Peoples Bank is conducting a series of development activities in the Northern region, parallel to the ‘Uthuru Wasanthaya’ development initiative of the government. The main aim of these activities is to stabilize the economic situation of the region which was severely disrupted by the 30 year long conflict. Reaching another progressive landmark of this development process Peoples Bank recently opened 5 service centers in the North in one single day.

These service centers were opened at Jaffna Navalar Road, Pandithirippu, Pulolik, Kalviyankadu and Kopai. The Kankasanthurai branch which was upgraded with automated teller facilities was also opened on the same day at the Hospital Road, Jaffna.

The new service centers which were started empowering the government’s effort to rebuild the Northern region, will provide financial assistance to the people in the North who are involved in agriculture, fisheries, housing and construction and other small and medium enterprises.

Loans will be granted through these service centers at a concessionary interest rate of 12% under the ‘Pibidena Uthura’ loan scheme which was introduced by the government.

Addressing the gathering at the opening ceremony, W. Karunajewa, Chairman of Peoples Bank stated that Peoples Bank started in 1961with the sole aim of serving the entire country covering all communities. "In 1962 Peoples Bank opened several branches in the Jaffna peninsula and the employees were recruited from the same area. Even during the 30 years in which the war was fought the bank continued to keep its branches open and attended to all the financial needs of the people. Recently we recruited more staff members from this area in order to serve our customers more efficiently. We opened these 5 service centers in support of the government’s accelerated effort to develop North and East of the country. We would like to provide you the necessary financial support to repair your homes and restart your livelihoods in agriculture and fisheries which were disturbed by war," concluded the Chairman.

The CEO/General Manager of Peoples Bank P.V.Pathirana had this to say on the occasion. "In the past banks catered to limited number of privileged people who conversed only in English. With the inception of Peoples Bank Sinhala and Tamil people were also offered banking facilities thus banking became commonplace.

In the initial year itself Peoples Bank opened branches in Jaffna and its service continued even during times of war. With the end of war and terror the lives of the people in the region are rebuilding rapidly. Peoples Bank is performing its national duty by providing financial assistance and banking services to you was to resurrect your social and economic environment, once troubled by the war."

Presently Peoples Bank operates 13 main branches and 6 service centers in the Jaffna district. With the opening of these 5 new service centers the entire branch network will comprise of 24 branches, ensuring a better and faster service to the people of Jaffna.

During the visit the Chairman, GM and other executive officers of the bank met with businessmen, farmers and general public of Jaffna and shared their views.

Government officers, businessmen, farmers and customers in general expressed their gratitude regarding the pioneering national role that Peoples Bank plays, in Northern Development.