HNB PLC backs TiECON Sri Lanka 2026 as Platinum Sponsor, strengthening Sri Lanka’s runway to global markets

January, 29, 2026

HNB PLC partnered TiECON Sri Lanka 2026 as its Platinum Sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Sri Lankan entrepreneurs as they scale beyond local market entry and compete internationally. Through this partnership, HNB backed a summit designed to drive practical, execution-led conversations between founders, investors, mentors, and industry leaders.

Hosted at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, TiECON Sri Lanka 2026 convened the ecosystem under the theme “Go Global: The Runway to the World,” with discussions centred on building credibility, strengthening partnerships, and creating clearer market pathways for regional and global expansion.

Speaking during TiECON’s concluding panel discussion on scaling beyond market entry amid shifting trade and policy conditions, HNB Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Damith Pallewatte said: “Banks can play a practical role in helping businesses scale beyond Sri Lanka, particularly when trade conditions and policy environments can shift quickly. We see this clearly in areas like foreign currency exposure, where companies may secure export orders but lose value because the risk is not understood or managed. Banks also support growth by helping manage payment and country risk through the right financial instruments, while using transaction insights to strengthen supply chain and cross-border capability as businesses expand.”

This year’s programme brought together 600+ participants and 30+ global speakers, with sessions focused on navigating shifting trade and tariff regimes, scaling from regional success to global leadership, staying relevant in the age of AI, building strong global teams, and moving from exporter to trusted global brand.

Commenting on the importance of global connectivity for founders, TiECON Sri Lanka 2026. President and Charter Member, Madu Ratnayake said: “For a young chapter like TiE Colombo, building meaningful global connections is essential. TiECON is designed to bring the right people into one room, founders, investors, mentors and partners from across the TiE network, because one conversation can open the platform a business needs to take its next step. Our message to Sri Lankan entrepreneurs is simple: connect, engage, and give generously. The global network is here to support you as you build for international markets.”

As part of the TiE Global ecosystem, TiE Colombo connects Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to mentors, investors and charter members across multiple markets. Together with TiE Colombo, HNB aims to strengthen the pathways that help founders scale, from building the right partnerships to improving capital access and readiness for international growth.