HNB PLC, one of Sri Lanka’s leading private banks, has partnered with the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka (IBSL) to launch the IBSL’s Diploma in Microfinance Programme for its microfinance staff. The inaugural event, held at HNB Towers, saw the participation of key figures including IBSL Director General C.P.A. Karunatilake, HNB COO Sanjay Wijemanne, and other senior officials, alongside over 100 attendees.
HNB COO Sanjay Wijemanne highlighted the bank’s commitment to professional development and financial inclusion, stating that the programme aims to equip HNB’s microfinance officers with the expertise needed to support micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses across Sri Lanka.
The programme, which involves over 130 microfinance officers nationwide, offers a comprehensive curriculum covering financial inclusion, risk management, and the use of technology in microfinance. The initiative will not only enhance HNB’s service delivery but also provide career advancement opportunities for its staff, allowing them to transition into SME, enterprise, and corporate banking roles.
IBSL Director General C.P.A. Karunatilake emphasized the importance of the partnership, noting that it would contribute to both workforce development and the larger goal of financial inclusion and economic empowerment across the country.