs, making it easier for businesses to undertake growth and development initiatives.

The programme seeks to support cultivation activities, agribusinesses, agro-industries, cooperatives, and related enterprises while also encouraging greater participation of youth and women in agriculture. It also aims to improve productivity, income generation, and long-term sustainability within the sector.

Loans under Seylan Athwela may be obtained for a wide range of agricultural and agribusiness requirements, including cultivation and expansion projects (excluding tea, rubber, and coconut cultivation), processing and value-addition activities related to tea, rubber, and coconut, the purchase of machinery, livestock, and equipment, construction of sheds, warehouses, processing centres, and greenhouses, solar energy and productivity improvement projects, as well as the purchase of land and vehicles directly linked to agricultural operations.

The programme also supports the introduction of new and advanced technologies to upgrade agribusiness operations and provides working capital financing for eligible enterprises. Loan facilities are available up to a maximum of LKR 5 million. Working capital loans can be repaid over a period of up to three years, while investment and combined loan facilities offer repayment periods of up to five years.

Through initiatives such as Seylan Athwela, Seylan Bank continues to reaffirm its commitment to empowering Sri Lanka’s SME and agricultural sectors by providing inclusive financial solutions that contribute to sustainable economic growth and national development.