People’s Bank achieved a milestone in its digitalisation drive with the opening of its full-fledged Digital Centre by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at York Street, Colombo 1.
The Bank is launching Express Banking simultaneously to allow customers to experience how its digitalisation initiatives will streamline and simplify their financial affairs by offering speed and convenience. Initially, customers visiting the Digital Center will have Bank staff on hand to assist them to navigate Express Banking on electronic devices provided by the Bank until they feel comfortable to conduct transactions without assistance. The launch of this Digital Center marks a quantum leap for the Bank in its dynamic leadership to become the most digitalised bank by the year 2020, to unlock the benefits of digitalisation for its customers.
Minister of Public Enterprise Development Kabir Hashim, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ravi Karunanayaka, State Minister of Public Enterprise Development Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, Governor of Central Bank, Dr Indrajit Coomaraswamy, Chairman of People’s Bank, Hemasiri Fernando, Board of Directors, CEO/General Manager N. Vasantha Kumar, corporate management, Government Officials and the People’s Bank staff as well as clients were also present.
Hemasiri Frenando, Chairman of People’s Bank said, “People’s Bank has been an integral pillar in the nation’s development by understanding and responding to customer needs and industry trends. As the bank with one of the largest customer bases in Sri Lanka’s banking industry, People’s Bank has demonstrated its leadership status by initiating digitalisation in alignment with the latest consumer and market trends.
“The launch of the Digital Centre marks a proud milestone in our journey to bring the benefits of digitalisation banking to the nation. We expect our digitalisation drive to bring untold benefits to all stakeholders across our wide customer base - ranging from the rural farmer to the country’s leading corporates - this digitalisation exercise will fulfil aspirations of all these customers.
“We expect our digitalisation journey to position the bank and its customers for exponential growth. As the premier state bank, People’s Bank believes that a digitalised state bank will drive rich dividends for the economy going ahead,” he said.
N. Vasantha Kumar, CEO/ General Manager added: “The launch of the Digital Center is a proud moment for us. Customers stepping into this branch can enjoy the benefits of Express Banking to learn how they can conduct transactions in real time right from the moment of opening an account Instant access to e-statements, SMS alerts, debit cards, cash deposit and withdraw, Fund transfers, bill payment via Mobile, Internet banking and Kiosk machines and a variety of other beneficial services to enhance convenience.
“We are proud to announce that staff will now be taking digital banking to the doorstep of rural consumers so that they conduct their transactions on our mobile devices,” he said.