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Monday, 20 October 2014 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
From left: People’s Bank’s Chief Executive Officer/General Manager N. Vasantha Kumar, Chairman Gamini Sedara Senarath and Director Piyadasa Kudabalage holding the prestigious World Finance award at the London Stock Exchange in London, UK
People’s Bank Chairman Gamini Senarath, Chief Executive Officer N. Vasantha Kumar and Director Piyadasa Kudabalage collected the two awards at the London Stock Exchange recently.
“We are proud and indeed delighted to be recognised with this prestigious honour. This accolade is a testament to the bank’s dedication to serve the people and deliver financial solutions to cater to their needs. Supported by the Government of Sri Lanka, we have been able to reach out to aspiring people in the most remote corners of the country to uplift and enhance their lives,” Senarath said.
“Over a history of 50 years, People’s Bank has achieved many firsts. Our customer base of 13 million, largest banking network of 736 branches and 420 ATMs, and many other achievements have rendered us the best loved bank in Sri Lanka. We are led by our commitment to develop the country’s financial standing and improve the lives of citizens. Today, People’s Bank has grown beyond borders to become relevant to corporations, individuals and institutions in equal measure.
“We have deployed a compelling range of products and services to cater to every demographic in Sri Lanka. The World Finance Awards have re-energised our focus on setting industry benchmarks and in keeping the nation’s citizens at the core of our operations. People’s Bank remains committed to supporting and partnering the Government’s drive to develop the economy of the country and uplift the standard of living of its people.”
The annual World Finance Banking Awards recognise industry leaders, eminent individuals, exemplary teams and distinguished organisations which represent the benchmark of achievement and best practices in a variety of fields.
Award winners and nominees are selected by a judging panel with a combined 230 years of financial journalism experience, as well as by readers and subscribers of World Finance Magazine, which is published by UK-based World News Media Ltd.
Kumar commented: “We are deeply humbled to accept the globally acclaimed World Finance Award for ‘Best Banking Group in Sri Lanka’ and ‘Most Sustainable Bank’ for the year 2014. As a public sector bank, People’s Bank has stayed true to its role of a development bank despite also being the largest commercial entity in the country. The able guidance of the Chairman and Board of Directors has witnessed People’s Bank surpassing expectations from a state-owned bank, by installing advanced IT system and processes, superior banking solutions, and exceptional customer service levels, which has led to a high 77% customer retention rate. This confidence placed by our 13 million customer base in the bank has inspired us to raise our bar across our products and services.
“The World Finance Awards aptly recognise and reward People’s Bank’s commitment to customers and its honest effort to ensure stability and sustainability of operations to safeguard customer investments. We are buoyed by our success in Sri Lanka and are looking to create further value for the economy and for our customers by establishing a footprint in the region. Our new strategic plan 2015-2020 envisages greater value addition and further expansion of our widespread geographical reach.”
The 2014 World Finance Banking Awards recognised People’s Bank for the institution’s internal and external performance, finance ratios, array of products and services, customer relations management systems, sales and growth and competitive strategy.
People’s Bank has leveraged its highly sustainable model and financial soundness to extend its services beyond banking into corporate social responsibility initiatives in the community.
