People’s Bank sets up export hubs for SMEs; Nugegoda branch gets first one

People’s Bank, as a leading State bank in the Sri Lankan banking and financial services sector, recently made yet another innovative enhancement in its services offering by launching an export hub concept to support SME sector exporters.

Accordingly, the first ever ‘Export Hub’ of the bank was opened at the People’s Bank, Nugegoda branch on 18 July. Initially, this concept will be implemented at seven branches in seven regions across the country.

Speaking at the opening of the export hub, People’s Bank Chairman Sujeewa Rajapakse said: “Small and Medium Scale entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in shaping our country’s future by providing employment opportunities, creating innovation and supporting the growth of the economy. SMEs comprise more than 75% of enterprises in Sri Lanka and account for more than 20% of our exports, providing 45% of employment and 52% of our GDP. We as a Government bank understand the different requirements of the entrepreneurs and our aim is to empower SMEs of Sri Lanka through this novel concept.”

Acting Chief Executive Officer/General Manager Clive Fonseka said: “Our staff at the export hubs have been well trained and provided with expertise and knowledge to facilitate the customer requirements with the objective of providing convenient service to the customers. Successes in the SME sector will generate more local employment opportunities and sustainable foreign currency inflows that will contribute to the economy of our country.”

Deputy General Manager (Trade Finance) A.S.M.V. Kumarasiri, Deputy General Manager (Enterprise Banking) Wickrama Narayana, Deputy General Manager (Channel Management) T.M.W. Chandrakumara, Head of Marketing N.H. Wijayawardana and other members of the Corporate and Executive Management of People’s Bank participated at the opening of the first export hub in Nugegoda along with bank staff and customers.