Sewa Finance, an independent microfinance institution established by Sewalanka in 2006 has recently been awarded ISO 9001:2000 accreditation for its quality system procedures.
The prestigious accreditation recognises that Sewa Finance adheres to quality management in systems and procedures as required by ISO 9001;200 standard.
Announcing news of the certification, Sewa Finance Chief Executive Officer Ms Thushari Hewapathirana said she was delighted that Sewa Finance had been acknowledged for its world-class systems and procedures.
"As the first national level microfinance company to hold the certification, this is an outstanding achievement, particularly because this was the first time a company only nine months into operation has received the award,” Ms Hewapathirana said.
"I am confident this certification will help us offer enhanced services for disadvantaged, rural communities in Sri Lanka."
Ms Hewapathirana believes that the accreditation will equate to further wholesale loans for community organisations and direct lending for small and medium community enterprises.
"These loans will support livelihood development initiatives in crop production, animal husbandry, fisheries, food processing, handicraft production, community-based tourism, service provision, and trade."
Sewa Finance makes financial capital for income-generating initiatives more accessible to the rural poor by providing affordable, flexible loans.
The company also ensures this money is put to the best possible use by working closely with Sewalanka Foundation and Sewalanka Enterprise Development Company (SEDCO) to strengthen institutional capacities and provide equity investments and market linkages. Together, the three organisations provide a full package of livelihood development services.
"Joining the industry after many of our competitors had penetrated the market, we knew we had to be different if we were to be a successful lender. We did this by developing a set of unique features to reach rural communities," Ms Hewapathirana said.
A team of dedicated staff worked hard to develop processes and standards that assure quality, efficiency, effectiveness and productivity.
"These standards prove that our products and services are transparent, and will ultimately safeguard the communities we aim to help," Ms Hewapathirana concluded.
