EU-financed AgriFI Announces USD 3 Million loan to Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC to Boost Agriculture Resilience in Sri Lanka

Brussels, Belgium & Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka – 25 April 2024 – AgriFI, the EU funded Agriculture Financing Initiative, managed by EDFI Management Company, announced today a USD 3 million loan to Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF), a leading Licensed Finance Company (LFC) in Sri Lanka aiming at developing rural areas. This investment rolls out the principle of the Global Gateway in Sri Lanka, which is Europe’s strategy to better connect the world and to create the proper conditions for attractive investment opportunities.  

Carmen Moreno, the Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka, added: "The European Union is delighted to support this groundbreaking investment through our AgriFI program. Empowering Sri Lankan farmers, especially women, is vital for the country's economic recovery and to increase food security. We are optimistic that this initiative will serve as a catalyst, attracting further investments and fostering growth in Sri Lanka's agricultural sector."

Rodrigo Madrazo, CEO of EDFI Management Company, which manages AgriFI, stated: "We are proud to support SDF in its mission to empower Sri Lankan farmers. This investment aligns perfectly with AgriFI's goal of promoting financial inclusion and innovation in the agricultural sector.”

By providing access to agricultural machinery, SDF is enabling farmers to increase their productivity and profitability, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable food system in Sri Lanka.

Channa de Silva, Chairman of SDF said: “Sri Lanka's agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the country's economy, employing a significant portion of the workforce and contributing heavily to GDP. Despite its importance, challenges such as limited access to finance and modern equipment hinder productivity and growth. This financing from AgriFI aims to address these challenges by supporting SDF's growth in its agricultural portfolio, particularly its innovative agricultural leasing product”.

Nilantha Jayanetti, CEO of SDF added: "This investment from AgriFI is a significant milestone for SDF and Sri Lankan farmers which will allow us to keep developing our agricultural portfolio while offering farmers the appropriate conditions to grow their yields and businesses."

SDF’s leasing product allows farmers to access essential agricultural machinery, such as tractors and harvesters, at affordable rates through a leasing scheme. By becoming owners of this equipment, farmers can significantly improve their yields and overall income, driving growth in Sri Lanka's rural economy.

Robin Boereboom, Senior Investment Officer at AgriFI, concluded: "SDF has demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the country recent crises, keeping a focus on the villages’ economy and agriculture. Their commitment to rural financial inclusion, particularly for women farmers, is outstanding.  AgriFI’s financing will not only strengthen SDF's agricultural offering, but also keep improving livelihoods in rural areas."

About AgriFI:

The Agriculture Financing Initiative - AgriFI, managed by EDFI Management Company, is an impact investment facility funded by the European Union. AgriFI has the mandate to provide medium- to long-term financing for private sector enterprises active in the agri-food value chain, helping to consolidate agriculture production to achieve economies of scale and a stronger presence in markets, bringing increased food security. For more information, visit www.agrifi.eu and www.edfimc.eu.

About Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF)

SDF is a Licensed Finance Company acting as the economic arm of the Sarvodaya Movement, one of Sri Lanka's oldest NGOs dedicated to developing rural areas. With a focus on financial inclusion, SDF offers financial services, including leasing of income-generating assets, to societies, individuals, and SMEs. It boasts over 150,000 customers, with a remarkable 57% being women and 78% residing outside of the Western Province, highlighting its dedication to rural financial inclusion. Agriculture represents more than a third of SDF's leasing and loan portfolios, demonstrating its strong commitment to the sector.

Contact:

For EDFI Management Company, Natasa Lakovic, n.lakovic@edfimc.eu