DFCC Bank and LIIN Partner to Expand Equity-Based Financing for SMEs

DFCC Bank PLC has entered a strategic partnership with Lanka Impact Investing Network (LIIN) to connect high-potential Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with equity-based funding through the Social Enterprise Fund (SEF).

The partnership reinforces DFCC Bank’s commitment to responsible banking - providing financial solutions that extend beyond traditional credit to support inclusive and sustainable economic development. By facilitating access to equity investment, the Bank is creating new opportunities for SMEs that deliver both financial returns and measurable social or environmental impact.

Under the agreement, DFCC Bank will work with LIIN to identify and prepare eligible SMEs from its portfolio to access growth capital via SEF - Sri Lanka’s first dedicated impact investment fund, launched in collaboration with Capital Alliance and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

“SMEs account for over half of Sri Lanka’s GDP and nearly 45% of employment,” said Aasiri Iddamalgoda, Senior Vice President – Head of Retail and Business Banking at DFCC Bank; we recognise that purpose-driven enterprises need more than working capital - they need long-term, strategic support to innovate, grow, and create sustained social value. This partnership enables us to enhance our support for these businesses by providing access to equity-based funding that does not increase their debt burden. It is a natural extension of our role as a bank committed to inclusive and sustainable growth.”

In the initial phase, LIIN will serve as a knowledge and support hub - providing DFCC Bank with expertise, awareness sessions, and tools to assess and prepare SMEs for potential investment through SEF.

This initiative aligns with DFCC Bank’s broader purpose-led strategy, which focuses not only on financial performance but also on building a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable economy for Sri Lanka.

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 (L – R) Jude Muttiah- Assistant Vice President - Business Banking (DFCC Bank PLC), Dilan David - Assistant Vice President - Business Banking (DFCC Bank PLC), Iresha Perera - Senior Executive - Entrepreneurship Development of Lanka Impact Investing Network, Erandi Dinusha - Manager - Projects & Consulting of Lanka Impact Investing Network, Vishwanath Gunawardena- General Manager of Lanka Impact Investing Network, Chandula Abeywickrama - Chairman of Lanka Impact Investing Network, Thimal Perera - Chief Executive Officer (DFCC Bank PLC), Shamindra Marcelline - Deputy Chief Executive Officer, (DFCC Bank PLC),  Aasiri Iddamalgoda - Senior Vice President Retail & Business Banking (DFCC Bank PLC), Pradeep De Alwis - Vice President/Head of Business Banking (DFCC Bank PLC), Koushall Vian - Assistant Manager - Business Banking (DFCC Bank PLC)  

About DFCC Bank

DFCC Bank PLC, established in 1955 and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange since 1956, is one of Sri Lanka's leading financial institutions. In 2025, the Bank proudly celebrates 70 years of service, marking seven decades of innovation, resilience, and contribution to national development.

Regulated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and rated A (lka) by Fitch Ratings, DFCC Bank offers a comprehensive portfolio of retail, corporate, and SME banking services, along with treasury, investment, and trade finance solutions.

With customer-centricity and sustainable innovation at its core, DFCC Bank delivers secure and seamless banking experiences through digital platforms, including DFCC ONE, DFCC MySpace, online banking, and via a network of 138 branches, as well as access to over 5,500 ATMs through the LankaPay network.

A recognised leader in sustainable finance and renewable energy initiatives, DFCC Bank, remains firmly committed to reducing environmental impact and fostering long-term economic resilience.