“SANASA” is one of the most successful inclusive development brands in Sri Lanka. It is the brainchild of Dr. P.A.Kiriwandeniya (Dr. Kiri) who was the founder of the SANASA Movement which was created in a long and vigorous process of revitalizing and networking 940 isolated and stagnant thrift and credit co-operative societies in Sri Lanka under a single vision. The movement flourished with a steady increase in membership to become one of the most successful nongovernmental organizations in Sri Lanka. Today with a membership that exceeds one million and with the tireless and continuous efforts of nearly 56,000 voluntary leaders, SANASA has been able to position itself successfully in both civil society and in the open market. The Movement has been able to create a bank which today is a publicly quoted company, two insurance companies, an Infrastructure company, a higher education institute approved by the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka; all experiencing a steady and continuous growth in a highly competitive environment. Being the pioneering microfinance movement in Sri Lanka, SANASA has adopted a cooperative/social enterprise model with a comprehensive and competitive product portfolio to address rural poverty. Sitting together as a group of companies under one brand, there are several other companies, delivering value-adding services in line with SANASA’s development mission.

SANASA Development Bank which is the apex Institution of SANASA’s banking programme was ranked as the world’s Number 2 microfinance organization by the FORBES magazine in 2009. Today, with a robust strategic business plan, the bank has graduated into a strong SME financing institution.

The SANASA insurance programme, another brainchild of Dr. Kiri, has been in operation since 1989. The innovative approach to risks and risk management of poor people, SANASA’s insurance arm has been recognized and awarded globally, accolades that include a Gold at the  Paris Insurance Awards Ceremony in 2012.

SANASA has been an undeniably prominent player of Sri Lanka’s poverty reduction journey. It has been able to empower rural women and engage them in local development processes. SANASA introduced concepts such as income generation and financial literacy long before terms such as micro-enterprises and financial literacy entered the international development lexicon. Its banking and insurance products have recreated the social-economic landscape of rural communities while its social enterprise model has enabled the brand to be embraced by approximately 20% of the population (members and customers).

SANASA’s story with respect to women’s empowerment is also quite impressive. Starting with less than 5% in 1978 today SANASA boasts a 56% female membership. Out of the 56,000 voluntary leaders of the credit unions, 34% are females, with their steering company, Uththamavi, ensuring gender mainstreaming in the SANASA Group

Mobilizing 1 million people and 56,000 volunteers under one brand without legal authority to control and standardize, requires leadership, vision, commitment, and knowledge. In addition to Dr.Kiri’s charismatic leadership, the SANASA education programme which was developed by the SANASA Federation under his direct supervision gave birth to the very first higher education Institute owned by cooperators of Sri Lanka. Thirty years of continuous community education under a single leadership and one vision is one of the key secrets behind SANASA’s success.

“SANASA is a story of continuous innovation and growth. SANASA invites all those who are committed to inclusive and sustainable development to share with us their stories, methods, challenges faced and victories, for “together we can make the world a better place”.