NDB introduces 'Real Saver'

NDB recently introduced the "Real Saver", a unique new savings proposition that encourages the regular savers to stay true to the age old virtue of everyday prudence.

NDB's Real Saver account, suitably launched to concur with the World Thrift Day in October, recognizes and rewards the real savers who understand the true meaning of saving and adapt it to their lifestyle. 'Real Saver' is a rewarding savings account that doubles the interest rate applicable on the account balance, if a committed minimum monthly deposit is maintained, thereby encouraging the account holders to save continuously. NDB Real Saver sets itself apart from the traditional savings accounts that are often used as transactional accounts. For the first time in Sri Lanka those with the desire to really save have now been given the opportunity to save within their means by pledging to deposit a fixed amount monthly to the "Real Saver" account and be rewarded twofold for this effort.

Commenting on the Bank's innovative proposition, CEO of NDB, Russell de Mel said "We at NDB strongly believe that fostering the habit of saving is essential in taking our country towards prosperity. The dynamic proposition put forward by the 'ithiri karamu, api hademu, rata hadamu' savings drive initiated by NDB previously, gave wings to this endeavour, spreading it across the country to people of all walks of life.

The Real Saver Account is another thoughtful concept by NDB, designed to reward and encourage the real savers of the nation. In the current context, we have noticed that there's a growing fragment of individuals who are catching up with the belief of 'spending is out and simplicity is in'. NDB defines these individuals as the Real Savers, who have found ways to create wealth not by buying things or earning more, but by making a commitment to save in small ways, continuously. The Real Saver account aims to encourage individuals to embed this savings habit into their lifestyles, while being rewarded for their commitment to save".

"There's a huge difference between 'Saving' and 'Really' saving. Real Savers not only save money, but also try to eliminate wastage of any form.

The launch of Real Saver account reiterates NDB's commitment to inculcate a savings habit in the people, which was initiated through the nationwide 'Ithiri Karana Maga' savings drive Therefore, through 'Real Saver' we hope to advocate responsible consumption of resources, while accumulating financial savings. We hope that the 'Real Saver' will be an inspiration to all Sri Lankans to drive the nation towards a sustainable economic progress" he further added.

Ithuru Karamu, Api Hademu, Rata Hadamu, A National Endeavour

NDB has been persistent and passionate in instilling the savings habit in the people of Sri Lanka. Two years ago, NDB pioneered a dynamic proposition themed "Ithuru Karamu, Api Hademu, Rata Hadamu " (Let's Save, Prosper and Build the Nation) which suggested that the savings habit which begins with humble efforts in each individual's home can collectively contribute to the sustainable development of the nation. The "Ithuru Karana Maga" education campaign took this unique concept to every nook and corner of the island, revealing to the public a novel thought process that altered the traditional concept of monetary savings. This all new thought leading concept, points out that the savings made on everyday essentials such as water, electricity, telephones, time and even environment, will translate into monetary savings in the long term. As a part of this campaign, more than 600 staff members of NDB, took to the streets of Sri Lanka the message of saving, as they educated thousands of commuters between Railway stations in Colombo, Galle and Kandy; while smaller teams of savings ambassadors of NDB visited schools around these cities spreading the message of saving amongst students as well as teachers. The handy savings booklet 'Ithuru Karana Maga' published by the bank is an interesting keepsake that highlights the potential benefits of cutting down unnecessary waste that takes place in ones day to day lives while offering useful tips on how to optimize the benefits and minimize wastage of common everyday essentials and reap advantages of proper management of both time and the environment. Thousands of these booklets have been handed out to the public during the educational campaigns and are freely available in English, Sinhala and Tamil at any of the NDB branches. Through these initiatives, the Bank has continuously endeavoured to foster and resurface the good habit of saving within the Sri Lankans.

Sri Lanka, with its beginnings deeply rooted in an agricultural civilisation, inherits a culture profusely enriched with customs and practices that reflect the importance of saving and preserving. The "Vee Bissa" used to safely store up excess produce during the harvesting season was a common component of all ancient Sri Lankan homes.