Financing SMEs and renewable energies in Sri Lanka with National Development Bank

NDB was set up in 1979 by the Government of Sri Lanka as the country’s development bank. It started developing on the retail market in 2001. It now offers all the services of a universal bank, while maintaining its philosophy as a development bank. NDB is actively involved in supporting local SMEs and financing the renewable energies sector.

Proparco’s credit line will contribute to financing projects in the sectors of renewable energies, agro-industry (particularly for tea and rubber plantations), and water supply. These sectors need long-term financing, which is not readily available on the local market.

By supporting the development of the renewable energies sector (hydropower, wind, biomass), this project will meet the sharply growing electricity needs in the country, while reducing its strong dependence on fossil fuels. It will also support the Government’s efforts to achieve universal access to drinking water. More generally, it will contribute to economic and social development in Sri Lanka.