NDB Bank launches islandwide savings drive

For most, saving is a task hard to imagine, given the diverse financial commitments of today’s modern pace. In a landmark initiative, NDB Bank – one of the fastest growing forces in the nation’s banking sector – proposes that saving is no longer a luxury accessible to a few, but indeed an option for everyone.

This dynamic proposition will be put forward by the ‘Ithiri Karamu, Api Hademu, Rata Hadamu’ (let’s save, prosper and nurture our nation) savings drive, conducted by the bank at a national scale.

To coincide with World Thrift Month that falls in October, NDB Bank heralds the path for saving to become a reality, where it was previously unimaginable. In driving this national level endeavour, NDB Bank announces a comprehensive communication campaign with a view to enlightening those who consider saving, but feel that it is impossible given their day to day expenses.

In addition to the traditional mass communication, the bank will be extending the initiative to numerous activities that will be conducted throughout its islandwide branch network, from events at public locations such as train stations to schools; thereby creating awareness of the importance of saving today for a better tomorrow.  

Extending the thought process beyond traditional monetary savings, the NDB Bank’s ‘Ithiri Karamu, Api Hademu, Rata Hadamu’ Savings Drive aims to highlight the potential benefits of cutting down unnecessary waste that takes place in ones day to day lives, from electricity, water and telephones, in addition to advantages that can be realised from managing both time and the environment.

Savings made in these aspects will translate to a financial saving in the long term, helping to build a brighter future for individuals as well as the nation.

In an age where saving is an action easier said than done, this initiative by NDB Bank aims to foster the healthy habit of saving across the board, by going that extra step to show how the average citizen can convert savings from minor lifestyle modifications, into practical financial value additions.

In this light, NDB Bank has taken the initiative to publish a handy ‘Saving Booklet’ that offers useful tips on how to optimise the benefits and minimise waste of common everyday essentials via the discounting of continuous unconscious wastage of national resources. From electricity and water, to telephone bills and fuel, this pocket-sized booklet contains useful tips that can be practiced on a day to day basis.

In addition to healthy habits on conserving utilities, the booklet also provides valuable insights on saving to be made from efficiencies in time management and how simple steps in managing cash and the environment can also lead to higher levels of disposable income and thus, increased saving.

The first copy of this publication was ceremoniously handed over to Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, at a meeting held at the Central Bank recently, by the Chairman of NDB Bank P. M. Nagahawatte.

Commenting on this national level endeavour, Russell De Mel, the CEO of NDB Bank said: “As a responsible and financial services provider, NDB Bank sees it as their moral obligation to initiate an islandwide campaign to drive the concept of saving. The bank drives this initiative, in the hope that it will lead the way in developing positive savings habits that will empower people to save for a rainy day.”

NDB Bank is committed to fostering saving as an integral part of national development, by offering a wide range of savings products that are accessible through the bank’s islandwide branch network.

Further, he stated: “Given that by inculcating good saving habits and foregoing the bad habits that cause unnecessary wastage, both the nation and its citizens will benefit in the long term; NDB Bank will be extending the ‘Ithiri Karamu, Api Hademu, Rata Hadamu’ initiative beyond the thrift month, thereby reminding Sri Lankan households of the importance of saving, not just during the Thrift Month but on an ongoing basis.