SL hosts its first GABV Asia-Pacific Chapter Meeting

HOSTING the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) AsiaPacific Chapter Meeting for the first time ever, Sri Lanka opened the 2025 gathering in Colombo last Wednesday, bringing together over 20 values-based financial institutions from across the region.

- BY DIVYA THOTAWATTE

From left: GABV Executive Director Martin Rohner, Sunrise Banks USA CEO David Reiling and SDF Chairman Channa De Silva

This regional chapter meeting, a milestone moment for the country's growing recognition in the global responsible banking movement, was hosted by Sarvodaya Development Finance (SDF). Centred on the theme of 'Value-Based Banking,' the twoday program, held on 15 and 16 October at Cinnamon Life City of Dreams, featured insightful discussions on advancing financial inclusion, promoting ethical investment, and redefining banking through community-based innovation.

As the meeting coincided with the annual GABV Board Meeting, the event was also attended by CEOs and senior leaders from across the world who discussed strategies to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs), advance sustainable agriculture, and explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen values-based banking practices.

SDF Board Chairman Channa De Silva underscored the significance of holding the meeting in Sri Lanka at a time of national recovery. "Over the last five years, we had four years of negative growth, ranging from 2.3 to 7.8%. Last year, we recorded a 5% positive growth. So it is very important for the banking sector and the country to give bankers of the world a different perspective of Sri Lanka."