HNB lends hand to poverty-stricken

FISHERIES: A poverty-stricken fishing village in Maduru Oya, Padiyathalawa which came under the close scrutiny of Hatton National Bank became a beneficiary under the Bank's Corporate Social Responsibility Programme. The Bank used its 10 years old 'Shanthi' Housing Loan Scheme to bring about drastic changes in this village thus adding colour and meaning to its inhabitants.

Twenty eight brand new houses, 70 fishing nets through micro-finance support, a complete library for the village school and a trading centre are under way in the Maduru Oya Fishing Village about 235 km from Colombo.

It all began with an appeal sent to HNB by the editor of The Daily Resume, Janath Thilakarathne with the heading "Help protect Maduru Oya marine life". With a ready willingness to reach out where help is required, three of HNB officers visited the area.

"What we discovered was shocking. We changed the anniversary plan of Shanthi Housing into a small revolution and set in motion an ambitious CSR initiative that would see the old and dilapidated fishing village of Maduru Oya getting a new lease of life", says Managing Director / CEO, Rajendra Theagarajah of Hatton National Bank.