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Among top five private banks in the country:
Seylan Bank, a model to the industry - CB Governor
Charumini DE SILVA in Jaffna
Central Bank Governor, Ajith Nivard Cabraal said that Seylan Bank was
a model for the entire banking industry locally and internationally as
it has shown how it has recovered from the crisis. He was speaking after
opening the Seylan Bank branch in Nelliady, Jaffna on Monday.
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Central Bank Governor, Ajith Nivard
Cabraal addresses the gathering at the Seylan Bank Nelliady
branch opening. |
Seylan Bank is now secure, stable and sustainable. During the
financial crisis, President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Finance Minister
told the Central Bank that it could overcome this situation.
As a result the Central Bank took immediate action for its speedy
recovery, he said.
The Pramuka Bank which had to face a similar situation took five
years to resolve the problems, but where the Seylan Bank was concerned,
the Central Bank reacted before it worsened and Seylan Bank remained
sustainable, he said.
The Governor said that during the global economic downturn 100 USA
banks collapsed and the British Government spent over 40 billion
Sterling Pounds, which is double Sri Lanka’s Gross Domestic Production
(GDP) and none of the banks in the country collapsed due to the global
economic downturn.
We should understand that Sri Lanka too could fare well.
Seylan Bank had one of the biggest share issues in the country, which
was fully subscribed.
Sri Lanka has to go a long way with a new era. It is rarely that we
see a growing market with so much potential and we are glad that Sri
Lanka is well poised.
The country’s per capita income is over $ 2,000 and within the next
couple of years we hope that Sri Lanka could have a per capita income of
$ 4,000, Cabraal said.
He said there has been marked development in the Northern Province
since his last visit two months ago.
A motor-cycle businessman had sold 120 motor-cycles during the past
week, which shows that people are ready to continue their normal
livelihood that they always longed for and the banks will be the
catalyst for the purpose.
He said the money attracted by the bank should be re-invested in the
area itself. Lend to the people in the area and create more
opportunities for investment, employment, and increase people’s income.
The financial institutes have to adopt a dynamic lending scheme. An
impact must be made as the country has many opportunities.
Seylan Bank PLC Chairman, Eastman Narangoda said that the bank was
among the top five private banks in the country. Despite the difficult
times the bank is now more secure, stable and in a sustainable position.
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