Union Bank organized the Matara Dairy Farmer Awareness Programme with the support of Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) recently. The event was conducted at the Auditorium of the Postal Dept. of Matara with the participation of over 150 farmers and officials from the CBSL, Union Bank and entrepreneur invitees who shared their success stories.

Addressing the gathering the Dr. Ms. S. Hettige, Provincial Director of the Animal Production and Health Dept highlighted the services and facilities available to farmers to maintain a viable dairy farming unit which enables to obtain a maximum milk production. Also speaking at the event the Mr. W M Karunarathne Assistant Governor of the CBSL highlighted the value and importance of dairy farming industry, Government and CBSL policies and facilities available to develop the industry. Further a very impressive and motivational presentation was carried out by the CBSL to increase the motivation of farmers by providing ideas for successful entrepreneurship. Subsequently panel discussions were also held providing the farmers an opportunity to raise questions and discuss issues such as low market prices, bank facilities, insufficient services of animal production and Health Dept. services.

With the support of the Matara Branch of Union Bank Mr. Lalkeerthi Gunawaradane, Managing Director of Lucky and Company who markets a range of diary products was invited to address the gathering where he shared insights on how to develop dairy farming through positive thinking, whilst the company also provided field level assistance to Union Bank in organizing the event.

Union Bank has taken the initiative to ensure the growth of the Small and Medium Enterprises, remaining flexible to their needs. Union Banks focus on the SME sector gives the Bank an edge in a competitive market as a Bank small enough to offer the kind of flexibility to the growing SME customers need and large enough to fuel their growth to greater heights. SME sector of today becomes the large corporations of tomorrow whose expansion and sustainability depends on reliable banking services provided from the inception