CSR with Sampath Bank :

Ruhuna varsity to develop young entrepreneurs

Lumbini Edirisinghe

The University of Ruhuna has agreed to assist the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative launched by the Sampath Bank for developing young entrepreneurs.

"Under this program Ruhuna Campus will provide a technical know-how and expertise for young entrepreneurs on technology and other aspects in business", said Vice Chancellor, University of Ruhuna Susirith Mendis at the inaugural Sampath Bank CSR Awards ceremony 2008 held last week.

Executive Director /CEO, Sampath Bank, Harris Premarathne said that the bank was very much involved with CSR programs and safeguarding the environment for the past twenty years. The Sampath Bank's CSR platform promises four main objectives which are, empowerment of community, education for future leaders, entrepreneur development and environmental conservation.

"The concept has caught on well and developed very successfully. The bank staff also contributed to its success as they too were very dedicated spending their money and time on this," he said.

Chairman, Sampath Bank CSR Committee Aravinda Perere said that they think that CSR is a part of their duty to the community. The main objective of the CSR program is entrepreneur development and environmental eonservation. Under the program the bank is not only facilitating them with money but is also teaching them marketing strategies like finding a potential market and guide them on entrepreneurship, he added.

"Success of the CSR programs means triumphs of the bank which demonstrate our social responsibility towards society," Perera said.

The awards ceremony was in recognition of the commitment made by the Sampath Team in achieving the bank's enduring commitment to build the conducive socio and economic environment for citizens.

The winner of the most outstanding CSR initiative was the Matara team for their marine project.

The category award winners include team Ratnapura for environmental protection and conservation, team Hatton for community development and team Malabo for education and future.

Anoja Sareeka Kumari and Dinesh Kaldera are two entrepreneurs who benefited from Sampath Bank and who have succeeded with the assistance and guidance of the bank. Dinesh Kaldera is a young inventor who has invented a thalassemia-measuring machine at the price of Rs14,500 and Anoja Sareeka Kumari is a beautician who was successful with the assistance of Sampath Bank. She has introduced a monthly easy payment package to those who find it difficult to spend on their wedding functions.

Sampath Bank was awarded the "Ten best corporate Citizen

Award" by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in 2008.