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This June, World Environment Day is celebrated around the globe under the theme, ‘Seven Billion Dreams, One Planet. Consume with Care,’ which expresses the challenge of creating opportunities for inclusive and sustainable economic development, while attempting to stabilise the rate of resources used. In line with this thinking Sri Lanka too celebrates Environment Day 2015 under the national theme ‘sustainable use protects the earth’.
NDB, a bank dedicated for national development and prosperity has been advocating a similar thought process over the past four years. The pioneering nation-wide savings proposition themed ‘Ithuru Karamu, Api Hademu, Rata Hadamu’ (Let’s Save, Prosper and Build the Nation) introduced in 2011 by the bank, advocates that the savings habit which begins with humble efforts in each individual’s home, could collectively contribute to the sustainable development of the nation.
Thus, NDB ‘Ithuru Karana Maga’ educational campaign which has now been extended to every nook and corner of the island reveals to the public a novel thought process that aims to alter the traditional outlook on monetary savings. This thought provoking concept of NDB, points out that the savings made on everyday essentials such as water, electricity, telephones, fuel, time and environment, will one day translate into greater wealth – thus, suggesting that savings is not only about saving money, but is also about careful consumption of resources.
The role of sustainable use of resources in a developing Sri Lanka
National savings serve as a sustainable source of capital for development of a country; while helping maintain community empowerment, intensifying agricultural pursuits and growing industrial enterprises.
As Sri Lanka moves ahead steadily in its ambitious economic development course; it is a timely national obligation to increase the country’s savings base – thus, giving rise to adequate financial resources to meet such commitments while reducing dependency on foreign borrowings. In Sri Lanka, the bulk of domestic savings are accumulated through individuals who have developed the good habit of saving for the future.
NDB believes that the bank has a pivotal role to play in raising the level of domestic savings in the country, while encouraging citizens to become active contributors, through responsible consumption of resources.
NDB ‘Ithuru Karana Maga’
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. It offers useful tips on how to optimise the benefits and minimise wastage of common everyday essentials while reaping advantages of proper management of both time and the environment.
Thousands of these booklets have been distributed to the public including school children, during educational campaigns conducted in schools island-wide; in a bid to create a future generation of prudent Sri Lankans who share a passion for conservation of natural resources. Through such initiatives, the bank has continuously endeavoured to foster and inculcate the good habit of saving and consuming with care within Sri Lankan households.
This Environment Day, NDB reminds the public that the inevitable responsibility of creating a better tomorrow for the future is; a challenging journey of discipline and prudent management of resources such as water, electricity, fuel and even time - while suggesting that it is not too late to start saving and reaping the rewards of this wise habit. Those who are interested in learning more on how to make the optimum use of resources are invited to collect an NDB Ithuru Karana Maga booklet free of charge at any of the 88 NDB branches island wide. The booklet could also be viewed online via https://www.facebook.com/ndbbankplc.
NDB remains dedicated to bringing its customers one step closer to accomplishing their life long ambitions through the range of services that are accessible through its growing branch network. Further details on NDB’s many products and services can be obtained from its 24 hour Call Centre, by dialling 011 244 8888 or by visiting NDB’s corporate website via www.ndbbank.com.