People’s Bank installs 300 self service banking units at 300 railway stations

People’s Bank Chief Executive Officer/General Manager N. Vasantha Kumar and Sri Lanka Railways General Manager B.A.P. Ariyaratne exchanging the relevant agreement while Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, Ministerial Secretary Nihal Somaweera and People’s Bank Chairman Hemasiri Fernando look on

A bilateral agreement to install 300 new self service banking units at railway stations was signed between People’s Bank and the Department of Railway at the Ministry of Transport in Battaramulla recently. Attending the ceremony Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva stated that this event will mark a significant milestone in the historical records of Sri Lanka Railway Department and People’s Bank. 

Elaborating his views on the matter, Minister Nimal Siripala stressed that measures are being taken to upgrade and modernise the infrastructure and services of the Railway Department, where it can provide all necessary facilities to the commuters. He further noted that plans are underway to beautify the railway station premises and surroundings.

Expressing his views on the joint endeavour, Minister Nimal Siripala further said, “Sri Lanka needs to proceed ahead with digital technology, instead of stagnating in the 18th Century. People need to become accustomed to formal banking means, where money can be saved and immediately accessed in a systematic and secure manner. As a Government, we greatly appreciate the collaborative efforts taken by People’s Bank to introduce the latest technology to our people. This will help the commuters to pay their utility bills and even withdraw money safely from the ATM machines on their way home. This will be an advantage exclusively available for railway commuters.” 

Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva emphasised that they have implemented a special security plan therefore the ATMs at railway stations are fully secured. He also noted that it is time to modernise the Railway Department’s services including issuing of tickets, and that they have focused on introducing a new system to streamline the process in due course. Expressing his views on the People’s Bank Chairman, the Minister said, “It’s a great pleasure to work with the People’s Bank under the leadership of a person who adores railway and is well versed on the history of railway.” 

Sharing his views, People’s Bank Chairman Hemasiri Fernando said, “Today’s event marks a milestone for our People’s Bank as well as the Railway Department. We are preparing to launch a massive project for the convenience of the commuters. These special self service units with the latest technology are introduced for the first time in Sri Lanka. In addition, we will be installing automatic kiosk machines where people can pay their utility bills conveniently.” 

General Manager of Railways B.A.P. Ariyarathna expressing his thoughts said, “Today is a delightful day for us. We held several rounds of talks with the officials of the People’s Bank and reached an important decision. And this marks the beginning of a large scale initiative.” 

Installation of the self service units will enable hundreds and thousands of commuters to conveniently carry out bank transactions at their respective railway stations. 

Several dignitaries including Secretary to the Ministry of Transport Nihal Somaweera and People’s Bank Chief Executive Officer/General Manager N. Vasantha Kumar were also present at the occasion.