Pan Asia Bank Drives Sustainable Agriculture with Solar Powered Irrigation Financing for North Central Farmers
Pan Asia Bank has taken its sustainable finance agenda closer to Sri Lanka’s farming communities through its ‘Sustainable Agricultural Lending Initiative – 2026’, supporting small-scale farmers in the North Central Province to access solar-powered Irrigation facilities. The initiative, launched in collaboration with Our Movement of Lanka (OML), was highlighted at a customer outreach event held on 11th September in Galenbindunuwewa, Anuradhapura. The event brought farmers and community leaders together to raise awareness of solar-powered irrigation and the financing available through Pan Asia Bank. The solution offers farmers an opportunity to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels while accessing a more sustainable and affordable approach to irrigation. The initiative also supports greater agricultural productivity and forms part of the Bank’s wider efforts to promote financial inclusion within the agriculture sector.
“Farmers need financial solutions that respond to the realities of agriculture. Through this initiative, we are helping make solar-powered irrigation more accessible while supporting farmers to reduce costs, improve efficiency and build more sustainable livelihoods. Our partnership with OML enables us to take this opportunity directly to farming communities in the North Central Province,” said Naleen Edirisinghe, Director/CEO of Pan Asia Bank.
OML works with more than 5,000 active member farmers in the North Central Province, including growers of chilli, melon, brinjal, capsicum, tomato and cantaloupe. Through this partnership, Pan Asia Bank has taken on the risks associated with agricultural financing under concessionary terms and conditions, making solar-powered water pumps more accessible to small-scale farmers.
Nimal Ratnayake, Assistant General Manager – Branch Credit, Pan Asia Bank, said: “Our aim is to make sustainable irrigation solutions financially accessible to small-scale farmers. By providing financing on concessionary terms, we are helping farmers adopt solar-powered technology while improving the efficiency and sustainability of their farming operations.”
A project beneficiary noted: “The solar-powered pump has made irrigation easier and reduced our dependence on fuel. With access to financing, this technology has become a practical option for farmers like us.”
The event, attended by approximately 50 farmers and community leaders, also showcased the successful implementation of a solar water pump project and promoted sustainable agricultural practices. Through the successful implementation of the solar water pump project, Pan Asia Bank promotes sustainable agricultural practices to respond to the needs of communities, while supporting farmers to invest in cleaner technology and build more sustainable agricultural livelihoods.
Photo caption : Pan Asia Bank officials with farmers from the North Central Province at the customer outreach event held in Galenbindunuwewa, Anuradhapura.