The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has introduced the ‘Diribala Next Gen School Entrepreneurship Grooming Programme,’ aimed at empowering school students and fostering entrepreneurial skills among the youth.
The initiative was launched at Yashodara Devi Balika Vidyalaya in Gampaha, a school known for its vibrant entrepreneurial activities. Students at this school are already engaged in various businesses, including paper quilling, candle making, and food items.
The inauguration event, led by the bank’s Deputy General Manager – Personal Banking, Delakshan Hettiarachchi, featured special guest Upali Jayasekara, Managing Director of Mega Heaters Group. The school’s Principal, Gayani Wathsala, and Deputy Director of Education, P.M.S.C. Pathiraja, also attended.
GCE Advanced Level students participated actively, preparing for a Special Entrepreneur Project in Grade 12. This project aims to teach students business concept development under the guidance of the Principal and Subject Coordinator, Niroshi Damayanthi.
Hettiarachchi highlighted that Yashodara Devi Balika Vidyalaya is the starting point for the Next Gen Programme, with plans to extend the initiative to other schools across the country. He emphasized the bank’s commitment to adapting the programme to evolving business environments and supporting the country’s SMEs.
The inaugural event was marked by a financial literacy session and a motivational speech by Upali Jayasekara, who stressed the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset. P.M.S.C. Pathiraja expressed optimism about the programme’s potential to enhance students’ entrepreneurial skills and address market challenges.
The Diribala programme will provide opportunities for students to showcase their products at bank-organized events, improve financial literacy, and receive technical support from government and private institutions. The bank aims to expand the programme based on the success at Yashodara Devi Balika Vidyalaya, nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Since 2011, Commercial Bank has conducted over 173 awareness and skills development programmes for MSMEs, benefiting more than 15,000 entrepreneurs and youth across the country.