HNB PLC has joined forces with TiECON Sri Lanka 2026 as its Platinum Sponsor, demonstrating its dedication to aiding Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in expanding beyond local markets and competing on an international level. This collaboration supports a summit aimed at fostering practical, execution-focused discussions among founders, investors, mentors, and industry leaders.
The event was held at Cinnamon Life in Colombo, under the theme “Go Global: The Runway to the World.” Discussions were centered around building credibility, fortifying partnerships, and establishing clearer pathways for regional and global expansion.
During the concluding panel discussion at TiECON, which focused on scaling beyond market entry amidst changing trade and policy conditions, HNB’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Damith Pallewatte, stated: “Banks can have a practical role in helping businesses expand beyond Sri Lanka, especially as trade conditions and policy environments can change rapidly. This is evident in areas such as foreign currency exposure, where businesses might secure export orders but lose value due to unmanaged risks. Banks also facilitate growth by assisting in managing payment and country risk through appropriate financial instruments, while leveraging transaction insights to enhance supply chain and cross-border capabilities as businesses grow.”
This year’s program attracted over 600 participants and featured more than 30 global speakers. Sessions were focused on navigating shifting trade and tariff regimes, progressing from regional success to global leadership, maintaining relevance in the age of AI, building robust global teams, and transitioning from an exporter to a trusted global brand.
Emphasizing the significance of global connectivity for founders, TiECON Sri Lanka 2026 President and Charter Member, Madu Ratnayake, remarked: “For a young chapter like TiE Colombo, forging meaningful global connections is crucial. TiECON aims to bring the right people into one space—founders, investors, mentors, and partners from the TiE network—because one conversation can provide the platform a business needs for its next step. Our message to Sri Lankan entrepreneurs is straightforward: connect, engage, and contribute generously. The global network is ready to support you as you develop for international markets.”
As a part of the TiE Global ecosystem, TiE Colombo links Sri Lankan entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, and charter members across various markets. In collaboration with TiE Colombo, HNB aims to bolster the pathways that assist founders in scaling, from building suitable partnerships to enhancing capital access and readiness for international expansion.
HNB’s MD / CEO, Damith Pallewatte addressing the TiECON Summit
Image Caption – HNB’s MD / CEO, Damith Pallewatte participates in a panel discussion at the TiECON Summit
