People’s Bank, in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is working towards strengthening the financial awareness and financial literacy of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and women entrepreneurs by coordinating a series of special customer awareness programs and women entrepreneurship development programs.

These programs were conducted in areas, including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kegalle, Puttalam, Kurunegala, Kalutara and Colombo, in February and March 2024. The training covered topics focusing on business plans during a crisis and on women empowerment and financial management”, which was exclusively catered towards women entrepreneurs.

The sessions were facilitated by Mr. Lalinda Wickramarathne, Master of Training for IFC, with the participation of respective Regional Managers, Senior Managers and Regional Credit unit staff of People’s Bank. This joint initiative aimed to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with access to crucial resources including mentoring, training and financial support. In addition, the collaboration focused on facilitating access to finance for MSMEs and women entrepreneurs via innovative financial solutions.

People’s Bank is the country’s Premiere Licensed Commercial Bank with Sri Lanka’s largest banking footprint composed of 747 branches and service centers. With a history spanning over 62 years, the Bank benefits from a staff strength of over 7,300 who tirelessly and diligently serve over 14.7 million customers and over 19.0 million account relationships, which is by far the largest for any financial services provider in the country.