Lanka Rating Maintains


the Entity Rating of

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Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC

08-Jul-26

01

Applicable Criteria

Methodology | Non-Banking Financial Institution Rating | Jul-24

02

Related Research

Sector Study | Leasing & Finance Companies | Apr-26


03

Analyst

Nipuni Mihirangi | nipuni@lra.com.lk
+94 114 500099 | www.lra.com.lk

PRESS
RELEASE


DISCLAIMER

This press release is being transmitted for the sole purpose of dissemination through print/electronic media. The press release may be used in full or in part without changing the meaning or context thereof with due credit to LRA

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Rating Type Entity
Current
(08-Jul-26)
Previous
(03-Nov-25)
Action Maintain Upgrade
Rating BBB- BBB-
Outlook Stable Stable
Rating Watch - -


The rating reaffirmation reflects Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC's ("SDF" or "the Company") improving financial profile, supported by loan portfolio growth, enhanced profitability, sustained asset quality, and a strong capitalization. The Company offers a diversified range of financial services, including deposit mobilization, microfinance, SME lending, leasing, housing finance, society bulk loans, gold-backed lending, and digital financial services. The strategic focus remains on agriculture financing and rural financial inclusion through its longstanding affiliation with the Sarvodaya Movement and connected societies. The Company continues to maintain a niche presence in the licensed finance company (LFC) sector through its focus on microfinance, SME, society bulk loans and agriculture-related lending. SDF's loan portfolio grew by ~55.2% to LKR 29.8Bn in FY26 (FY25: LKR ~19.2Bn), outpacing industry growth due to small loan base. Despite the accelerated growth, the Company remains a relatively small player, accounting for just ~1.2% of sector assets and ~0.8% of sector deposits as at FY26.

SDF's profitability improved to LKR ~820.1Mn during FY26 (FY25: LKR ~473.8Mn), supported by lower funding costs, strong portfolio growth, and stable spreads. Although the Company has improved its earnings, its profitability (including ROA and ROE) remains modest. The Company's gross and net NPL ratios reduced to ~4.9% and ~2.9%, respectively, but is above industry averages. Better asset quality was supported not only by recoveries but also by the rapid expansion of the loan portfolio.

The Company has strong capitalization with a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of ~22.1% as of FY26 (FY25: ~20.6%), which is above the industry average. This capital buffer is expected to provide adequate headroom for the envisaged portfolio growth, facilitating the achievement of its FY27 projected growth. The Company's deposit base grew by ~7.8% to LKR ~10.6Bn during FY26 and makes up ~34% of the funding mix. The proportion of borrowings has increased in the total funding as observed in the LFC sector.

The rating is contingent upon the sustainability and improvement in the Company's quality of earnings and will be closely monitored. Similarly, upholding other key performance indicators like asset quality and capitalization will be important. Improvement in relative position within the sector and significantly enhancing profitability will have positive impact on the rating.
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About the Entity

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) is a public limited liability company incorporated and domiciled in Sri Lanka and is a licensed finance company regulated under Companies Act No. 07 of 2007 and the Finance Business Act No. 42 of 2011. The largest share of the company is owned by Sarvodaya Economic Enterprises Development Services (Gte) Ltd, with an ownership of 36%, while the Sarvodaya Movement collectively owns ~55% of the Company. The management team is headed by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jayanetti, who has experience in business management and strategic leadership in the banking and financial sectors.

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