People’s Bank Annual Research Conference 2015 concludes successfully

People’s Bank Annual Research Conference (PBARC) – 2015, which was held recently at the People’s Bank Staff Training College, concluded on a grand note.

This was organised by the Strategic Planning and Research Department as a collective effort with the objective of enhancing Research and Development (R&D) skills of the staff of People’s Bank nearing 10,000 and to transform the bank into a centre of excellence by understanding new trends of ever-evolving needs of Sri Lankan customers.  

Themed ‘Driving towards glory with enlightened thinking’, the Research Conference received 26 scientifically-researched papers clustered under HR, IT, Marketing, Finance, etc.  The papers were then evaluated by a highly-acclaimed expert panel comprised of Senior Prof. Henerath Opatha, Prof. Kennedy D. Gunawerdene, Prof. Neville Warnakulasooriya and Dr. Saman Yapa of the University of Sri Jayawerdenapura, Prof. T.S.G. Pieris of the University of Moratuwa, Dr. Thilakshi Kodagoda of University of Colombo and Dr. Kumara Uluwatta of the University of Wayamba. 

After due evaluation, the best 13 research papers which obtained more than 50 marks out of 100 were selected and their presentations were adjudged by the same panel at the final round.  

The research paper submitted by Assistant Manager of the Weeraketiya Branch, K. L. P. Kithsiri was adjudged as the ‘Best Research Paper’ whilst Dehiaththakandiya Branch Assistant Manager K. A. C. Kasthuri and Akurana Branch Manageress Shanthi Sivanathavaral were respectively adjudged as first and second runner-up. All those who submitted papers were evaluated and apprised at the Research Conference. 

Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe patronised the event as the Chief Guest whilst People’s Bank Chairman Hemasiri Fernando, Chief Executive Officer/General Manager N. Vasantha Kumar, university academia, corporate and executive management and a large representation of the staff were also present.