State banking giant People’s Bank clinched the coveted ‘Banking and Financial Services Brand of the Year’ award, for the second consecutive year, at the People’s Awards – 2007 organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing and world-renowned marketing research agency Nielsen, recently.

As the Bank of the aspiring people of Sri Lanka, People’s Bank takes great pride in being chosen by the people themselves as the leader in the banking and financial services segment. The voice of the people has been declared, and they have chosen People’s Bank as the best loved bank of the people.

Commenting on the award, Mr. W. Karunajeewa, Chairman said, “We feel honored to have received such an award at the People’s Awards – 2007. We have won it for the second time around, showing once again the trust that people have placed in People’s Bank. We will continuously work to maintain the standards that we have been adjudged on, and to serve the nation, while contributing towards national development.”

Mr. Asoka de Silva, Chief Executive Officer/General Manager maintained that “This was a result of team effort. Our whole staff which number nearly 10,000 equally share in this success, because we couldn’t have done this without the outreach, and the dedicated and loyal service rendered by them.” He went on to say that gaining such recognition from the people of the country is one of the highest honors accorded to a Bank built to address the needs of all Sri Lankans, from blue chip businesses to small and medium entrepreneurs. “We are here to provide a strong and excellent local banking service to all customers throughout the island to suit their financial requirements, while maintaining the trust they have placed in us,” he added.

Mr. Deepal Abeysekera, Head of Marketing and Public Affairs said, “When the selection of top brands and personalities for recognition and awarding are based on the preferences of the people, this has a positive impact on the marketing practices of a country, which leads to a strengthened national economy by adding value to those brands. We firmly believe in maintaining high standards and remaining a responsible corporate citizen in communication.”

People’s Bank has a proud people-friendly history, spanning more than 46 years of untiring service. It provides services to over 10 million customers, incorporating nearly 10,000 employees, and is undoubtedly the Bank of the nation. With 324 branches and 307 service centers, the Bank has the largest distribution channel of any bank in Sri Lanka.

Its product portfolio addresses the needs of all the stages in life, from children, youth, women, investors to foreign workers and many more. Diverse programs have been designed and implemented to uplift and improve the quality of all segments of the community and for people from all walks of life. People’s Bank lays claim to the highest deposit base of 23% in Sri Lanka, while being one of the strongest brands in the country today with high brand recognition and growth.

People’s Bank makes an impressive contribution to the processes of nation building, working in line with the Government’s 10-year development plan. With a vision to be the Bank of the aspiring people of Sri Lanka, People’s Bank has time and again proven its commitment to building a better future for the people of Sri Lanka.