Banking

NDB geared for development in Hambantota

M. Irfan Zakariya Hambantota Thinakaran special correspondent

NDB enters the town of Hambantota, embarking on its first branch expansion for the year 2012. Upon reaching their 61st branch, the bank continues to spearhead its expansion programme this year, propelling financial inclusion in many cities and towns across the country. The branch was ceremoniously declared open in the presence of Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa recently endorsing the Bank efforts for development in Hambantota. NDB chairman Hemaka Amarasuriya, chief executive Russol de mel, HDCC president M S Yousuf, HDCC advisor Azmi Thasim and chairman of Lanka Salt Limited Pradeep Wijeywardana was also present at the opening.

Hambantota, once part of an ancient kingdom, is an important place on the Ruhunna landscape with the thriving economy, a gateway on the Eastern sea route, through the indian ocean, Hambantota is famous for its salt pans as well as its wildlife and nature parks which are a paradise for local and migrant birds the new port and airport which is under construction, will expand Srilanka’s economy in many ways. The new International Cricket stadium has further established Hambantota as a major tourist location.

NDB will be offering SME products to potential small and medium businessmen in support of the development activities in Hambantota. with its expertise and knowledge in SME financing services, the bank will offer many financing facilities including short-term working capital loans, supplier and distributor financing and long-term funding which will be beneficial to the business in the area.

NDB will offer customers a range of retail banking services,such as current and saving accounts,children’s saving accounts with an exciting gift scheme, NRFC/RFC accounts fixed deposits, housing loans, education loans, personal loans, leasing loans, leasing facilities, credit cards, debit cards, pawning services, western union money transfer services, internet banking and bank assurance.

HNB Mullaitivu Customer Centre opens

Customer Centre Hatton National Bank PLC a leading private sector commercial bank in the country saw the ceremonial opening of its Mullaitivu customer centre on 18th January 2012, with the presence of the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Ajith Nivard Cabraal who was the chief guest at this memorable occasion.

The opening of the Mullaitivu customer center was yet another feather on HNB’s Cap in its laudable branch expansion strategy, which saw the commitment of the bank in its drive to create financial inclusion among masses through tapping many rural pockets of the island, with the objective of further strengthening the economic growth engine of the country through financial and economic inclusion.

This historic event was also graced by the Chairperson of Hatton National Bank PLC, Dr Ranee Jayamaha, Pamela Cooray and Dr. Rohan Karunaratne, members of the board of HNB, Rajendra Theagarajah, MD/CEO of HNB, J R P M Paiva, DGM- HR and A of HNB, Mrs LLC Thambiah, DGM Network management - HNB, the Regional Manager and staff of the regional office, Mullaitivu branch manager and staff and valued customers.

Dr Jayamaha, in her welcome address reiterated on HNB’s presence in the North and East during both good and testing times stating that it was a true testimony of HNB’s commitment to its valued customers. She went on to say that HNB now has 240 customer centres islandwide of which 40 customer centres are located in the North and East.

The 400 strong ATM network further reinstates HNB’s passion in creating ease and reach to its customers. Speaking further, Dr Jayamaha spoke of HNB’s vision in supporting the medium and large scale entrepreneurs who are in the business of contracting and sub-contracting in infrastructure development projects and those engaged in the hospitality trade and elaborated on the road map of the CBSL and the alignment of HNB’s strategic plan with the road map, HNB’s initiative in building up its reserves and employing the reserves to enhance capital employed on strategic infrastructure investments and the bank’s vision in entering the international capital market to raise dollar funds to explore cross border strategic investments within the region.

Dr Jayamaha also shed light on HNB’s strategic focus in providing more funds towards the agriculture, SME and retail sectors and the bank’s strategic focus in providing its customers with the facilities of state-of-the-art technology and online, mobile and telephone banking services.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka in his address spoke of the importance of financial inclusion and its connection to the prosperity of an individual.He further stated that the banking system from an initial number of 1100 bank branches in 1992, today have grown to 6300 bank branches which provides solid proof of the significant growth momentum of the banking sector.

This Cabraal stated was a clear illustration of the increased access of the masses into the country’s banking system. Whilst applauding this commendable growth, the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka further went on to state the need of the hour in introducing and expanding mobile banking across the banking system.

Speaking further, Cabraal went on to say that the rapid financial inclusion would clear the road map for a new breed of entrepreneurs who would help revamp the nation’s economy that is now seeing many thriving prospects.

Cabraal was invited to handover several cultivation loans to Leaders of Farmer Societies and Agri and Fishery equipment machinery to loan customers.

Theagarajah, the Managing Director/CEO of Hatton National Bank PLC re-emphasized HNB’s commitment to serve its customers with a now strong 240 customer centres and invited all customers to join hands in making HNB a true partner in their prosperity and progress.