The funding will support the expansion of CF’s MSME portfolio in the agriculture sector, with an emphasis on financing climate-smart agriculture solutions and women-owned enterprises. The proposed project is part of IFC’s ‘Sri Lanka Agriculture Finance Program’. The Program would consist of the following components:1. Capacity development of Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs): on agri value chain financing and development of related products2. Awareness creation: modern, efficient practices to enhance quality and productivity among agri-value chain players3. Risk mitigation: Introduce agri insurance products and climate smart agricultural practices. 4. Improve Enabling Environment: Work on policy measures to improve the enabling environment in line with government’s Vision 20255. Funding: Provide funding to chosen PFIs to lend to agri value chain playersTo achieve this IFC will work closely with the World Bank, government stake holders and private sector partners.

CF is a public company listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange. The company was established by the late Mr. Chandra Wijenaike in 1957. The Wijenaike family and the Share trust established for the welfare of CF’s employees currently hold around 35.6% of the voting rights. Other large shareholders include the Employees Provident Fund with a 10.7% shareholding.