Association of Professional Bankers holds 33rd AGM, elects new team

Seated from left: Bank of Ceylon Treasurer M.R.N. Rohana Kumar, Sampath Bank Vice President Halin Heuigoda, Commercial Bank of Ceylon Senior Vice President B.A.H.S. Precna, Pan Asia Banking Corporation President Jeremy De Zilva, People’s Bank Immediate Past President K.B. Rajapakse, OFCC Bank Vice President Anton Arumugam, The Hong kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Secretary General Dilshan Perera, Sampath Bank Assistant Secretary Anjali Goonetilake

Standing from left: National Savings Bank Council Member Christine Shiromi Jesudian, Bank of China Colombo Branch Council Member Isuru Jayaweera, Professional Banker Interim Council Member Theekshana Pandithasekara, National Development Bank Council Member Indika Ranaweera, Hatton National Bank Council Member L. Chiranthi Cooray, National Savings Bank Council Member K. Raveendran, Bank of Ceylon Council Member Y.A. Jayathillaka, People’s Bank Council Member A.S.M.W. Kumarasiri, and People’s Bank Council Member Thushari Hewawasam

The Association of Professional Bankers held the 33rd Annual General Meeting at the auditorium of the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka recently. 

Pan Asia Bank PLC Deputy General Manager/Head of Internal Audit Jeremy De Zilva was elected as the President of the council for the year 2022/23. 

Established in 1988, the Association of Professional Bankers of Sri Lanka has been the most representative organisation of banking professionals in Sri Lanka.

The primary objectives of the Association are to undertake, promote, and facilitate studies in the field of banking and allied subjects within and outside Sri Lanka and includes organising and promoting research in the field of banking to undertake studies and research projects for the Government, private sector, international agencies, and other institutions.

Further, to plan and organise teaching and arrange training programs, lectures, seminars, workshops in the field of banking and allied subjects. Training students and others in research methodology with the idea of promoting knowledge and awareness in subjects relevant to banking. Preparing and submitting reports on issues relating to banking, finance and economy to Government and non-governmental organisations in Sri Lanka. Promoting understanding, co-operation, and friendship with similar associations within and outside Sri Lanka. 

Towards achieving these objectives, the Association over the years has arranged many fora to engage banking professionals to share their knowledge, expertise and experiences with fellow members on banking matters for the development of skills required to meet with the evolving financial industry.   

This year the APB signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka (IBSL) the premier banking training institute, for use of the IBSL infrastructure facilities to conduct future activities of APB. In the ensuing year, APB looks forward to working closely with IBSL for the development and grooming of young banking professionals with skills and mindsets required for meeting the future evolving industry demands.

Apart from that, the current council will initiate several programs to further enhance the skills, knowledge by conducting continuous development programs by its CPDC, engage membership in APB activities such as the Quiz program, members day, recognition of members achieving high office within the banking sector, awarding and recognising outstanding contributions towards the banking industry and conducting its flagship event the Annual Anniversary Convention.

APB Sri Lanka Advisory Committee: 

First row from left: Dr. Viruli De Silva, Aruna Femando, President Jeremy De Zilva, A. Kathiravelupilla, Sashi Kandambi Jassim

Second row from left: Piyal Hennayake, Sunil De Silva, Asanka Ranhotty and Bhanu Wijayaratne

APB SL MoU with IBSL 

President Jeremy De Zilva addresses the AGM